Do Victoria's Secret Models Do Yoga? The Truth Behind Their Fitness

You see them on the runway: impossibly tall, toned, and seemingly effortless. You assume their secret is some kind of genetic lottery or a magic pill. But if you dig into what Victoria's Secret models actually do to stay in shape, you'll find that yoga plays a massive role.

It’s not just about looking good in lingerie. It’s about functional strength, flexibility, and mental calm under pressure. If you’ve ever wondered whether those famous "Angels" spend their mornings doing sun salutations instead of heavy squats, the answer is a resounding yes. But it’s rarely the gentle, candle-lit class you might picture. Let’s break down exactly how these top-tier athletes use yoga to maintain their careers.

The Myth of the Starving Angel

For years, the narrative around supermodels was one of starvation and cardio-only regimes. That changed dramatically with the rise of the "fitness model." Today’s Victoria’s Secret roster looks more like an Olympic athlete than a mannequin. Take Candice Swanepoel, for example. She has openly shared her workouts on social media, and they are brutal. They involve weights, plyometrics, and yes, significant amounts of mobility work.

Yoga isn’t their primary calorie-burning tool. Running and HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) usually take that spot. However, yoga serves a different, equally critical purpose: injury prevention and posture correction. Models walk in heels for hours during fittings and shows. This puts immense strain on the lower back and hips. Without regular stretching and core stabilization, their bodies would break down.

Which Types of Yoga Do They Practice?

If you think this means sitting in Lotus pose while humming Om, you’re missing the point. Most Victoria’s Secret models prefer dynamic, strength-based styles. They need to build long, lean muscle without adding bulk, which fits perfectly with certain yogic disciplines.

Vinyasa Flow is particularly popular because it keeps the heart rate up. It’s a continuous sequence of poses that flows from one to the next. For a model who needs to look energetic on camera but doesn’t want to lose muscle mass, this is ideal. It burns calories while lengthening muscles.

Power Yoga takes this further. It’s derived from Ashtanga yoga but is often faster-paced and less rigid. Think of it as a bodyweight workout disguised as yoga. Poses like Chair Pose (Utkatasana) and Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III) require serious leg strength and balance. Holding these poses builds the kind of definition you see in the glutes and quads of models like Karlie Kloss.

Beyond the Mat: The Pilates Connection

You can’t talk about Victoria’s Secret fitness without mentioning Pilates. While technically distinct from yoga, many models blend the two. In fact, some trainers argue that Pilates is even more crucial for the "Angel" physique.

Why? Because Pilates focuses intensely on the deep abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor. Yoga stretches; Pilates strengthens. When combined, they create a balanced physique that is both flexible and incredibly stable. Many private studios in New York and Los Angeles offer "Yogalates" classes specifically designed for high-performance clients.

Models traveling internationally face jet lag and bloating. Restorative yoga sessions help reset the nervous system. By activating the parasympathetic response (the "rest and digest" mode), they reduce cortisol levels. High cortisol leads to water retention and fat storage, especially around the midsection. So, when you see a model relaxing in a child’s pose, she’s actively managing her stress hormones to keep her waistline tight.

Real-Life Examples from Famous Angels

Let’s look at specific examples to ground this theory in reality.

• Candice Swanepoel: Known for her incredible abs, Candice credits a mix of weight training and yoga. Her Instagram stories often show her doing handstands and forearm balances. These arm-balancing poses require intense core engagement, far more than a standard crunch.
• Taylor Hill: Taylor has spoken about using yoga for mental clarity amidst the chaos of fashion week. She incorporates meditation and breathing exercises (pranayama) to stay grounded. This mental resilience translates directly to her performance on the runway.
• Elsa Hosk: Elsa is known for her playful approach to fitness. She mixes dance with yoga flows. Her routines often include hip-opening sequences, which are essential for maintaining mobility while walking in heels.

Notice a pattern? None of them are doing static, boring stretches. They are moving. They are engaging. They are treating yoga as a skill-based practice rather than just relaxation.

How to Train Like a Victoria’s Secret Model

You don’t need to be 5'10" to benefit from their routine. In fact, their methods are highly adaptable. Here is a simple framework to incorporate their yoga habits into your life.

1. Prioritize Mobility Over Flexibility: Don’t force yourself into splits. Focus on moving joints through their full range of motion. Use cat-cow stretches and pigeon pose to open hips daily.
2. Add Core Stability: Replace sit-ups with plank variations and boat pose (Navasana). These engage the transverse abdominis, the natural corset muscle.
3. Incorporate Breathwork: Spend five minutes a day focusing solely on your breath. Box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) helps manage stress and improves oxygen flow to muscles.
4. Mix Strength and Stretch: Try a Power Yoga class once a week. It will challenge your muscles differently than lifting weights.

Remember, consistency beats intensity. A 20-minute daily yoga session is more effective for long-term posture and pain management than one hour-long session once a week.

The Mental Game: Why Yoga Matters for Confidence

Fashion is visual, but modeling is psychological. Standing in front of thousands of people, cameras flashing, requires nerves of steel. Yoga teaches mindfulness-the ability to observe your thoughts without reacting to them.

When a model feels anxious before a show, she uses techniques learned on the mat. Grounding herself through her feet, lengthening her spine, and regulating her breath. This physical confidence translates to mental confidence. You carry yourself differently when your body feels strong and aligned.

This is why many former Angels continue practicing yoga long after they retire from the runway. It becomes a lifestyle anchor, not just a workout. It provides a sense of control in an industry that often feels chaotic and unpredictable.

Debunking Common Misconceptions

Some people believe yoga makes you bulky. False. Yoga builds lean, elongated muscle fibers. It does not trigger hypertrophy (muscle growth) in the same way heavy weightlifting does.

Others think it’s too easy. Again, false. A proper Vinyasa flow can leave you sweating and shaking. The difference is that it works smaller stabilizer muscles that gym machines often ignore. These stabilizers are key to preventing injuries in high-impact activities like running or dancing.

Finally, there’s the idea that you need to be flexible to start. You don’t. Flexibility is the result of yoga, not the prerequisite. Every model started somewhere. Some were stiff as boards. They improved through consistent practice.

Final Thoughts on the Angel Workout

So, do Victoria’s Secret models do yoga? Absolutely. But they aren’t doing it for the Instagram aesthetic. They do it because it works. It keeps their backs healthy, their cores strong, and their minds clear.

If you want to emulate their look, stop chasing quick fixes. Start moving with intention. Pick up a mat, focus on your breath, and commit to showing up regularly. The results-both physical and mental-will follow.