Everything Shanina Shaik does to keep fit and healthy

If you’re looking to up your fitness game or embrace a healthier lifestyle, Aussie model Shanina Shaik has a lot of wisdom to share.

After all, when your job is to walk the runway and star in campaigns for some of the world’s most luxurious brands, you're going to invest a lot of time into your health, diet and exercise.

Alongside an A+ beauty routine, Shaik works out most days without fail. And when it comes to food, she’s all about nourishing her body (with a side of ice cream).

Here’s everything she does to stay fit and healthy…

Pilates everyday

When training as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, Shaik would hit the gym 4-6 times a week. In 2018, she told Women’s Health she likes to work up a sweat with high intensity cardio like skipping and cycling. But the one thing she’ll do every day without fail? Pilates. Even if she can’t make it to a class IRL, she’ll use an online guide. Recently, she endorsed The Pilates Class by celebrity trainer Jacqui Kingswell on Instagram after enjoying a prenatal workout.

Small weights, high reps 

Shaik’s a big fan of feeling strong and will often mix up her Pilates workouts with weights too. “I do a lot of stretching and toning moves using small weights with higher reps to achieve that long lean look,” she said in the same Women’s Health interview.

Lymphatic drainage

Not just for the face, lymphatic drainage massages can help to relieve any swelling or build-up of fluids from the body. “Home cooking, Pilates and lymphatic massage.... that’s my secret,” Shaik captioned an Instagram post that showed off her figure.

A diet for her blood type

Possibly one of the most interesting things about Shanina Shaik’s diet and exercise, is that her diet caters to her blood type — O negative. At least that’s what she said in 2018, after following the method for five years. “I eat a lot of fish, eggs, chicken, vegetables, salad and brown rice.”

Water, water, water

In almost every interview about her health, Shaik will mention her commitment to water. “Water is a necessity of mine. It’s really important, especially with travelling,” she told Coveteur. “I’ve learned that when I don’t drink enough water, I become dehydrated and it makes me not well. Water also helps with your skin and with energy.” She also avoids caffeine and prefers having a vegetable-based green juice for a daily boost.

Dessert is her kryptonite

Balance is key to any healthy lifestyle and Shaik doesn’t deny herself of her favourites. “Ice cream and chocolate are my kryptonite so it’s really hard for me to stay away from dessert,” she told Women’s Health. At the time, she said she’ll satisfy her sweet tooth 2-3 times a week. 

Sleep is a priority

Shaik also swears by getting a solid eight hours of sleep every night. “Sleep is so important – I try to get as much as I can,” the 31-year-old told Body & Soul. This might become trickier once her first baby arrives, but for those who can — get your zzz’s.

Main image credit: @shaninamshaik

Think you might one to try Pilates? Here’s an editor tried and tested review of reformer.