As one of the world’s most recognizable models, Doutzen Kroes knows that staying in peak shape is part of the job. On her YouTube channel, the supermodel opens up about the sports routine she follows from January to December to maintain her sculpted physique. For Doutzen, modeling isn’t about extreme workouts or rigid rules—it’s about finding disciplines that are effective, enjoyable, and sustainable. This balanced approach is one many models and model agencies admire, as it supports both physical strength and long-term well-being.
In her Doutzen Diaries video series, the model explains that her lifestyle requires her to be ready for a shoot at any moment. “I can get a phone call for a lingerie campaign at any time, so I have to be bikini- and lingerie-ready all year round,” she shares. Between New York and Amsterdam, where she lives with her family, Doutzen invites viewers into her favorite studios and introduces the coaches who support her throughout her modeling career. Her routine centers around three core activities that help her stay toned, confident, and energized.
The first pillar of her routine is Ballet Beautiful, a discipline created by former ballerina Mary Helen Bowers. Blending classical ballet techniques with modern fitness, Ballet Beautiful offers models a way to build long, lean muscles while improving posture and grace. Doutzen swears by the method, especially when she’s in New York. She explains that each session works deep muscles she didn’t even know existed, making it a powerful complement to the aesthetic demands of high-fashion modeling. For aspiring models without access to the studio, online videos and books make this ballet-inspired workout accessible anywhere in the world.
Pilates is the second essential component of Doutzen Kroes’ fitness routine. Developed by Joseph Pilates over a century ago, this method focuses on core strength, alignment, and controlled movement. Doutzen practices Pilates at Pure Pilates in Amsterdam, founded by Cheryl Frank, and credits it with transforming her posture and overall strength. For models signed to a model agency, Pilates is often recommended because it strengthens the entire body without adding bulk—ideal for runway, editorial, and commercial modeling alike. Doutzen admits it’s far more challenging than it appears, but the results speak for themselves.
Finally, dance classes have become Doutzen’s newest passion. Working with choreographer Vincent Vianen in Amsterdam, she explores styles ranging from hip-hop to urban dance. Initially pushed out of her comfort zone for a lingerie campaign, the experience changed her mindset entirely. Dance has helped her let go of self-doubt, stay playful, and reconnect with movement in a joyful way. For models, this kind of training not only keeps the body fit but also improves confidence, rhythm, and presence—qualities valued by many model agencies during castings and campaigns.
Doutzen Kroes’ approach to fitness highlights an important lesson for models at every stage of their modeling journey: consistency matters more than intensity, and enjoyment is key to longevity. By combining ballet-based workouts, Pilates, and dance, she maintains a strong, flexible body while staying mentally refreshed. It’s a routine that reflects the evolving values of the modeling industry, where health, balance, and authenticity are just as important as physical appearance.
