It's been said that training for the Victoria's Secret is like training for the Olympics. Regardless of your view on that assertion, it does require effort and hard work to look like an Angel on the catwalk.
Here, long-standing VS model Alessandra Ambrosio (2017 marks her 17th appearance in the brand's show) opens up about what it takes to prepare for its annual catwalk spectaculars - and it's not easy. With less than a week to go until the big event in Shanghai, she tells us about her diet, how long her workouts are in the build-up, what she'll what on the day itself and how she manages to walk with those sometimes heavy Angel wings.
What do you eat in a day in the build-up to the show? 'It all depends on the day and if I am working on set or working from home. For breakfast I usually have eggs and/or avocado toast and after my work out I usually grab a green juice followed by lunch where I usually have a salad along with some chicken or fish. For dinner I might go for sushi, or grill Brazilian BBQ at home. I also have some nuts or a protein bar in my bag all the times in case I get hungry while I'm running around.'
How much time do you spend working out in the days leading up to the show? 'I would say an hour to an hour and a half a day. It all depends on what I'm doing that day. If I'm going on a hike or playing volleyball with my friends it might be longer but I don't usually spend more than hour and a half in the gym.'
How do you keep energy levels high?
'I make sure that I eat properly, stay hydrated and drink a lot of green tea.'
What type of workouts do you focus on? 'I love to do different classes and lately I have been doing Tracy Anderson Method because it's fun and it feels more like a dance class than a work out. But, at the same time, it's great exercise as it targets all muscle groups.'
What motivates you to look good?'I think that my motivation is more to stay healthy than look good and walking in VS show for the 17th time is a great motivation as well.'
Are there any specific areas that you really focus on? 'I usually focus on my glutes.'
How has your regime changed since you started working at VS? Are the types of exercise different?
'I think that my workout regime has changed more after giving birth to my children as I didn't really exercise before. I think it's very important to lead a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and exercise.'
What do you eat on the actual day of the show? 'I usually have a very nice breakfast including eggs, avocado toast and green tea. They usually have a yummy catering at the venue for lunch and dinner and through the day I'll snack on some veggies and usually get a green juice.'
Which workouts do you find the most challenging? 'I have never been a fan of running, but lately I've been doing it and also have figured out different ways to incorporate cardio in my everyday routine. Instead of running indoors I go for a run in my neighbourhood, take a hike with friends or play volleyball at the beach.'
Do you ever get nervous before the show? 'Every time but when you step on the stage and feel the energy of the room that all changes.'
In what way do you have to change the way you walk for the VS show in comparison to other fashion shows? 'I don't really think that I change my walk much for VS Fashion Show, but since we have performers on the runway as well as amazing music I might interact a bit more with the audience as well as performers.'
Does wearing the Angel wings change the way you walk? Are they heavy at all? 'Not necessarily. I have had some heavy and some very light wings over the years and when they're heavy I just walk a bit slower - but everything else is the same.'
How do you celebrate afterwards?'Every year all of us girls get together and have a pizza party post-show. It's become a tradition.'
