The world got to know Amanda Kloots as a caregiver to and cheerleader for her husband Nick Cordero, who passed away in 2020 after a long fight with Covid-19. But her own creative journey and fitness career has been in the works for a much longer time. A former Radio City Rockette and Broadway performer and current fitness entrepreneur, jump rope afficionado, talk show host of CBS’s The Talk, Dancing with the Stars contestant, and author of a memoir and children’s book, Kloots is constantly pursuing her multiple passions and spreading her own infectious positive outlook in the process.

One of her latest projects is a partnership with Voltaren, an arthritis pain gel that was a go-to for her when she had an arthritic hand injury during Dancing with the Stars Season 30 in late 2021. She already believed in the product itself, and since the campaign was around making sure caregivers of parents, partners, children, or other loved ones are also taking care of and strengthening their own bodies, it was a no-brainer to forge a partnership. “When they came to me with the caregiver partnership, I loved it because I’m a single mom and took care of Nick in the hospital. You don’t realize how much you lose yourself when you have to take care of someone else….caregivers aren’t given the respect and care that they need,” Kloots says.

She developed a series of exercises for caregivers to do in the minutes of the day that they have for themselves (check out her Instagram videos for a demo). These are designed to be simple sequences of moves and stretches you can do at home, with minimal equipment. That’s already how Kloots has set up her fitness business, which involves dance cardio, jump rope, and bodyweight and toning workouts you can stream from your living room without gym equipment.

The focus of the workout sequence is keeping your body strong, especially if you have to lift and assist other people, and using movement as a stress reliever. “One of my favorite reasons to work my body out is to give myself a break and clear my mind,” Kloots says. “It’s about finding those five minutes in your day to follow along with the exercises I’ve created, do a downward dog, hold a plank, do a 10 minute walk around your neighborhood, or do a 10 minute meditation.”

Kloots is so adamant that caregivers give back to themselves because it can be an exhausting and often thankless (unpaid) job. Both movement and self-care should be incorporated in your day, but so should a self-acknowledgement of everything you’re doing to take care of another person. “Remind yourself to give yourself a pat on the back,” Kloots says. “When you’re caregiving, a lot of things go unseen, and even the person you’re caring for doesn’t always have the ability to say thank you — it may be an elderly person suffering from dementia who can’t tell you how much you are appreciated.”

That’s why Kloots has to also walk the walk and make sure she’s taking time for herself as she juggles parenting her four-year-old son, Elvis, hosting The Talk, and other professional projects.  With her early morning schedule, it can be tough to find the motivation and energy to work out after work (relatable). Her solution? She loves to constantly switch up her fitness routine to keep herself energized. “I mix it up. Every day I do something different: train myself, take another trainer’s class, or take a dance class. I love being a student for a change,” Kloots says. And while she’s filming The Talk, she’s known to jump rope in the parking lot of the studio. “Sometimes I’m on producer calls at the same time. I could be jumping rope on this call right now and no one would know,” she laughs. She equates that non-negotiable 10-minute jump routine to taking a shower each day.

As much as she embraces changing it up in her workout routines, she’s learned to accept change in life too, though that can be more difficult to put in practice. The Covid-19 pandemic in particular made a life-changing impact on Kloots and her family. “I think that the pandemic changed a lot of things for everyone, whether we recognize it or not, even subconsciously, the way a lot of us live and act and think,” Kloots says. Losing her husband so suddenly, with him going from a state of great health to systemic illness in a matter of months, radically shifted her perspective on life and her relationships. “Each day is a gift, and we don’t know what’s in store for us — I’m a huge advocate for finding peace in our life, not going to bed angry, not fighting, and trying to find resolutions. We don’t know the other side of tomorrow,” she says.

Her plans for her life before the pandemic don’t look anything like her life now. “It’s hard to plan. I’m a huge dreamer and goal setter, but I’ve learned to love change. We are meant to change, grow, and evolve. I’m a completely different person than I was three years ago,” Kloots says. She actively encourages others to fight the fear of personal growth, even when it’s uncomfortable, and change in your environment and situation. “I’m a huge positive quote person,” she says. (She posts a “positive quote of the day” to her Instagram story every day, often alongside videos of “Musical Mornings” jamming out with her son Elvis, who has blossomed into a musically-inclined, free-spirited personality before followers’ eyes over the last three years.) One of her all-time favorite quotes? “The scariest thing is being the same person in 6 months.”

