Naomi Campbell photographed by Chris Colls for Vogue Arabia, November 2018
How does the A-list keep their bodies in peak condition? Each week, meet one of the masterminds behind some of the world’s most finely tuned physiques.
Fashion’s bona fide fitness expert is Joe Holder. A Nike ambassador, founder of the Ocho System, and trainer of Riccardo Tisci and Virgil Abloh – upon their recommendation, Holder’s also worked with Naomi Campbell for two years. “I’ve never liked working out before I worked out with Joe,” the model – known for her iconic pins and infamous strut – says. “Joe is my hero; he’s got me to like something I thought I would never appease to.” Bella Hadid, Sara Sampaio, Cindy Bruna, Georgia Fowler, and Romee Strijd are also among his army of Victoria’s Secret clients. When it comes to shaping up the perfect legs, he states, “I look at it from an integrative perspective before attacking specific areas. What we want is health and proper lean mass.”
Joe Holder. Courtesy of Joe Holder
Catwalk-worthy legs means dedicated sessions of jump rope, deadlifts, and lunges, focusing on the glutes. With three to five sessions per week as standard, Holder likes his clientele to “always have the mindset that you’re two weeks away from a big photoshoot, instead of having to do crash diets or fitness regimes.” Holder also believes that a training regime should incorporate what nature intended: running. “Improving your running can improve your legs. You don’t have to be excessive, but our legs were literally made to run,” he explains.
Originally published in the September 2019 issue of Vogue Arabia
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