The month of Oct has a number of events that are iconic and one of them is the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show that blends the brand, models, personalities and entertainers together here in NYC. Walking the runway, rocking the wings and harnassing all of that energy means preparation. Some of that preparation involves working out so that each person has the confidence in how they feel and look. Kirk Myers, founder of DOGPOUND Gym has been working with models since 2016. We wanted to know more about how he approaches this show with his clients, how we can incorporate their workouts into our own sessions, and the power of recovery and hydration! If you missed the show, we have soem of our favorite moments.
ATHLEISURE MAG: How long have you been doing this runway-model prep work? What’s your ideal timeline when a client has a target date?
KIRK MYERS: I’ve been a trainer for over 20 years, and The Victoria’s Secret Angel work began around 2016 when I was introduced to Jasmine Tookes by her hairstylist Marty Harper. The ideal timeline would be around 12 -16 weeks, but can be adjusted according to their goals. If I know ahead of time that someone has a runway show, we can adjust quickly.
AM: What are your go-to tips you give in prep for the show?
KM: My go-to tips are:
○ Core control & breathing over “abs for show.” Engaging the core properly (with breathing) supports everything—not just aesthetics.
○ Train for function and movement, not just isolation. For models, strength, mobility, stability, sometimes boxing, and other low-impact work, like resistance bands, help keep the body balanced.
○ Volume + consistency wins. We usually go through repeated higher-rep cycles (bands, sliders, and bodyweight) to fatigue.
○ Recovery & rest built in. Models don’t want to be constantly sore. So I suggest rest days, lower-impact exercises, stretching, and hydration to aid recovery. Replenishing electrolytes with something like Vita Coco helps restore balance and supports muscle repair after training.
○ Tailor every plan - I like to tailor each plan to the client. Taking into account what they’ve done before, while adapting our training to include what they enjoy most.”
AM: For a beach-body runway feel (or just prepping for a vacation), what are 3 workouts to include?
KM: Here are three I would include with some variation:
○ Circuit of Resistance Bands + Bodyweight Supersets - Combine exercises like banded glute bridges, lateral band walks, pushups, inverted rows, core planks, etc., in supersets. Very model-prep friendly.
○ Core & Anti-Rotation Movements - Moves like planks, side planks, and medicine ball slams. These help define the waistline and improve posture.
○ Low-to-Moderate Load, Metabolic Strength Rounds - Use lighter weights with higher reps in a circuit style (e.g. walking lunges, dumbbell swings, overhead presses) to build lean muscle while metabolically challenging the body (i.e., burning fat). You can layer those with mobility work, active rest, and light cardio (walking, incline treadmill, etc.) for extra burn without overtaxing the body.
AM: How important is functional strength training and what does that look like?
KM: It’s pretty important to help create a balanced look. Functional strength means strength you can use: stability, balance, core control, coordination, and mobility integrated for daily life.
What that entails:
○ Multi-joint movements (squats, deadlifts, lunges, and presses)
○ Single-leg, unilateral work (e.g. single-leg deadlifts, Bulgarian split squats)
○ Core + anti-rotational work (to resist twist and torque)
○ Mobility + stability paired (e.g. loaded carries with anti-lateral fl exion as well as crawling patterns)
○ Dynamic & reactive work (e.g. plyometrics, mini bounds, and stability challenges) where appropriate
AM: Recovery is essential. What recovery rituals do you suggest?
KM: I would suggest the following:
○ Active recovery and mobility days (light movement, yoga, stretching, as well as foam rolling)
○ Massage, soft tissue work, and percussion devices
○ Quality sleep
○ Hydration + electrolytes through beverages such as Vita Coco
○ Compression and stretching post-workout
AM: Let’s talk hydration! How important is it before, during, and after a workout?
KM: It is important before and after! I recommend hydrating well in the hours leading up, especially with something electrolyte-heavy like Vita Coco. Coconut water is one of the most effective natural ways to hydrate since it is packed with potassium, magnesium, and sodium to help your muscles perform at their best. Bring a water bottle filled with Vita Coco to sip on throughout your workout; it’ll keep you refreshed without the artificial dyes found in many sports drinks.
Post-workout, hydration is just as key. Vita Coco helps replenish electrolytes lost through sweat, supporting faster recovery and preventing that sluggish, dehydrated feeling that can follow a tough session. Think of it as the natural way to power your performance and bounce back stronger.
AM: How can we juggle fitness goals and holiday season indulgences?
KM: I don’t want clients to go into guilt mode. We can plan to be smart, be fl exible, and stay consistent with habits even during the holiday season. Clients do virtual training to maintain balance and also focus on nutrition so they can continue to make healthier choices, even while traveling. Going for a walk is always a good idea!
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 156/Kirk Myers | PG 159 - 161 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show |
IN PHOTO | CANDICE SWANEPOEL
IN THE PHOTOS | L: Angel Reese + R: Emily Ratajkowski
Read the OCT ISSUE #118 of Athleisure Mag and see FITNESS ANGELS WITH Kirk Myers in mag.