Whether you lined up outside of stadiums to see the Eras Tour in person, sung along with the movie in theaters, or just followed the phenomenon on social media, chances are you saw at least a few clips of Taylor Swift’s impressive choreography and energy (over a three-hour long show!) while belting out her hits. It’s no surprise that Swift’s Eras Tour workout routine was as intense as the tour itself, involving weight training and sprints on a treadmill, but one thing Swift doesn’t get enough credit for? Maintaining perfect posture through the whole set, something I personally have to respect (as I write this hunched over my laptop).

Thanks to a recent photo, we now have a little insight into how she did it. During an Eras Tour rehearsal, Swift was seen wearing a Forme Power Bra, an FDA-registered “posture correcting bra” that works to “improve your upper body alignment and body foundation.”

Forme Power Bra

$175

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Skeptical? That’s fair. According to Forme, the bra works in a few ways to help your posture, including muscle memory engagement and “proprioception training technology.” (Per the Encyclopedia of Neuroscience, proprioception is the sense that helps you “perceive the location, movement, and action” of your body.) The bra is meant to keep your shoulders back and down, with the goal of training your body to maintain this alignment for improved athletic performance and recovery. It was designed, FYI, by an orthopedic surgeon whose mother was dealing with poor posture and compressed lungs due to cancer.

All in all, Forme says the bra will “transform your whole body alignment” in a way that should not only improve your posture, but also decrease any pain and stiffness you may be having — and the effect is supposed to be “instant,” as soon as you put the bra on.

We’ve now seen Swift wearing this alignment-focused sports bra, but she’s not the only one who’s tried it out. The Power Bra has over 1,000 reviews on Forme’s website for a 4.5-star average rating, and shoppers definitely seem to like it. “It really helps my posture and takes away the strain I have everyday in my neck,” one reviewer wrote. They also liked the style, adding that the bra is “long enough that I can wear it with high waisted shorts for a workout.”

“I was skeptical,” another shopper said, “but it really does work. I have 2 now and [am] about to purchase a third… Posture is corrected with consistent wear.” Another person simply wrote, “BACK PAIN GONE!”

Shoppers did note that the bra is uncomfortable at first, but said that it was just the bra working to realign their body. Otherwise, one person wrote, “the material is really soft and comfortable.”

It’s also worth noting that the Power Bra isn’t exactly cheap, currently coming in at $175. But if you struggle with posture or back pain and want a passive solution (just put it on and go about your day), it could be worth a try.

Before you go, grab these other workout recovery essentials:

Your skin is the largest and fastest-growing organ in your body. You likely know all the ways the sun can impact the health of your skin, but it turns out your diet can affect your skin too — both its appearance and its health on a deeper level. Dr. Donna Hart, a dermatologist at West Lake Dermatology, tells SheKnows that nourishing your body from the inside can make positive changes to your skin quality and complexion. In fact, she believes that what you and your family eat can help combat acne and achieve an overall healthy skin glow. If you’re ready to supercharge the health of your skin, there are nine power foods you should make sure to include in your diet — but our experts also offered a few additional tips you should know.

For one thing, we can’t talk about healthy skin without mentioning water. The amount of water you drink makes a significant difference to the health of your skin. “Water helps keep your cells hydrated and your skin moist, which can help diminish the appearance of fine lines,” explains Hart. “It also promotes blood flow and helps your cells flush out toxins — this can especially help with acne-prone skin.”

It’s also worth noting a few of the foods you should avoid eating to keep your skin healthy. While she says it’s not an extensive list, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Guanche of Bella Skin Institute says to keep a close eye on your intake of caffeine, which can dehydrate your skin, and excess salt, which causes dehydration and accelerates aging. And in order to prevent premature aging of the skin, she says to stay far away from high-sugar foods.

When in doubt, Guanche says to remember that a diet rich in antioxidants and low in refined sugars and one that supports good bacteria is likely to result in optimal skin.

If you’re interested in eating your way to better skin (and helping your whole family do the same), read on for some extra tips.

A version of this story was published August 2020.

