Photo: Courtesy of Victoria's Secret
With the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 18 days away, it's "crunch time." If you've seen the #trainlikeanangel hashtag popping up on Instagram alongside Angels doing some very, very intense workouts, you probably already know that we're down to the wire. Like with one of our favorite Angels, Adriana Lima: When we caught up with her last week at her fitting for the $2 million Fantasy Bra, we could tell she's been busy getting into fighting shape (or…even better shape than she's already, usually in?). And while she told us "I love to work out; it's a passion of mine, and even if I did not have this job I would be working out," we have to wonder if the fact that she does one of the most fun and easiest-to-do-anywhere workouts sparks some of that enthusiasm. Below, how she's prepping to sport lingerie in front of 9 million viewers on Tuesday, December 9:
How do you get in the mindset to train like an Angel?
I love to watch [boxing] on TV; it's something that fits my personality. I think that's the secret about working out, to find something that fits your personality. I'm very energetic. I can't stay still. I'm all over the place, and I need to move around. So that's something perfect [about boxing]: You're always moving, you're constantly moving no matter what.
Did you play sports growing up?
Yes, I was an athletic child, yes. I did play sports, everything like futbol—I mean soccer—basketball, handball, running, everything. I did everything, but my passion is boxing.
Have you ever gone head to head with anybody in the ring?
I actually train in the ring, yeah. Usually I do mitts—you know, those big cushioning things, the pads that you just hit on?—that's what I do. But I use it as exercise; I don't do it for anything else. Boxing for me is [great because] it takes so much of your concentration. You need a lot of focus. If I go running, for example, I will be thinking about everything: what I'm gonna do, what's the next thing, I think about everything. When I do boxing, it brings me to a zen place, because you have to focus and you can not think about anything else. And I love that.
What about your diet and eating habits, especially in the month coming up. Do you have cheat days?
Of course I do have my cheat days.
But do you try to keep on track, especially knowing you're going to be in front of millions of people very soon?
Honestly, it's different now because I'm not young anymore. I'm 33, so you need to watch what you eat. I want to live very long, so I definitely believe that you are what you eat and the only way for you to have a long healthy life is really to take care of your food habits. That's where everything starts. Also I have two kids at home, I want to be a good example for them. I really try to eat as healthy as I possibly can. Vegetables, protein, knowing how to balance the right amount of carbs—that's for me not my kids. Because my metabolism is slowing down right now, I have to be careful now.
What about after you finish working out, do you have a snack that you eat?
After I work out I always have a protein shake. I make it with a banana and you can use almond milk, water, or whatever you like. Every day it's important [to drink this] after you work out, especially if you do muscle-building work.
What about after the show? Do you have a ritual, like a post-show meal?
Usually I have my mom with me at the show and some friends, so after the show we all go and have a dinner together. This year I think my whole family is gonna come to London, so we're probably gonna go to Nobu and have dinner since my mom loves sushi.
Are you excited to go to London? Is it going change your preparation at all because it's going to be in a new place?
A little bit, but I will work out there. I'm not sure how many days in advance we're going to arrive there prior to the show. I will have my jump rope with me; it's something easy I can do. And I can do some exercises in the room; I don't need a full gym. That's something about boxing: You can just do some shadow boxing and that's it, you don't need a fully equipped gym to do it.
And it's true! You actually don't need to own a lot of fancy gym equipment or pay for boutique workout classes to train like an Angel—just some gloves and maybe a jump rope. Ok fine, some cool gear from the Victoria Secret Sport line wouldn't hurt either. In the meantime, check out Adriana's killer skills in the ring here:
Related: The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Is Moving to London
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