I’m A Victoria’s Secret Angels Trainer. Here Are 5 Insights For Getting Runway Ready
As the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show approaches, the models' preparation becomes similar to training for the Olympics.
I’ve been a trainer for over two decades, and my approach has prepared many Victoria’s Secret Angels for their moment on stage.
Diet & Nutrition
The focus on nutrition is paramount. Over my career, I’ve partnered with two leading nutrition experts – Dr. Peter D'Adamo, creator of Eat Right for Your Blood Type, and Shayna Taylor, founder of Shayna’s Kitchen – both of whom have helped countless women achieve their peak fitness by understanding and mastering their diet.
Each model follows a personalized diet based on their blood type. For example, Type Os have more stomach acid, which allows them to digest fat and protein more efficiently. So, Type Os should eat mostly lean protein, vegetables, and fruit, and avoid wheat and caffeine. Type As, on the other hand, have less stomach acid, so they are better able to digest carbohydrates more readily, thus generally favoring a vegetarian lifestyle with fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Type Bs are much more flexible, but still benefit from a diet of cultured dairy, low-fat meat, and vegetables. Type ABs also have lower stomach acid, should avoid combining starches with protein, and should focus on seafood and cultured dairy. In addition to eating according to their blood type, models also carefully cut sugars, salts, and heavy foods in the weeks leading up to the show.
Workouts
No burpees or generic workouts here – each model’s routine is tailored to their unique body type and needs. Functional movement, weight training, Pilates, and meditation are integral to building the "Olympic" bodies you see on the runway. With over 24 years of experience, I’ve crafted personalized programs that blend strength, flexibility, and mental focus, helping models build not just physical strength but also confidence and poise for their big moment on stage.
Appointments
Beyond the gym, preparation includes regular lymphatic drainage, facials, and other treatments to maintain overall wellness. Lymphatic drainage is crucial for clear skin, balanced hormones, and preventing water retention and swelling. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that extends throughout the body, and one of its primary functions is to drain excess fluid (lymph) that leaks from blood vessels into the body’s tissues back into the bloodstream so the fluid balance of the body is maintained. Another primary function is to filter out bacteria, viruses, and pathogens, like those that can cause acne and pimples. But because the lymphatic system relies on the contraction of muscles to push the fluid through, lymph can become stagnant with a lack of motion. This is why massages of the body and face that focus on lymphatic drainage can reduce puffiness, improve skin, and sculpt both face and body to achieve the glow the runway demands.
The Perfect Body
The “perfect body” isn’t just about being physically fit – it’s about mental, emotional, and spiritual readiness as well. Models walking the runway have put in the hard work, both in the gym and within themselves, to show up as the best versions of themselves. My role is to guide them through this holistic journey, ensuring that their training is as much about the mind as it is about the body.
Tailored Workouts for Maximum Results
Through my body analysis method, I assess everything from previous injuries and health conditions to lifestyle factors and nutritional habits. This comprehensive evaluation allows me to design the most effective workout program for each model, ensuring that every exercise, from resistance training to stretching, is adapted to their specific needs. By focusing on posture, form, and mobility in 3D space, we create sustainable results – far beyond the quick-fix routines many are tempted to follow.
The journey to the runway isn’t just about genetics; it’s about discipline, teamwork, and a tailored approach to fitness. By using the right combination of personalized workouts and nutrition, I help these incredible women achieve their best bodies in a healthy, sustainable way. The results are stunning not just because of the physical transformation but because of the confidence and strength these women carry with them down the runway.
If you want to do the same workouts Candice Swanepoel is doing to prepare for the Victoria's Secret runway show, sign up here!