“Summer is my favorite time of year,” says Karlie Kloss, the 21-year-old supermodel whose cropped, tousled hair was the coveted cut of the year in 2013, and is again making headlines this season for its new, summery blond hue. “Because of the nice weather, I can spend my free time outside moving and staying active.” Kloss isn’t shy about her healthy habits: a vocal vegetarian, she designed dairy- and gluten-free cookies with Christina Tosi for Momofuku Milk Bar (a portion of the proceeds are donated to hunger relief). She also Instagrams frequent evidence of balanced eating and hours clocked at the gym, like this morning’s posts of her recent workout in New York City with the Nike Training Club master trainer Traci Copeland, during which she test-drove Nike’s upcoming fall 2014 collection.
Here, the classically trained ballerina answers T’s questions about how she maintains her physique, what motivates her to stay in shape (aside from, of course, her job) and which fitness goal she has yet to reach.
Q.
How often do you exercise?
A.
I like to work out at least five days a week with a good balance of cardio and weight training.
Working out: better with friends? Or alone?
I actually take ballet with friends whenever we can coordinate schedules! Going with a friend makes it more fun. I like to switch it up. I think that’s the best way to really challenge your body and to become stronger in every way. That said, I think it’s so important that your workout routine is not dependent on someone else’s schedule. For me, exercise is an opportunity to get away from everything and focus on myself. It keeps me centered, and it’s the one or so hour in my day when I can clear my mind and just focus on movement.
As a classically trained ballerina, how do you feel about the ballet-barre fitness craze?
Ballerinas are incredible athletes. Ballet focuses on strength, length and balance — the perfect combination for a workout. I think it’s great that ballet barre is bringing ballet disciplines to the gym.
Do you prefer outdoor exercise, or in-gym sessions?
Both! During the cold, snowy winter months in New York, there’s no other option but to head to the gym. When it starts to get nice out, I love to take advantage of the beautiful weather and exercise outdoors by going on a hike or bike ride.
What motivates you to stay fit?
Being strong both physically and mentally. I exercise to challenge my body to reach new goals. Movement feeds my mind and gives me energy throughout the day.
Have you made any lifestyle changes to help increase your fitness level?
I’ve learned that there are so many easy ways to incorporate movement into your everyday life. Instead of taking an escalator, I’ll take the stairs. I try to walk instead of taking the subway or a cab. It’s all about staying in motion.
Do you favor protein shakes? Juice cleanses? Or just maintaining a healthy diet?
Healthy diet! It’s so important to nurture your body, especially when you’re exercising and moving constantly. Your body needs fuel to stay healthy and strong. Nothing can substitute for a balanced diet.
Yoga or Pilates?
I enjoy yoga, but I’m a huge Pilates fan. Pilates relies on isolated, controlled movement and has allowed me to build up my core and strengthen my legs and arms.
When you’re not feeling your best, physically, what do you do to set yourself right again?
I’ve recently started meditating. I was a skeptic about the whole process at first but finally decided to try it and found it incredibly relaxing. Being able to center your mind translates to equalizing your body.
What’s one exercise you can’t live without?
Ballet! It’s how I grew up, exercising and moving. Though I’m a Pilates and Soul Cycle regular, dance and ballet will always be a huge part of my exercise routine and life.
Are there any fitness goals you just can’t seem to reach — or do you have a special trick for reaching them?
One fitness and life goal I’ve yet to accomplish is running a marathon. It’s on my bucket list. It is such an amazing accomplishment for the body and mind. You need incredible determination!
Beauty-wise, are there any products you keep on hand — or on your body — when you’re being active outdoors?
I always wash my face before and after a workout. It helps me avoid breakouts and keeps my skin fresh and clean.
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