“Every day I would run on the treadmill, singing the entire set list out loud,” Swift told the outlet. “Fast for fast songs, and a jog or a fast walk for slow songs.” And speaking of marathons, Swift trained like it really was one. The physical prep started six months before the first show, and the star used a program that included strength, conditioning, and weighted workouts. It was all put together by her gym, Dogpound, a celeb-favorite facility also reportedly frequented by A-listers like Hugh Jackman and Cindy Crawford.

Of course, she didn’t just have to be physically fit; Swift also had to memorize and perform hours of choreography, which she said required three months of dance training. “I wanted to get it in my bones,” she explained. “I wanted to be so over-rehearsed that I could be silly with the fans, and not lose my train of thought.”

That hyper-focus on her performance also affected other areas of Swift’s life, such as her decision to stop drinking while touring. “Doing that show with a hangover,” she said, “I don’t want to know that world.”

But the star also made sure to give herself recovery time, which included taking a day off after a run of shows. And this was a true day off, as in, no obligations whatsoever. “I do not leave my bed except to get food and take it back to my bed and eat it there,” she said. “It’s a dream scenario.”

Hearing Swift talk about exercise, recovery, and health like this shows an inspiring evolution. She has spoken in the past about struggling with body image and restricting food to fit a certain standard, and how that affected her energy during performances. “I thought that I was supposed to feel like I was going to pass out at the end of a show, or in the middle of it,” she told Variety in 2020. “Now I realize, no, if you eat food, have energy, get stronger, you can do all these shows and not feel (enervated).”

Now, it seems like Swift sees exercise the same way. She’s not working out to attain a certain body type, but to be physically strong enough to put on the show of her dreams. With all the rest of her success this year (you know, the multiple No.1 albums, the adorable new relationship, the huge concert film release, etc.), we’re glad to see that a healthy relationship with food and exercise — and a dedication to taking care of her body and health — is right up there with it.

Before you go, check out our favorite (and super affordable) mental health apps:

Don’t get us wrong, heels and boots are great, but when you need to maximize comfort, nothing hits like a comfy pair of running shoes. Apparently, Golden Globe-winning actress and known running shoe-wearer Jennifer Garner knows where we’re coming from, because she recently threw on a pair of Brooks Glycerin 20 running shoes at the recent premiere of her new Netflix film, Family Switch. And as an athleisure lover, I’ve never felt more seen.

It’s not the first time Garner has been spotted in Brooks shoes, but as far as we know, she’s never rocked them on a red carpet before, and we are so here for it. She paired the comfy kicks (in a limited edition holiday colorway, of course) with a bright red dress and a massive smile, probably because her toes were totally free and un-pinched. The mom of three even broke into some Rockette-style high kicks on the carpet — a little easier to do in Brooks than in heels!

Brooks Glycerin 20 Women's Running Shoes

$120 $160 25% off

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So what exactly are the shoes Garner was showing off? The Glycerin is a shopper favorite shoe from Brooks, where it’s now in its 21st iteration (the Glycerin 21). The Glycerin 20 is still available, though, and is actually on sale at both Brooks and Fleet Feet for $120 ($40 off the original price of $160). The Glycerins are known for being ultra-soft, cushioned, and lightweight, a great choice for runners logging long miles on the road.

And with over 1100 reviews on Brooks’ site, shoppers are describing the Glycerin 20 as “springy” and so comfortable, they forget they’re wearing them. “Great support but still soft a cushioned enough to relive my feet of some fatigue,” wrote one shopper. “Best shoes I’ve owned.”

The only bad news is that the holiday-themed colorway that Garner’s wearing appears to be all sold out this season. (We’ll check back next year.) But if you’re in the market for comfortable running shoes that work just as well on the red carpet as they do on the roads, give the Glycerin 20 a try.

Before you go, shop these gym essentials for your home workout routine:

Big water bottles are the fitness accessory of the moment. Whether you’re sipping from a trendy pink Stanley tumbler or staying faithful to your old dented Swell, our water bottles go everywhere with us these days, providing constant hydration and emotional support (and looking cute doing it).

The only problem? Having to drag your bottle around when you’re out for a walk, hiking, or just running errands. If you don’t have a backpack or large tote bag to drop it in, your bottle can quickly start to weigh you down, especially if you’re also juggling a phone or your keys. Fitness celeb Cassey Ho, founder of Blogilates and Popflex, experienced the same issue, and she has a cute and very handy solution: a water bottle sling bag that went so viral on TikTok, it immediately sold out.

