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Shay Mitchell Gives Us The Skinny on Her Fitness Regimen
Credits: Fit to Wanderย Hood Wrap Jacketย ($28) in Jet Black,ย Wandertech Sports Braย ($16) in Glowing White, andย Wandertech High-Waisted Pieced Leggingsย ($25) in Shattered Prism.ย
posted onย byrdie.com
Byrdie: What influenced you to make fitness such a big part of your life?
Shay Mitchell:ย Well, for me, itโs all about balance. A lot of people that know me know that I absolutely love food, pizza in particular. I work out not only to balance food, but also to keep my mind focused. And for me, that comes in many different forms. It can be taking a walk outside, boxing, or going to dance. Anything physical has such a positive impact on people; the dopamine and serotonin that get released when you work outโafterward, you feel amazing.
B: Was that the catalyst for designing your own athleisure line?
SM:ย I really wanted to do an athleisure line because I feel my best after Iโm done working out. And another thing on top of that was Iโve tried on so many different workout brands, but I was finding that there were certain things I was looking for that I could never find. You know, for the sports bra, I always felt like it would cut me off at a certain angle and then for pants, they were always falling down when I was spinning. So I was always taking notes of things I wanted to find, and then I was like, you know, โI could just do it myself.โ I came up withย Fit to Wander, and it was a name I loved because it wasnโt specific to just being worn at the gym or when you are working out; it can be worn from boot camp to brunch. And for me, I never know whatโs going to happen in my day, itโs always changing, so I wanted to be able to wear something you can take from morning to night, and thatโs how it came about. I wanted to put a special note from me in the collection, so I put positive affirmations in every single piece. I just think it has such a great impact on the rest of the day when you read them.
Credits: Fit to Wanderย Wandertech Sports Braย ($16) in Glowing White andย Hood Wrap Jacketย ($28) in Jet Black.
B: Do you have a favorite piece?
SM:ย I would say theย wrap with the hood. It has thumbholes on the inside, an extra-long hood so you can really cover up, and the material is so soft. Itโs the perfect-size wrap, and Iโve probably worn that more times than anything.
B: Will we see a second collection?
SM:ย Yes! Clothes for me are so fun, especially with different seasons; you get to play around with different colors. Itโs going to be fun, and Iโve already started working on it, and Iโm very excited about it.
B: How do you tone up?
SM:ย I have to switch it up because I get bored, so Iโll try different classes. Cardio for me is a spin class. I think itโs great.ย I get so amped up with other people in the room, and thereโs just a really good energy about it. So Iโll usually start with a spin class, then it will be something like weights or working out with my amazing trainerโwe do a mix of Pilates and leg toning. And then Iโll go take a Body by Simone class. There are so many amazing classes here in L.A., but my favorite is boxing. I love it because there is the cardio at the beginning, and then weโre sparring afterward and then we do stretching and weights.
Location:ย Gunnar Petersonย gym.ย Credits: Fit to Wanderย Side Tie Graphic Muscle Teeย ($16) in Glowing White andย Tie-Waist Jogger Pantsย ($25) in Gray.ย
B: Have you tried any unusual workouts?
SM:ย I have tried the aerial workout. It was amazing; Iโd love to get more into it. Pole dancing was a really good workout. Not going to lie, it was really hard and I felt it the next day. There are so many amazing apps where you can sign up and see whatโs going on. For me, itโs about trying everything from rock climbing to dancing to martial arts. Itโs finding what you like and mixing it with other things you like.
B: Whatโs your secret to staying fit when youโre working so much?
SM:ย If you canโt fit a workout in, it does really come down to your eating. Me being on set, I drink a lot of water. I try to opt out of coffee and drink green tea instead. There are always options. But I have my certain favorite things with me all the time when Iโm on set. And when Iโm craving something sweet, Iโll have my pineapple chips or always make sure to eat a salad before I have something else just so Iโll be a little more full and not want double up on the main course. I think itโs just finding a balance and not cutting anything out. I hate that; I hardly ever diet. I think it is just about making smart choices when you canโt get a workout in.
Location:ย Gunnar Petersonย gym. Credits: Fit to Wanderย Side Tie Graphic Muscle Teeย ($16) in Glowing White.ย โ
B: You mentioned pineapple chips; what are some more of your favorite guilt-free snacks?
SM:ย Iโm a pro at making kale chips. I know that was all the rage a while ago, but I still think I make the best ones. I do Brussels sprout chips quite a bit, and I make fruit schikabobs, as I call them. They are like fruit skewers, and I will always have them in my fridge because they are easy to grab and go. And then watermelon with cinnamon.
B: How do you navigate the craft-service table?
SM:ย Itโs called sharing. So instead of having my own, Iโll share with Ashley Benson. Sheโs probably my food partner in crime, so if sheโs craving something, Iโll be like, โLetโs split it.โ Thatโs how I do the craft table.
Location:ย Gunnar Petersonย gym.ย Credits: Fit to Wanderย Patterned High-Low Mesh Tank Topย ($19) in Graphic Smoke andย Wandertech High-Waisted Pieced Leggingsย ($25) in Graphic Smoke.ย
B: Youโve only got 20 minutes to work out. What do you do?
SM:ย Sprints. Iโll just go out on my street or find a good staircase and run up and down it. Twenty minutes is definitely enough.
B:ย Do you have a favorite do-anywhere exercise?
SM:ย Just taking a skipping rope with you wherever you are is such a good idea because itโs such an amazing workout. Itโs the easiest, and I can bring it with me anywhere. And you only need a small amount of space.
Location:ย Gunnar Petersonย gym.ย Credits: Fit to Wanderย Patterned High-Low Mesh Tank Topย ($19) in Graphic Smoke andย Wandertech High-Waisted Pieced Leggingsย ($25) in Graphic Smoke.ย
B:ย Whatโs the best tip youโve received from your trainer Gunnar?
SM:ย He is all about eating well, too. Iโll go to him and get the most insane workout, and then afterward, heโll be like, โOkay, Shay, you canโt go and have pizza the minute you walk out this door. You have to eat well.โ He is all about taking your workout with you on the go. He knows how much I travel, so it was his idea to take the jumping rope and toย do squats in the hotel room.
What are your favorite workouts? Sound off in the comments below!
Photographer: Kat Borchart;ย Hair: Chad Wood;ย Makeup: Patrick Ta;ย Styling: Dani + Emma.
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