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Shay Mitchell Gives Us The Skinny on Her Fitness Regimen

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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, itโ€™s 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 outโ€”afterward, 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 Iโ€™m done working out. And another thing on top of that was Iโ€™ve 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, โ€œI could just do it myself.โ€ I came up withย Fit to Wander, and it was a name I loved because it wasnโ€™t 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 whatโ€™s going to happen in my day, itโ€™s always changing, so I wanted to be able to wear something you can take from morning to night, and thatโ€™s 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.

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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. Itโ€™s the perfect-size wrap, and Iโ€™ve 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. Itโ€™s going to be fun, and Iโ€™ve already started working on it, and Iโ€™m very excited about it.

B: How do you tone up?
SM:ย I have to switch it up because I get bored, so Iโ€™ll try different classes. Cardio for me is a spin class. I think itโ€™s great.ย I get so amped up with other people in the room, and thereโ€™s just a really good energy about it. So Iโ€™ll usually start with a spin class, then it will be something like weights or working out with my amazing trainerโ€”we do a mix of Pilates and leg toning. And then Iโ€™ll 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 weโ€™re sparring afterward and then we do stretching and weights.

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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; Iโ€™d 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 whatโ€™s going on. For me, itโ€™s about trying everything from rock climbing to dancing to martial arts. Itโ€™s finding what you like and mixing it with other things you like.

B: Whatโ€™s your secret to staying fit when youโ€™re working so much?
SM:ย If you canโ€™t 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 Iโ€™m on set. And when Iโ€™m craving something sweet, Iโ€™ll have my pineapple chips or always make sure to eat a salad before I have something else just so Iโ€™ll be a little more full and not want double up on the main course. I think itโ€™s 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 canโ€™t get a workout in.

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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 Iโ€™m 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 Itโ€™s called sharing. So instead of having my own, Iโ€™ll share with Ashley Benson. Sheโ€™s probably my food partner in crime, so if sheโ€™s craving something, Iโ€™ll be like, โ€œLetโ€™s split it.โ€ Thatโ€™s how I do the craft table.

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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: Youโ€™ve only got 20 minutes to work out. What do you do?
SM:ย Sprints. Iโ€™ll 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 itโ€™s such an amazing workout. Itโ€™s the easiest, and I can bring it with me anywhere. And you only need a small amount of space.

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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 Whatโ€™s the best tip youโ€™ve received from your trainer Gunnar?
SM:ย He is all about eating well, too. Iโ€™ll go to him and get the most insane workout, and then afterward, heโ€™ll be like, โ€œOkay, Shay, you canโ€™t 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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