Blogilates Water Bottle Sling

$11.24 $14.99 25% off

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The Blogilates Water Bottle Sling isn’t the first of its kind (you can shop a few other water bottle bags on Amazon) but it’s definitely the cutest and most functional. It’s insulated and water-resistant to keep your drinks cold (or warm), with tons of pockets for essentials like your keys, phone, and wallet. It closes with a drawstring to ensure your bottle stays put, and includes a detachable strap so you can drape it over your chest or carry it by your side. And to top it all off, it comes in a sweet peach flower pattern that looks good with just about any hoodie or workout set.

It’s no wonder the sling sold out at Target when Ho’s first TikTok about it went viral, garnering over 12 million views since it was posted in October. TikTokers loved how big the bag was (15 inches by 6 inches, in case you’re wondering), the cute look, and the affordable price — the sling is just $14.99, and it’s currently on sale for 25 percent off, dropping it to less than $12.

Shoppers at Target are just as impressed. “I went to target and found one left. I don’t think I’ve ever ran so fast to find something,” one reviewer wrote. “It’s even bigger than I thought… I love it so far.”

“This product has been a lifesaver for hikes & my daily walks,” another shopper said. “I’ve hated carrying a small bag and still needing to hold my water bottle in my hand. Now I get to hold everything all in this bag & don’t need to worry about dropping my water bottle & denting it any longer.” Other reviewers also loved the spacious size and generous pockets, and one even called ahead to a Target to make sure it was in stock. “I absolutely recommend this [especially] if you walk everywhere, or most places, like me!” they said. “It’s easier than a purse but more adjustable than a fanny pack!”

Getting your hands on the Blogilates water bottle sling hasn’t been easy, but those who’ve nabbed it clearly think it’s worth the effort. The sling is currently back in stock online, but we’re not sure how long it’ll be available before it sells out again. If you’re looking for a super-convenient addition to your next walk or hike, now’s the time to grab this versatile sling bag.

While you’re shopping, add these essential workout recovery items to your cart:

Black Friday is finally here, which means Black Friday deals in the health and wellness space are officially upon us. One brand we’re closely watching is Hoka, aka the home of the trendiest workout, walking, and athleisure shoes of the last few years. While we haven’t seen any Black Friday-specific sales on Hoka’s main website, you can still save on the brand’s running shoes, leggings, shorts, jackets, and more, just in time for all your holiday shopping needs (and yes, that includes the gifts you buy for yourself). We also found a couple of Hoka Black Friday deals on Zappo’s and over at Nordstrom.

We love Hoka for two reasons: the chunky look of the brand’s running shoes (which is seriously trendy right now) and how truly functional they are. Hoka’s shoes are known for being nicely cushioned, which is an especially good choice for runners who underpronate (their feet don’t roll inward enough or they roll outward too much). Of course, Hoka also offers a variety of other running gear, including shirts, jackets, leggings, and shorts — and we’ll be waiting to see which items will go on sale at the end of this week.

Hoka Black Friday 2023: What to Expect

Hoka isn’t offering any Black Friday deals on its website, but there are some general sales available there, as well as Black Friday options at Zappo’s and Nordstrom. Hoka has gotten more and more popular every year, including going viral on TikTok, so we recommend placing any orders before the holiday rush really gets going.

Best Hoka Black Friday Deals at a Glance

Best for cushioned run: Hoka Clifton 8, 111.99, originally $140

Best for super-lightweight shoes: Hoka Rincon 3 $99.99, originally $125

Best for your next race: Hoka Carbon X 3, 119.99, originally $200

Best for hiking: Hoka Stinson ATR 6, $129.73, originally $170

Best for a chunky look: Hoka Bondi X, 161.99, originally $215

Best for rainy runs: Hoka Transport Rain Jacket, $159.99, originally $198

Best supportive sports bra: Hoka Hupana Sports Bra, $29.99, originally $38

BEST CUSHIONING

Hoka Clifton 8

$111.99 $140 20% off

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Hoka’s Clifton line is known for adding an extra bounce to your gait, thanks to the supportive and receptive midsole of the shoe. Grab them for your next walk or winter run.

