I work out to feel strong and in control, not to stay slim, says top US model
MODEL Hilary Rhoda has added her voice to the growing “strong not skinny” movement, saying she loves to keep fit because it gives her “mental clarity”.
The American, 29, who was scouted at 16 and appeared on the cover of US Vogue four years later, is one of many models who are embracing sports and promoting a positive body image — including kickboxing fan Karlie Kloss and Gigi Hadid, a keen cross-trainer.
Rhoda’s comments come as the debate over body confidence and scrutiny of women’s bodies has once again made headlines, with Jennifer Aniston hitting out at criticisms of her appearance. The actress said she is sick of being “measured against some warped standard of beauty”.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has said Transport for London will ban “body-shaming” advertisements following outrage last summer over Protein World’s “Are you beach body ready?” poster, which featured a model in a bikini.
In an interview with ES Magazine Rhoda spoke about her love of exercise and staying strong. The 5ft 11in model was keen on sport at school, where she played basketball with the boys and thought “being tall was cool”. Rhoda, who is best-known for her campaigns for Estée Lauder and who often appears in Sports Illustrated, now works out for 90 minutes a day. She has taken up dance cardio and spin classes and regularly visits celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson’s New York gym.
Dr Becky Spelman, a psychologist at Harley Street’s Private Therapy Clinic, said: “Women are understanding that skinny doesn’t mean healthy and that strength and working on what you can do with your body rather than restricting yourself is far more empowering.” As Rhoda travels for work, she said she never goes anywhere without a skipping rope and 3lb weights. Asked why, she said: “It makes me feel good and it gives me that mental clarity.”
The model, who is married to Canadian former professional hockey player Sean Avery, 36, said she would never crash-diet for a photoshoot. Like an athlete, she refers to food as “fuel”. Her breakfast is usually Greek yoghurt with granola and fruit or eggs and hot sauce, she eats plenty of salads— and loves peanut M&Ms.
‘Women are understanding that skinny doesn’t mean healthy and that strength is far more empowering’ Psychologist Dr Becky Spelman