Most models live there lives out of a suitcase. Always on the move their biggest challenge is trying to stay fit and healthy – tight and toned just in case the big VS (Victoria’s Secret) come calling…a dream this 29 year old might have to let go of? Um….yes. So what do you do when you get to a new town and you can’t find a salad full of lettuce or a gym full of classes?
Well you could do one of my workouts – ahhh shameful plug, shameful – in the comfort of your luxurious (insert: sarcasm) model apartment/hotel room. Or if you’re lucky there’s a gym just down the street that gives a model discount and has reformer pilates machines included in the price. Often though it’s not that easy…so here’s a few tips I think could help you find your fitness in a foreign city.
1. Ask your agency. Ask your friends. Ask your hotel. Ask google…
2. Find out what area you are in and google whatever type of fitness it is your after. If you don’t have the internet find your nearest Starbucks – and try not to inhale the Caramel Mocha Frappacinos while your waiting for your computer to load.
3. Look for new client deals. Alot of yoga/pilates studios will offer a deal to newcomers ie. $20 for 10 days unlimited. Great for when you just want to get straight into movement without having to sign anything.
4. Alot of gyms too will let you train for a day as a test run. So put on the puppy eyes and the smile and tell them you’re moving here and can you just check and see if treadmill works the same as back home??
5. Make sure you do something that you love. You don’t have to find a gym. I myself LOVE Crossfit training and have found a studio that I will check out later today. Be careful however that you’re not going to workout too hard when you first arrive anywhere. The last thing you want to do is treck around 8 hours of castings waddling like duck…
Please also be careful when working out at home. I made the mistake once upon a time in Hong Kong of doing sit-ups in my room – in the never ending pursuit of a flat tummy. I didn’t realise however, that since it was January and freezing cold – my body wasn’t properly warmed up. I pulled a muscle in my back that took 2 weeks of crazy muscle relaxants and pain killers to heal. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to walk the runway on muscle relaxants? Well let me tell you – it’s a challenge!
