Isabelle Mathers knows how to stay fit and glowing, whether she’s posing for a camera or tackling her morning routine. In a recent Instagram post, she showcased her toned physique in workout attire, promoting the latest in her “im x @csb lineup.” Her approach to health isn’t just about fitness – it’s about finding balance in diet, exercise, and self-care. She starts her days with a few yoga-inspired stretches, followed by a cup of coffee for a quick pick-me-up before her morning strength training session. When it comes to diet, she follows an 80-20 rule, allowing flexibility over the weekend, and takes extra steps to prepare her body for shoots by staying hydrated and slightly adjusting her diet.
Isabelle understands the importance of stretch. “I love to start my days by stretching for 5-10 mins after I wake up, ” she tells Women Fitness. “For stretching, I love a downward dog, froggy stretch on the floor & anything yoga related, following a yoga flow in the morning is something I love to do.” “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints,” says Harvard Health. “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”
After she stretches, Isabelle enjoys a cup of coffee before hitting the gym. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are several benefits of drinking coffee in moderation. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point out.
Isabelle does “an hour training session in the early morning,” she tells Women Fitness. “For me, I only incorporate about 10 minutes of cardio at the beginning of my work out as a warm up, I really like skipping,” she says. “I love weighted hip thrusts, squats, lunges & core exercises.” According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:
- Develop strong bones
- Manage your weight
- Enhance your quality of life
- Manage chronic conditions
- Sharpen your thinking skills
Isabelle divulged details about ehr diet to Women Fitness. “I prefer to train of a morning on a empty stomach, although I do have my coffee before working out to wake me up. After training, I love a big meal, 2 pieces of avocado toast with eggs & a protein shake. Definitely don’t have any secrets to maintaining a slim torso. Eat well, exercise regularly & your body will love you for it!” she said. “My favorite meal of the day would definitely be dinner, yummmm. My top 3 healthy snacks would be: 2 handfuls of baby tomatoes, some brown rice crackers with dip & carrot with hummus! Something I love to follow with my diet is eating healthy throughout the week & on the weekend eats whatever you want whenever you want! 80-20 rule is great!”
How does Isabelle prep for a big shoot? “Oooo, definitely a slight change in diet for the 2 days before the shoot, sticking to low calorie/low carb meals. I like to make sure I work out at least 4 times in the week before a swim shoot. Taking care of your skin & drinking plenty of water!” she says. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.