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BEST LIGHTWEIGHT

Hoka Rincon 3

$99.99 $125 20% off

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$99.95 $125 20% off

Buy Now on zappo's

For shoes that feel as light as clouds on your feet, opt for the Hoka Rincon 3, which are designed to be ultra-lightweight but still durable and supportive.

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FOR YOUR NEXT RACE

Hoka Carbon X 3

$119.99 $200 40% off

Buy Now

Hoka’s signature racing shoe, the Carbon X 3, is built for speed and support, a good choice for your next half marathon or 5K.

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BEST CHUNKY AESTHETIC

Hoka Bondi X

$169.99 $215 21% off

Buy Now

Hoka’s Bondi X delivers the perfect chunky silhouette that everyone’s wearing right now, plus a ton of cushioning for walks and runs.

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BEST FOR HIKING

Hoka Stinson ATR 6

$129.73 $170 24% off

Buy Now on zappo's

This versatile shoe is designed for hiking and trail running, combining supportive cushioning and stability with a super comfortable fit. The Hoka Stinson ATR 6 is running low on sizes, so grab a pair ASAP if you’re interested!

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BEST FOR RAINY RUNS

Hoka Transport Rain Jacket

$159.99 $198 19% off

Buy Now

Stay dry while you’re out and about this winter in Hoka’s lightweight and comfortable Transport Rain Jacket in a pumpkin color that’s perfect for the end of fall.

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BEST SUPPORTIVE SPORTS BRA

Hoka Hupana Sports Bra

$29.99 $38 21% off

Buy Now

Supportive yet flexible, this classic racerback sports bra will keep you comfortable whether you’re breaking a sweat or running some errands.

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Before you go, shop our favorite leggings for all occasions:

If you’re looking to spruce up your collection of black leggings, now is the time and Alo is the place. If you haven’t heard of this trendy brand, just know that it’s beloved for its sleek, super-stylish workout clothes and athleisure wear by both normies (that would be us) and celebrities alike. Case in point: Kylie Jenner recently rocked a contoured sports bra-and-leggings set from Alo, and it’s currently 30 percent off as a part of Alo’s sitewide Black Friday sale.

Alo’s huge Black Friday event covers all their products, from sports bras and leggings to puffer coats, socks, and yoga mats — so basically, bookmark the site if you’re looking to stock up on athleisure this sales season. So why do we like this specific Airbrush Heart Throb leggings and the matching bra? Well, Jenner posting it obviously caught our eye for how sharp and simple it looks paired with the brand’s Alo X01 Classic sneakers and matching half-crew socks. (Yes, you can shop the whole look, and yes, it’s all on sale.)

Alo Airbrush High-Waist Heart Throb Legging

$82 $118 31% off

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But when we went to check out the set on Alo’s website, the shopper reviews were what really caught our eye. Well-made and always on-trend, Alo is beloved for a reason, and shoppers definitely didn’t hold back when it came to proclaiming their love for the Airbrush High-Waist Heart Throb legging. “I loved the fabric and the fit,” said one shopper, who added that it gave their glutes a “good shape” thanks to the contouring structure (more on that later). Another reviewer said they were their “new favorite leggings,” and that they’re “seriously obsessed with these and get so many compliments.”

So what makes this set special? Well, it’s that contouring we mentioned earlier. The leggings are made from Alo’s signature cotton-like Airbrush fabric, and the contouring — which is typically hidden within the seams of leggings — is outlined in white to highlight your curves. The Heart Throb bra features the same matching contoured stitching and a “comfortable compressive” fit that’s designed to support you during medium-intensity workouts, like yoga or Pilates.

Alo Airbrush Heart Throb Bra

$51 $74 31% off

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Not so surprisingly, Alo is low on sizing for both pieces of this set at the moment, so make your purchase soon if you’re interested. If not, well, the entire rest of the site is on sale too, so you’re sure to find something that catches your eye and gets you excited (yes, really) to get your sweat on over the holidays or in the new year.

