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Model Behavior: Where to Work Out Like Karlie Kloss and Gigi Hadid

Welcome to Workout Wednesday: every hump-day, we'll be rounding up some of the city's hottest fitness trends and studios.

Summer is fast approaching—for those who adhere to the official solstice rather than the unofficial Memorial Day Weekend—and that means being slightly more naked in public to combat sticky humidity and oven-like subway platforms. Not feeling quite ready for crop tops, short shorts, and rompers? Let New York City's parade of models show you the way.


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Runway newcomers like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner and seasoned pros like Alessandra Ambrosio look the way they do because they work for it, though some might like to believe they spend their spare time brunching and making cookies and waking up camera-ready every day. And since lots of their workouts take place the city, you can replicate their gym routines.

With Pilates, boxing, and Bikram yoga in the mix, we've created a fun seven-day "gymtinerary" to kickstart your model-inspired fitness routine, complete with a studio-appropriate outfit and a snack or meal from a nearby spot to compliment your workout. The best way to get through this sweaty yet stylish week? Just imagine being inducted into Taylor Swift's circle of model friends.

Monday: Gotham Gym

What is it? Boxing and cardio

Gym squad: Irina Shayk, Cara Delevingne, Gigi Hadid

I'm home!!⚡️⚡️⚡️ @gothamgym

A video posted by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid) on

Pre-workout: Get rid of your case of the Mondays first with a matcha chia glo at Organic Avenue at West 10th Street and Hudson. It's basically a green tea smoothie to prepare you with energy, without too much heavy protein—just chia seeds.

What to expect at the class: You'll go through the ringer—in the ring itself—at this boxing gym on the edge of the West Village. Be prepared for cardio drills, punch combinations, and pad work with partners. The gym also offers a weight room area, muay thai classes if you're feeling advanced, and ballet fitness in the gym's own ballet studio. Take it from Gigi Hadid (above): You won't be standing idly by in Gotham. Sessions are available on ClassPass, though they can be hard to come by.

What to wear: Go with sweat-wicking Under Armour HeatGear leggings and a supportive sports bra (since jumping jacks and high knees will likely be involved) under a loose-fitting Obey tank. You could also spring for Adidas Super Inner Gloves (Gotham does have gloves and wraps for rent for $2), and flexible cross training shoes like Nike's lunar cross element sneakers.

600 Washington St, West Village


Tuesday: Physique 57

What is it? Barre, strength, and flexibility

Gym squad: Erin Andrews, Christy Turlington

Had a partner in @physique57 today...

A photo posted by Erin Andrews (@erinandrews) on

What to expect: One of the top barre studios in the city, Physique will have you using hand weights, resistance bands, and balls to tone your thighs, arms, and "seat"—that trouble spot where your upper thighs meet your butt. They'll help you work towards that "ledge" you see on every fitspo account ever. Barre is not high-impact, but it is an ab-heavy workout and not for the faint of strength. Be prepared to be on the balls of your feet, too (pro tip: skip high heels in the hours prior). You can get your first two classes for $36, which is the price of one regular class.

What to wear: Physique 57 and other barre studios usually prefer a covered midriff and capris or leggings—you'll thank yourself for the coverage when the resistance band isn't pinching your thighs). We'd grab Lululemon Wunder Unders, a Beyond Yoga cami (the softest workout tops around) and good grippy socksyou can't be barefoot here, and regular ones will have you slipping all over the carpeted floor.

Post-workout lunch: The Little Beet on 50th Street is one of few Midtown eateries that is both tasty and healthy that's not just another build-your-own salad chain. Pick a protein and pair it with sides like sweet potatoes, soba noodles, quinoa, or roasted asparagus.

24 W 57th St, Midtown


Wednesday: ModelFIT

What is it? Pilates, yoga, and dance cardio

Gym squad: Karlie Kloss, Taylor Swift

What to expect: The ever-talked about ModelFIT has a few different classes on offer, from the usual lengthening and toning workout with resistance bands and lighter weights, to dance cardio, boxing, and yoga. Coordination is key here: Most movements are choreographed according to the instructor, so you'll never do the exact same workout twice. Though its name may suggest otherwise, non-models attend class here too, and beginners are welcome. A single class goes for $40.

What to wear: Some good sneakers for the hardwood floor in the loft-like space, light and flexible Athleta capris, and a Lorna Jane tank for maximum mobility. And why not add a cashmere beanie, just to look T.Swift-casual upon exit.

