Maintaining a physique as camera-ready as Ariana Madix’s, the beloved Vanderpump Rules alum and Love Island USA host, might seem like an elusive goal. Yet, her approach to fitness, while intense, is rooted in a surprisingly straightforward philosophy: unwavering consistency, even when motivation wanes. Far from a single “trick,” Madix’s sculpted abs and overall fitness are the result of a rigorous, personalized regimen designed by her boyfriend and trainer, Daniel Wai, combined with a balanced approach to nutrition.
The Core of Her Regimen: Daily Weightlifting and Cardio
Ariana Madix is transparent about the demanding nature of her workout routine. Her primary form of exercise is daily weightlifting, complemented by cardio on most days. This isn’t a casual endeavor; her routine is intensely consistent, with Madix emphasizing the importance of “going out there and kind of faking it” even when she’s not feeling her best.
Tailored Training by Daniel Wai
Her trainer, Daniel Wai, who is also her boyfriend, crafts a highly customized program for Madix. This program typically involves five days of weightlifting and five days of cardio each week. Each lifting session spans between 60 to 90 minutes, followed by approximately an hour of cardio. Wai has revealed that the workout splits are designed to target her specific strengths and weaknesses, with extra volume often added for areas like her rear delts and triceps to create a balanced physique.
The intensity of this schedule highlights that Madix’s enviable results are a direct product of significant time commitment and full dedication to her health and fitness goals.
Beyond the Gym: Movement and Hydration
While structured workouts form the backbone of her routine, Madix also incorporates other forms of movement and focuses on crucial lifestyle habits.
Embracing Dance
Ariana Madix is an avid dancer, a form of exercise recognized for its numerous health benefits. Dancing not only builds muscle and bone, reduces fat, and increases aerobic capacity, but it also offers unique cognitive advantages through its incorporation of music and complex movements. This love for dance likely contributes to her agility and overall body control, as seen during her stint on Dancing With the Stars.
The Importance of Hydration
Madix is a staunch advocate for hydration, particularly when traveling. Her secret for combating dehydration during flights includes consistently using eye patches and, more importantly, “chugging” the biggest bottle of water she can find in the terminal before a flight.
Ariana Madix’s Diet Philosophy: Balanced and Flexible
When it comes to diet, Madix’s approach is surprisingly flexible, steering clear of strict restriction. Instead, her main focus is on ensuring adequate protein and fiber intake.
Mindful Eating, Not Restriction
While she doesn’t believe in stringent rules, she does follow one key principle: avoiding heavy carbohydrates right before bed. Otherwise, Madix allows herself to eat what she wants, finding that this balanced approach helps with long-term adherence rather than short-lived, restrictive diets. This philosophy underscores that sustainable results often come from making smart choices most of the time, rather than depriving oneself entirely.
Past Struggles and a Healthy Relationship with Food
Madix has openly discussed her past struggles with body image and an eating disorder, particularly during her early seasons on Vanderpump Rules. She has shared that she didn’t always realize she was engaging in disordered eating and that external criticism about her weight further impacted her. Her current balanced approach to diet and fitness reflects a healthier relationship with food and her body, focusing on strength and overall well-being.
The True “Trick”: Consistency and Dedication
The “simple trick” behind Ariana Madix’s workout routine isn’t a secret pill or a fad diet; it’s the consistent, dedicated effort she puts in daily. Her commitment to showing up for her workouts, even on challenging days, combined with a personalized, intense training regimen and a flexible, protein-and-fiber-focused diet, is the true formula for her impressive fitness. Her journey highlights that achieving and maintaining a strong physique requires unwavering discipline and a holistic approach to health.
