For those who’re one of many over 500,000 individuals who comply with Ella Halikas on Instagram or TikTok, you already know that the 25-year-old is far more than her modeling portfolio. And that is saying one thing, contemplating entrance and heart on that portfolio is none apart from the Sports activities Illustrated Swimsuit Concern, wherein Halikas appeared (in really gorgeous vogue) in 2021. As one of many finalists of the SI Swim Search open casting name, Halikas stated her motivation for making use of to and showing within the journal was to “encourage everybody and anybody that is watching this to actually love the pores and skin they’re in.” However “I do know it isn’t straightforward,” she added in a Sports activities Illustrated video final yr. “It is a exhausting journey. It took me many, a few years. You’re worthy and you might be stunning simply the way in which you might be.”
As a curve mannequin and a fierce advocate for physique positivity, one among Halikas’s messages is that health is for everybody and that understanding is about a lot greater than weight reduction or aesthetic targets. Halikas tells POPSUGAR that, for her, exercises are primarily for bettering her psychological well being and boosting confidence. “I really feel stronger and more healthy general once I’m centered on my health,” she says. “I turn out to be much less anxious once I’m staying extra energetic.”
Halikas’s routine is all about consistency. She does energy and conditioning twice per week with a private coach, together with two Pilates lessons per week from Solidcore and some walks combined in. Blasting out HIIT circuits together with her coach makes her really feel “empowered,” she says, “like I am getting stronger each time.” With each exercise she does, “I do know I am taking the mandatory steps in direction of turning into one of the best model of myself.”
Her social feeds present Halikas nailing intense and efficient strengthening strikes like deadlifts, barbell squats, lunges, and bicep curls. By posting her exercises, the mannequin hopes to encourage different individuals to train and get wholesome, however not essentially to attempt for a sure physique sort or look. “I really like to point out others that well being and health look totally different on each physique and you can by no means simply have a look at somebody and know their well being and train ranges,” Halikas explains.
“Simply go for it” is Halikas’s recommendation to individuals who may be nervous to start out a health journey or really feel intimidated strolling right into a fitness center. “I do know it is simpler stated than finished,” she provides, “however belief me, nobody is concentrated on you once you’re understanding.” (Critically. They’re all too centered on their very own exercises, we promise.) Begin your health journey the place you’re feeling essentially the most snug, Halikas provides, and it’s very OK if that is not on the fitness center. “Name a buddy to go for an extended stroll with them as an alternative,” she suggests. “You simply need to get your physique transferring.”
Many people have a really inflexible thought of what understanding seems like, however Halikas factors out that there are such a lot of several types of exercises to attempt. Yoga, working, Pilates, barre, swimming, weightlifting, climbing, dancing, biking, sports activities . . . the record goes on (and on, and on). With so many choices, “it’s best to by no means really feel just like the business is not open to you or that understanding is not for you,” Halikas says. “There’s room for us all to prioritize our well being and health.”
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