Bethenny Frankel, the entrepreneur and former “Real Housewives of New York City” star, recently turned heads at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show during Miami Swim Week 2025. At 54, she confidently walked alongside younger models, sparking conversations about age, confidence, and societal expectations. Frankel’s appearance wasn’t just a moment for her; it was a statement about embracing confidence at every age. So, how did she prepare for this iconic catwalk? It’s not just about crash diets and extreme workouts.
Embracing a Natural Approach
Frankel has always been transparent about her approach to health and fitness, emphasizing balance and a good relationship with food and exercise. She avoids extreme measures, stating, “My body is natural. I don’t do weights. And the reason my body is natural is because the exercise I do and have always done for my body is natural. I’ll go months without exercise and definitely days without doing anything but I always come back to it.”
A Healthy Relationship with Food
Frankel has openly discussed her past struggles with food, recalling a time in her early 30s when she was “fixated and obsessed,” leading to cycles of binging and restricting. Today, she emphasizes a balanced approach, allowing herself to indulge without self-judgment. She encourages others to do the same, stating, “I want you to allow yourselves to have, but not beat yourselves up when you do indulge. And I want you to have a good relationship with food and exercise and that doesn’t mean being screamed at in a gym or beating yourself up and telling yourself that you have to kill yourself. You don’t. It’s healthier to just be healthy.”
Simple Exercise Routine
Her exercise routine is equally grounded in simplicity and consistency. Beach walks are a staple, which she finds essential for both physical and mental well-being. “My exercise routine is simple, and a big part of it is beach walks,” she says. “Feeling runway-ready isn’t just about how you look; it’s how you feel. For me, that means moving regularly and staying consistent.”
Pre-Runway Pampering
While Frankel champions a natural and balanced lifestyle, she also incorporated a few strategic treatments and products to enhance her runway-ready glow.
truFlex by Cutera
In the weeks leading up to the show, Frankel underwent truFlex by Cutera treatments at True L.I.O. This FDA-approved technology uses Multi-Directional Stimulation (MDS) technology to deliver personalized muscle sculpting, helping to tone and define specific muscle groups. Frankel was enthusiastic about the results, saying, “I’ve done a few treatments over the past few weeks…to help tone and sculpt, and I’m loving the results.”
Emsculpt Neo
Another treatment Frankel reportedly utilized was Emsculpt Neo, a non-invasive body sculpting device combining radiofrequency (RF) and high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) to simultaneously build muscle and reduce fat. This treatment is popular among celebrities and influencers for its ability to deliver noticeable results in a short period. According to Emsculpt Neo, some clients see results after only four sessions, with a 25 percent increase in muscle and a 30 percent decrease in body fat.
Nello Hydration Packets
Staying hydrated was a top priority for Frankel during the busy week leading up to the show. She relied on Nello Hydration Packets to ensure she was adequately hydrated, stating, “This week has been nonstop—travel, fittings, everything. To look and feel my best, hydration is my non-negotiable. I use Nello daily, especially leading up to big events. They’re easy, effective and I never travel without them.”
L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion
For a radiant, camera-ready glow, Frankel turned to a drugstore favorite: L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion. She praised this product for its ability to provide the perfect shimmer without being messy or staining. “I can’t think of a better product for that day-of glow,” she said. “Lumi Glotion is always in my rotation. It gives the perfect shimmer without the mess—honestly, it’s the least risky when it comes to staining.” She specifically uses shade 904 Deep Glow.
Dose Daily Cleanse
To keep her digestion and skin in check, Frankel is a religious user of Dose Daily Cleanse. “I take Dose Daily Cleanse religiously. It keeps everything in check—digestion, skin, all of it. It’s one of my must-haves, and it’s been the perfect prep leading into such a big week.”
Runway Looks and Reactions
Frankel graced the runway in three distinct outfits:
- Cheetah-print one-piece: A fierce and bold choice that showcased her confidence.
- Pink and black polka-dot bikini with a sheer sarong: A playful and stylish ensemble.
- Denim two-piece styled with a cowboy hat: A daring and memorable look that highlighted her personality.
Her hair, typically dyed black, was lightened with soft shades of brown and honey-colored blond highlights, complemented by extensions for added texture and shine. Her makeup was shimmery and gold, enhancing her bronzed skin.
Addressing the Critics
Frankel’s appearance on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway was met with both praise and criticism. Some questioned the appropriateness of her participation, particularly as a mother. However, Frankel responded to the criticism directly, emphasizing that her runway moment was about showing her daughter what confidence looks like at every age.
She also addressed the unrealistic expectations often perpetuated by the entertainment industry, stating, “Listen, I can tell you with great certainty that every woman that was with me on that stage did not look that way two hours prior. OK, it was everybody’s job, and that’s what goes on in Hollywood, in the entertainment industry, and the images that you and your daughters see of women, of Kim Kardashian, of Beyoncé, of J.Lo, of every famous person, that there is a lot of work that goes into that, a lot of glam, a lot of contouring, a lot of lighting.”
Daughter’s Approval
Shutting down the haters, Frankel shared her daughter’s sweet reaction: “A few miserable people said, ‘What would your daughter say?’ And I know because the peanut just FaceTimed me,” Frankel told her followers. “She said, ‘Mama! I saw you, you did so good. You have such a good tush, mama.’ And she said, ‘You look like you’re 30 years old.’ It was so sweet.”
Supermodel Snacks
Frankel’s runway debut also coincided with the viral success of her “supermodel snack” videos on TikTok. These videos showcase her no-fuss, low-calorie food hacks, such as protein-rich cottage cheese, tomato slices in place of sandwich bread, and her “nepo baby salad.” Her transparency and practical approach to healthy eating have resonated with a wide audience, attracting over 3 million followers.
She admits in a TikTok video that, before the show, she had only a cappuccino and a bite of a banana all day.
Viral Content
- “Supermodel Snack” Videos: Easy recipes for healthy, high-protein breakfasts, lunches, and snacks.
- No-fuss, Low-calorie Food Hacks: Practical tips for incorporating healthy eating into daily life.
- Transparency and Realism: Unlike aspirational wellness content, Frankel’s appeal lies in her honesty about aging, confidence, and body maintenance.
Redefining Aging
Frankel’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway appearance has sparked important conversations about redefining aging in the public eye. Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton praised Frankel (alongside Kris Jenner) for challenging traditional beauty standards and inspiring others to embrace aging rather than fear it.
The Key Takeaways
Bethenny Frankel’s preparation for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show wasn’t about drastic transformations or unattainable ideals. Instead, it was a combination of:
- Balanced Lifestyle: A healthy relationship with food and regular, simple exercise.
- Strategic Treatments: Targeted procedures to enhance muscle tone and skin radiance.
- Confidence and Self-Acceptance: Embracing her age and body with pride.
- Transparency: Sharing her journey and inspiring others to prioritize their well-being without unrealistic expectations.
Frankel’s runway appearance was a powerful reminder that confidence and self-acceptance are the most important ingredients for feeling and looking your best, at any age.
