Everything Rita Ora has ever said about her fitness journey

If you haven't checked in on Rita Ora in a while, you might be surprised to find she's doing a lot more than just releasing hit singles (though this is still very much happening). Not only has The Voice host tied the knot to her director beau Taika Waititi, she also now calls Australia home, has started an activewear line, and has even turned her Instagram account into our favourite workout inspo page.

And while there's no question that we still love blasting a Rita Ora bop, we're now turning to the star for her fitness tips even more often than her tunes. 

"I can only speak for myself; this is not me telling everyone 'I'm the new health guru and I know everything' because I don't," she told Women's Health. "This is just what has been working for me." And working it certainly is, because Ora's fitness era is our favourite yet.

So, aside from having fierce determination, unwavering motivation, personal trainers on call, and bucketloads of energy, here's how you can follow in Ora's footsteps and kickstart a fitness journey of your own...

1. Keep things interesting

One way Ora avoids boredom is by mixing things up. "I might go to the gym three times a week and then I'll definitely do a Pilates class, so it's not always weights," she said. 

And when she's on the road, as all musicians often are, she brings the workout with her. "I always travel with one kilogram or two kg dumbbells, ankle weights and a medium resistance band," she explained. "If I can't do a workout, I just use the ankle weights and wear them when we're around town or at home." 

If you've been in the market for a pair of chic (or glittery) wrist and ankle weights, may we recommend the Bala Bangles ($84 at Bala Bands). 

2. Follow a healthy diet

Though she's making big moves inside the gym, Ora credits her water intake as one of the changes that's made a "drastic difference" to her overall health. "I've been drinking a litre and a half, maybe two litres of water a day."

As for meal time? "I have a light breakfast, a substantial lunch and then a light dinner," she said. 

3. Do it for the right reasons

If there's one thing that will set a fad apart from a lifestyle change, it's the reason you're doing it in the first place. 

In Ora's case, her intention to feel good rather than just look good has kept her accountable day in day out since beginning on this journey in her late 20s. 

"I didn't start working out to get skinnier. I started working out to feel better, and I think it's important for women to know that. Don't be obsessed with being thin. You just have to be fit, healthy, and strong," she said.

"I've made myself a bit stronger and that was a real achievement for me," she noted. "I'm not going to lie and say I was completely happy with my body before. I knew I could change a few things to improve my stamina, especially onstage."

Main image credit: @ritaora

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