Post-workout reward: Head over to Milk Bar at 70 Wooster Street and treat yourself. Karlie’s Perfect 10 cookie is gluten- and dairy-free, but the main point is it's delicious. Get your blood sugar back up with that plus a small dose of all-too-good soft serve.

212 Bowery, Noho


Thursday: SLT

What is it? Pilates on a Megaformer.

Gym Squad: Runway models like Imaan Hamman

What to expect: As pictured above, you'll be spending the full 50 minutes on the SLT Megaformer. But don't mistake this workout for being one-note: Your abs, shoulders and inner thighs will be burning ten minutes in. Be prepared for planks, lunges, and mountain climbers while balancing on the machine's sliding apparatus. Classes are normally $40 each, but your first is just $20.

What to wear: You can go barefoot or with sticky toe socks. Wear a snug fitting top so it doesn't ride up when you're in a full pike position. And pants should be flexible and breathable, like Athleta's ankle tights.

Post-workout reward: Head to the Juice Press off of Union Square for a kale salad and the Fountain of Youth Smoothie; it's full of antioxidant-rich berries, hemp protein, and coconut water to rehydrate and replace electrolytes.

137 Fifth Avenue, Flatiron


Friday: Ballet Beautiful

What is it? Ballet, Pilates, and cardio

Gym squad: Yourself, and Miranda Kerr in spirit

❤️ this! #regram of the stunning @mirandakerr getting Ballet Beautiful in our berry wrap sweater ❤️

A photo posted by Mary Helen Bowers (@balletbeautiful) on

What to expect: Noted celeb fitness trainer Mary Helen Bowers (she trained Natalie Portman for her role in Black Swan, nbd) offers private classes at her studio in Soho, or you can opt for an online class subscription that can be done anywhere for $39.99 per month. You can also buy video bundles, such as "Swan Arms" and "Ballet Beautiful Abs" for $10 each, or the "Intro to Ballet Beautiful" bundle for $19.99. The workouts are generally an hour long.

What to wear: Dress the part with a sweetheart leotard, colorful leg warmers, and knit shorts. If you want to really go for ballet style, try a princess camisole dress.

Happy hour treat: Continue your glamorous Friday by treating yourself with drinks at Bar Pitti, a hotspot for the model crowd.


Saturday: Soulcycle

What is it? Cycling of the cult variety.

Gym squad: Gisele Bündchen, Alessandra Ambrosio

Last night at the #supermodelcycle !! #funnn

A photo posted by alessandraambrosio (@alessandraambrosio) on

What to expect: Unless you live under a rock, you've either read about or encountered Soul fanatics in the city. Membership may be prohibitively expensive, but introductory $20 class is worth it, if only to experience the twilight zone that is a Soul class. You will be cycling the whole time in a candlelit room, taking a brief break for upper body exercises with light weights. The best advice is to lean in to it—literally and figuratively.

What to wear: The usual boutique gym dress code: leggings or tights (padding biking ones if you want a little more cushion), a sweat-wicking top, supportive sports bra, and longer socks (you'll rent clip-ins, so sneakers aren't necessary).

Post workout life: Saturdays are for splurging, so get the most expensive pressed juice at Liquiteria, and head to local favorite ABC Kitchen for trendy dinner. Can you live? Yes. Yes, you can.

12 E 18th St, Union Square


Sunday: Modo Yoga

What is it? Hot Vinyasa yoga

Gym squad: Lily Aldridge and Co.

#moksha #yoga #hotyoga #nyc #flame

A photo posted by @modoyoganyc on

What to expect: Sweat it all out on Sunday: Modo (or Moksha) yoga in the West Village keeps it hot at 98 degrees. Choose between Modo (90 minutes, 40 postures) Modo Flow (Vinyasa style), Hot Yin (extended seated and reclined poses) and Yang Yin (a more challenging Modo style). Towels and mats are available to rent, if you don't have your own. Single classes are $20 each.

What to wear: The less coverage, the better, since you'll sweat through it anyway. For pants lovers, try mesh styles. You can go stylish with the bra, since it'll likely be exposed (think lots of straps). For tops, the lighter, the better.

Post-shower brunchtime: There's no better feeling than cleaning up and heading out after a successful workout. You made it through the week and Sunday is made for afternoon bellinis. So, Barbuto it is.

434 Sixth Avenue, Greenwich Village