Last Updated on May 25th, 2020, 11:45 AM
Victoria Secret Angels and supermodels are known for their killer bodies, but also for their rigorous exercise and diet regimes.
Their famous workout hashtag #TrainLikeAnAngel might as well be #TrainLikeAnAthlete.
View this post on InstagramCouple years ago when we were training for the VS show, and nothing was stopping us ?
A post shared by Romee Strijd (@romeestrijd) on
I mean, just look at Sara Sampaio, Taylor Hill or Romee Strijd!
Yes, these girls are clearly blessed with amazing genes, but at the same time, they also work incredibly hard to stay in shape all year round.
However, it’s also important to acknowledge that Victoria’s Secret models often have a naturally lean and tall physique, which plays a significant role in their appearance. Still, while their workout routines can inspire us, remember that every body is unique and beautiful in its own way.
So, if you’re curious about your own body type and how to train effectively, take our Free Body Type Quiz! It’s a quick 2-minute assessment that will help you discover which exercises and diet strategies work best for you.
WANT TO KNOW YOUR BODY TYPE?
- Complete the quiz in 2 minutes
- It’S free
- You will get 3 nutrition and workout tips for your body type
I recently updated my Victoria Secret Diet blog post where I gave you all the latest info on how the VS Angles eat during the year to stay in top shape.
Since you all loved that post, I wanted to dive even deeper into the workout routines of these incredible models, especially after the exciting return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show this 2024!
First, I have done a lot of research to learn exactly how the VS Angels stay in shape. In addition, I tested many of their methods on myself to see what truly works and what doesn’t.
Next, in this post, I’ve included examples of the Victoria’s Secret model workout routine along with the most frequently asked questions about their exercise program.
Finally, with that said, let’s get straight to it!
HOW OFTEN DO VS ANGLES WORK OUT?
Of course, this varies depending on the model and what work they have coming up.
That said, most Victoria’s Secret models tend to work out almost every day, usually once per day.
But, before the Victoria’s Secret fashion show some of the girls (Barbara Palvin and Kasey Merritt) train twice per day. Talk about dedication!
Other models such as Candice Swanepoel only workout 3 times per week, and every day for 2 weeks leading up to the Victoria’s Secret fashion show.
So, if you were to stick to the Victoria’s Secret workout plan, I would recommend exercising 6 times per week and having one rest day.
However, I know that exercising 6 times per week may seem like a lot, especially if you are a fitness newbie.
Therefore, you should gradually work your way up to that regime.
Start with working out for 3-4 times per week and then gradually increase the number of your workout sessions.
And if you need a bit of a fitness inspo, check out this workout video of Candice. Booty goals!
View this post on InstagramLittle bit of Monday Motivation in @aloyoga ?️♀️ #ad
A post shared by Candice Swanepoel (@angelcandices) on
RELATED: VICTORIA SECRET DIET REVEALED [WHAT MODELS EAT ALL YEAR ROUND TO STAY LEAN]
HOW LONG ARE VS MODELS’ WORKOUT SESSIONS?
Again, this may vary. For example, if they are doing their regular model workout routines and not preparing for a super important event, they’ll usually do a 1-hour gym workout.
On the other hand, if they are traveling or just have a really busy day, these girls will opt for a quick 20-minute hotel room or home workout.
Here you can see a snippet of Sara Sampaio’s travel workout routine.
But, if they are preparing for something really important like the VS show, their sessions can last more than 2 hours.
WHAT ARE VICTORIA’S SECRET ANGELS’ FAVOURITE EXERCISES?
The Victoria’s Secret workout includes a combination of:
- Steady-state running
- Cycling
- Walking/hiking
- Jump rope
- Dance cardio
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Reformer Pilates
- Boxing (super popular with the models!)
- Kickboxing
- Ballet / Barre
- Circuit training with:
- Lighter weights
- Resistance bands
- Ankle weights
- Stability balls
- Sliders / Gliding discs
DO VICTORIA SECRET MODELS LIFT WEIGHTS?
A lot of models actually avoid heavy lifting (nothing heavier than 5-10 pounds – about 2-5 kilograms) to prevent unwanted bulk, but there are models that do the heavy lifting as well.
Keep in mind that most of the VS models are mostly an ectomorph body type (or an ecto-meso combination), meaning that they will actually have difficulties building up muscles and maintaining them.
I’ve talked about how 2 out of 3 female body types can get bulky (especially from lifting heavy weights), and ectomorphs are the ones that will be the least likely to do so.
RELATED: FIND OUT YOUR BODY TYPE IN 2 MINUTES BY TAKING THIS FREE QUIZ
Those that do the heavy lifting (Taylor Hill, Jasmine Tookes and Josephine Skriver) combine heavy lifting with lighter exercises.
For instance, check out this awesome bodyweight workout for arms and booty by Jasmine and Josephine (these two are seriously the cutest!).
HOW OFTEN DO VS MODELS DO CARDIO?
Leaner physiques require endurance training, so the models do a combination of running, boxing, skipping, dance cardio and light spin classes.
Some VS models and angels, like Candice, usually do cardio a couple of times per week (2-3 sessions).
But others, like Bella Hadid or Romee Strijd, do cardio 5-6 times per week.
I’ve compiled a snippet of some of the cardio/high-intensity exercises that the models have been doing in the months leading up to the Victoria Secret Fashion Show.
Watch the video below to see the exercises!
MOST POPULAR GYMS WHERE VS MODELS WORK OUT
If you’re living in NYC, you might end up running into one of the VS models and Angels if you visit one of the gyms below.
1. ModelFit
One very popular place where Victoria’s Secret models break a sweat is this gym.
In fact, this gym offers classes that focus on getting lean and toned, using high reps with super light dumbbells, resistance bands, sliders, slant boards, ankle weights, and a mix of workout styles.
2. Dogpound
To begin with, this is an exclusive Manhattan-based gym where many celebrities, including Victoria’s Secret models, work out.
Unlike other gyms, however, you can’t just pay for a membership and use the open gym or classes.
Instead, the sessions are one-on-one ONLY with a PT, and these personalized workouts usually cost $200–$500 per hour, depending on the trainer you choose.
3. Gotham Gym
This is their favourite boxing place where you can frequently meet Gigi Hadid blowing off some steam, or pop stars like Dua Lipa.
Check out their Instagram for boxing videos, including this badass session with Gigi Hadid kicking butt.
Now that we’ve covered your FAQs about VS workouts and their favourite gym spots, it’s time to cover their exact workout plans.
VICTORIA SECRET MODEL WORKOUT ROUTINES
1. VS MODEL ARM WORKOUT
The Victoria’s Secret models do a variety of different arm workouts to help them get toned.
One of their absolute favourite arms workouts seems to be boxing!
It’s a great way to burn lots of calories and tone up your upper body without making it bigger. It’s also great for abs!
Besides boxing, the models use TRX, dumbbells, resistance bands, balls and bodyweight exercises for their upper body workouts.
Check out the video below of some arm exercises that the models have been doing over the past few months to get in shape for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show!
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN ARM WORKOUT CIRCUIT
- The models do lighter weight / higher rep so keep your repetitions high.
- Choose 6 upper body exercises (either from my list below, or the video of the models above).
- Do them for 12-15 reps, or 45-60 seconds with minimal rest.
I have created a workout video of me doing the exercises listed below.
WATCH THE VICTORIA’S SECRET ARM WORKOUT VIDEO
Note: if you don’t have ankle weights to hold, use 1kg dumbbells or household items such as cans, or do them without weights.
2. VICTORIA SECRET MODELS LEGS WORKOUT
Most of Victoria’s Secret models absolutely love training legs and butt!
I have put together a montage of the legs and butt exercises VS angels and models have been doing in the past to get in shape for the show.
You can watch the video below – I promise it will motivate you to go and workout!
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN VS LEGS WORKOUT CIRCUIT
- The models do lighter weight / higher rep so keep your repetitions high or do them for time.
- A lot of the models also use ankle weights, gliding discs and a resistance band for their workouts.
- Choose 6 lower body exercises (either from my list below, or the video of the models above)
- Do them for 12-15 reps, or 45-60 seconds with minimal rest.
I have created a workout video of me doing the exercises listed below.
WATCH THE VICTORIA’S SECRET LEG WORKOUT VIDEO
3. VS ANGELS AB WORKOUT
It’s no secret that Victoria’s Secret models have AMAZING abs. And they work hard for them!
Having a flat stomach and abs comes from a combination of eating really well (abs are made in the kitchen) and also doing a combination of cardio, full-body workouts and targeted ab workouts.
RELATED: CARDIO FOR GETTING LEAN LEGS
As nutrition is super important, I have discussed the Victoria’s Secret diet plan in my blog post here.
You cannot get abs if you are on a crappy diet.
Here are some of the workouts VS models use to get a flat stomach and toned abs (watch the video below!).
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN CIRCUIT
- Choose 6 abs exercises (either from my list below, or the video of the models above)
- Do them for 12-15 reps or 45-60 seconds with minimal rest.
- Or you can incorporate some of these abs exercises into a cardio or full-body circuit :)
I have created a workout video of me doing the exercises listed below (which you can watch at the bottom of this blog post).
WATCH THE WORKOUT VIDEO
If you like these types of workouts, check out my other workout videos here.
HOW TO TRAIN LIKE A VICTORIA SECRET MODEL
As you probably know, Victoria’s Secret Angels & models are all very lean, but also super toned.
Getting this desired slim, but toned look requires specific training.
After a lot of researching and experimenting, I’ve figured out what’s the best way to get this look lean and toned look.
The key is to combine cardio (steady-state cardio and low-intensity cardio) with a lighter type of resistance training (low weight + high number of repetitions).
Love,
Rachael xx
Featured Image: Victoria’s Secret IG Account
RELATED:
ROMEE STRIJD’S WORKOUT & DIET PLAN
BARBARA PALVIN’S WORKOUT & DIET PLAN
ADRIANA LIMA’S WORKOUT & DIET PLAN
GIGI HADID’S WORKOUT & DIET PLAN





79 Responses
I run on the treadmill about 1 hour and a half with speed 6 .
Thats really exhausted.But I really want to lean and toned.Because of my last operation in last 2015, I can’t very intense training myself.
I workout 15 mins crunches,20 mins yoga and 15 mins leg raises (each leg),10 mins plank,3 pounds weight training ewith arms and treadmill running .But my arm fat doesn’t lose but slowly lose.Can you give me advice about arm exercises?? Pls
Hi lovely,
You can find all you need to know about losing arm fat in another blog post that where it`s explained more about slimming down your arms. Click here to read it.
If you want more information Rachael will be happy to help you every step of the way in her ebook which you can find here.
Xx
Hi Rachael,
I just want to say that I found your post very informative so thanks :)
I would love to be able to run 2 1/2 miles in a month if possible… I am already quite a good runner but I don’t really think I could do that in a race. I am also very self conscious about my body so how can I loose belly fat and be able to do the running?
I don’t have a gym but I live next to a park where I can do lots of running/workout and some equipment (eg weights, Pilates equipment) so what would you recommend?
Thanks so much and I can’t wait to hear from you!
Erin xx
Hi lovely,
Unfortunately, I am receiving so many messages that I just can’t get to everybody anymore. I’ve tried to provide as much free information on my blog as I can. I hope you understand :) xx
Hi Rachael,
I have an endomorph body type and I noticed that running for 30 min bulks up my quads. What should I do instead of the run that is still high intensity but won’t bulk up my legs?
Thanks
Hi lovely, that really is a tough one because most high intensity cardio works your legs. I would either try swimming or boxing! But low intensity cardio will still get results so you could always just stick to walking. Good luck xx
Hi, I build muscle easy and want to tone my legs and reduce thigh and calf size. It’s really cold out now and I have stationary bike and not a treadmill. Would using the bike on super low resistance for longer period of time be a good idea? I really want to lose fat and tone my legs but can’t afford to build any more muscle! TIA :)
Hi Eva, you could give it a go as it will definitely burn some calories. It’s not ideal but worth a try! I would also try to include other workouts too though :) xx
I like your blog, and I get what you’re doing for mesomorph types, but to say that the VS models exercise like this is straight up wrong information.
The angels especially ALL lift heavy!
I check up a lot on their instas and youtube for workout ideas (see JoJa on insta for e.g.), they all want to build muscle. Their whole thing is curves are sexy.
Case in point:
https://instagram.com/p/BcDq-6ynhvJ/
Hi Caroline, this blog post is actually a couple of years old now so you’re right in that it needs an update! I do follow all the angels and check out their programs and in the last few years lots of them have been doing more weights! They do a combination of both lighter and heavier weight training, and most of them have the goal of building muscle which is great! But most of them are also ectomorph body types so getting “bulky” or overly muscular is VERY difficult for them, nearly impossible. Anyway, I appreciate your view! xx