Before you go, check out more leggings we think you’ll love:

Lululemon’s leggings are perennial bestsellers for a reason: they’re well-made, comfy, functional (no waist sagging to be found!), and flattering for so many body types. That said, you definitely pay for the quality. If you’re shopping for leggings (or anything, really) at Lulu, you’ll be coughing up a pretty penny. That’s why it’s our duty to send out the alert when we see a pair go on sale, like the Align High-Rise Pant leggings — yes, the cult-favorite, ultra-flattering pair everyone loves — just did.

Is it an early Black Friday deal? A holiday shopping sale? Making way for new winter stock? Whatever the reason, these snug and smoothing leggings are currently up to $60 off (depending on the pattern and size), but there’s truly no time to lose, because sizes are already selling out for some colorways. And while there’s no classic black currently included in the sale, you have a multitude of bright and pretty colors and patterns to choose from.

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant

$39 $98 60% off

Buy Now

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For those who haven’t yet tried on a pair of Lulu’s beloved Align leggings, you’re in for a treat. The brand describes them as both “iconic” and “confidence-boosting,” and both adjectives really are accurate here. The Align leggings are designed to be comfortable snug and smoothing (never so tight they’ll cut off circulation!). The fabric is super-soft, flexible, and supportive while staying light and breathable, whether you’re wearing a pair to hot yoga, Pilates, your running club, or the grocery store during a long day of errands.

And if you’re looking for a pair of leggings that doesn’t droop from your waist the second you go into a lunge, Align has you covered. The fabric contains extra Lycra fiber “for stretch and shape retention,” so it should stay glued in place no matter what direction you bend.

Racking up nearly 9,000 five-star reviews, these leggings are a true standby for shoppers. “I’m never disappointed with these,” wrote one reviewer, who said they “own several pairs.” Others commented on how “buttery-soft” the fabric is, while loving how the double-lined fabric adds some extra warmth if you’re working out on a chilly morning. One shopper said the leggings fit like a “second skin,” calling them “unbelievable… smooth, not baggy.”

Shoppers were divided on the longevity of the leggings, but many noted that they did last the test of time. “[I] wear them at least two times a week,” one person wrote, adding that they’ve “had the align leggings for almost three years [and they’re] still in great condition.”

If you’re looking to try Lululemon’s Align leggings for the first time or want to grab a few new colorways for your collection, now’s the time. They’re currently at a can’t-be-beat price, but sizes are going fast, so add them to your cart ASAP if you want to take advantage of the sale.

Before you go, check out more leggings we love for all occasions:

“I had a conversation with myself a while ago because I want to be in shape but I also have more self-compassion, because my body created life,” the supermodel said during a talk at a recent Theragun event in New York City, per People. With that in mind, it sounds like Kloss — mom to Levi, 2, and Elijah, 4 months — is interested in finding balance, in both her fitness routine and her diet.

“Let me tell you, I come from a long line of carb lovers,” she told People. Kloss grew up in St. Louis, and as a Midwestern girl, she said she “never even saw a green juice until I was 20 years old.” These days, the Kode with Klossy founder said, “I eat what I want, but I try and listen to my body, even though that’s changed. I just do what I can to rest, recover, and refuel my body.”

As for her workouts, Kloss said that “everything changes after kids.” For her, that means a fitness routine that’s necessarily become more efficient as it’s evolved. “I feel like my philosophy has gotten much more about strength in sustainable ways,” explained Kloss, who famously ran the New York City Marathon in 2017. These days, she likes to work out with light weights and do bodyweight exercises. With her hectic travel schedule, Kloss said, “I like to do things that I can do anywhere.”

Kloss’s biggest physical focus after having kids? Improving her posture. “Just being pregnant for nine months, I found my posture got so bad,” she said. “So now I’m relearning my whole anatomy and trying to fix it, straighten my back.”

She also works out first thing in the morning — right after she checks her sleep data, that is. “I’m weirdly competitive with myself over my sleep,” Kloss said.

Some things, at least, don’t change. Kloss has been singing the praises of good sleep for years, saying in 2015 that sleep is “my favorite indulgence,” per The Washington Post. “I like to spoil myself by taking a day off and sleep in, it’s the best and most generous thing you can do for yourself,” she continued.

It might be a little trickier now that she has two little ones to take care of, but we’re glad to hear that Kloss is still taking time for herself and making health a priority, whether that means tracking her sleep or squeezing in bodyweight workouts.

Before you go, check out these yoga videos to add to your home practice: