Want A Body Like An Angel? 12 Secrets Revealed By Victoria's Secret Top Trainers

Behind every jaw-dropping body is a carefully balanced routine. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to achieve a body like a Victoria’s Secret Angel, this guide will give you an insider’s look at the diet, exercise, and wellness habits of these iconic models.

Meet the Experts

Justin Gelband, “The Model Whisperer"

The Victoria’s Secret models have access to some of the best trainers in the world, each with their own philosophy and approach to fitness. Justin Gelband, known as “The Model Whisperer,” is a firm believer in the power of nutrition. He teaches clients that food is the foundation of a healthy body, emphasizing the importance of clean eating and limiting foods that the body doesn’t need.

His workouts are centered around interval training, focusing on short, high-intensity bursts that maximize calorie burn without causing the body to bulk up​. He emphasizes the importance of HIIT over traditional cardio sessions. HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods, which keeps the metabolism elevated and burns more calories in less time. A good HIIT session might include a series of treadmill intervals where you alternate between jogging and running at different speeds, gradually increasing and then decreasing the intensity​.

Mary Helen Bowers: Ballet Meets Fitness

Mary Helen Bowers, the woman behind the famous “ballet body,” takes a different approach. She blends ballet-inspired movements with Pilates and strength training to create long, lean muscles. Her workouts are low-impact but highly effective, making them ideal for those looking to tone and sculpt their bodies without heavy lifting or intense cardio. These low-impact exercises are ideal for creating a graceful, sculpted physique while being gentle on the joints.

Michael Olajide, Jr.: The Fighter’s Mentality

Michael Olajide, Jr., a former professional boxer, brings a fighter’s mentality to his training sessions with models like Doutzen Kroes and Adriana Lima. His workouts are fast-paced and intense, focusing on speed, agility, and endurance. He also emphasizes the importance of mental focus and goal-setting, encouraging his clients to train with a purpose and push themselves beyond their limits​. Other models, like Toni Garrn, enjoy high-energy classes such as Barry’s Bootcamp and spinning, which combine cardio with strength training for maximum impact​.

Kirk Myers: Strength and Balance

Kirk Myers, another top trainer, is known for his focus on strength and balance. He often incorporates functional movements and resistance training into his workouts, helping models build real strength while maintaining a lean, toned physique. However, it’s not about lifting heavy weights. Instead, the focus is on lighter weights with higher repetitions to build lean, toned muscles. Exercises like dumbbell squats, lunges, and tricep extensions are staples, often performed using body weight or light weights no heavier than five pounds.

Workouts Summarized: Varied, Intense, and Strategic

The takeaway? Victoria’s Secret models don’t just rely on a single type of exercise to stay in shape. Instead, they mix things up to ensure their bodies are challenged in different ways, which helps them maintain balanced, toned physiques. The key is to combine consistent strength training with cardio and flexibility exercises.

Nutrition: The Foundation of a Model's Body

And while there's a variety of approaches to their fitness regimens, the Angel approach to nutrition has less flexibility, at least when it comes to the types of food they eat. Their diets are rich in whole foods, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats are strictly limited.

Breakfast of Champions

For breakfast, models like Candice Swanepoel often enjoy meals that are both filling and nutrient-dense. A typical breakfast might include avocado toast with eggs or oatmeal topped with berries and honey. This combination provides a good mix of healthy fats, protein, and fiber to keep them satisfied and fueled for the day ahead​.

Lunch and Dinner: Balanced and Nutritious

Lunch and dinner are equally balanced. Lunch might consist of a green salad topped with grilled chicken or fish, while dinner is often a lighter affair, such as a veggie soup or a fresh salad with lean protein. For models who prefer a more substantial meal later in the day, options like grilled steak with roasted vegetables are on the menu.

Snacking Like a Model

Light snacking is also an important part of the Victoria’s Secret diet plan. Many models keep healthy snacks on hand to maintain their energy levels throughout the day. Favorites include berries, protein shakes, and homemade energy bars.

Hydration Is Key

Another crucial aspect of their diet is hydration. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining healthy skin, energy levels, and overall well-being. Models typically drink plenty of water throughout the day and often start their mornings with apple cider vinegar or a lemon-based detox tea. This practice not only helps with hydration but also aids digestion and keeps their skin looking radiant​.

Wellness: Mindfulness and Recovery

But diet and exercise are only part of the equation when it comes to achieving a body like a Victoria’s Secret Angel. Wellness practices, including meditation, stretching, and proper recovery, are equally important. These models understand that taking care of their mental and emotional health is just as crucial as maintaining their physical health.

The Role of Meditation

Meditation and mindfulness play a significant role in helping models manage the stress and demands of their busy careers. Candice Swanepoel, for example, has developed her own yoga practice that incorporates meditation and breathing exercises.

The Importance of Stretching

Stretching is another critical aspect of their wellness routine, particularly for maintaining flexibility and preventing injuries. Winnie Harlow, who has a background in ballet, always makes time to stretch after her workouts. She believes that flexibility is key to avoiding injuries and staying in peak condition, a practice she carries from her dance training into her current fitness regimen​.

Prioritizing Recovery

Recovery is also essential. With the intensity of their training, Victoria’s Secret models prioritize getting enough rest and allowing their bodies to recover. This includes taking days off from intense exercise, getting plenty of sleep, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as taking Epsom salt baths or enjoying massages. Proper recovery ensures that they stay injury-free and can continue to perform at their best​.

Conclusion: The Angel Way

Maintaining a body like a Victoria’s Secret Angel is about more than just following a diet or workout plan. The real secret to their success? Consistency, balance, and a commitment to long-term health. Whether it’s integrating HIIT into your workout routine, embracing clean eating, or taking time to meditate and stretch, you can take a page from the Victoria’s Secret playbook and start building habits in those key areas that nourish both your body and your spirit.

The real magic lies not in temporary fixes but in sustainable habits that support long-term health.