Lifestyle

How Alessandra Ambrosio, 43, got in shape for Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show return

Alessandra Ambrosio had a strict health and fitness routine to prepare for her return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway — seven years after hanging up her wings.

“Fueling my mind and body 💪🏻 Before the main event comes a lot of preparation!!” Ambrosio, 43, captioned an Instagram video detailing her exercise and dieting prep six days ahead of the event.

The former Victoria’s Secret Angel shared that she eats eggs and avocado on toast, and would usually add bacon but had been skipping the meaty treat to make sure she’s in tip-top shape.

Alessandra Ambrosio shared how she shaped up before coming out of retirement and walking in the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Tuesday. FilmMagic
The former Victoria’s Secret Angel shared her healthy breakfast of eggs and avocado toast in a video shared to her Instagram on Thursday. Instagram/@alessandraambrosio

“I try to be healthy,” she said, before sharing that she was about to work out for the second time that day.

“In a little bit I’m gonna be working out again because that’s my everyday routine for the show.”

The model then filmed herself hitting the gym, starting out with some light cardio by jogging on the treadmill and shifting to some core workouts on the floor.

From there, she was seen strengthening her arms with weights and arm bands and working out her legs by utilizing ankle weights.

Ambrosio also showed a glimpse at her gym routine ahead of the event. Instagram/@alessandraambrosio
The model was seen doing crunches on the floor with her trainer in the video. Instagram/@alessandraambrosio

Following her second workout, Ambrosio said that she likes to blend up a protein smoothie.

The healthy liquid snack is low in sugar and contains superfoods like spirulina and cacao mixed with “good fats” like avocado, she shared.

“For the show, I make sure to focus on lean protein and vegetables,” Ambrosio explained, while dining on a plate of seared salmon with a side of asparagus and green dressing.

She used medium weights to tone her arms. Instagram/@alessandraambrosio
Ambrosio utilized ankle weights to get her glutes looking good. Instagram/@alessandraambrosio

Ambrosio also shared a glimpse inside her beauty routine — getting her nails done while wearing a red-light therapy facemask, which can aid in preventing wrinkles and rejuvenating the skin.

The PatBo collaborator reflected on making her return to the high-profile lingerie show after retiring as a Victoria’s Secret model in 2017.

“[It is a] very unique experience and [a] very unique feeling to know that I’m walking the Victoria’s Secret fashion show again,” she shared in the video. “I don’t think I ever expected [it] but, you know, life is full of surprises, so it’s fun.”

She also used arm bands for lengthening. Instagram/@alessandraambrosio
She showed off her perfect squat form while holding a kettlebell. Instagram/@alessandraambrosio

Ambrosio walked in the company’s 2024 fashion show in Brooklyn, NY, on Tuesday.

She made her way down the star-studded catwalk wearing a black lace teddy with a mesh bedazzled skirt paired with towering black stilettos with wrap-around ankle straps and spiky silver wings.

The Vogue cover star stepped back from her role at the fashion company in 2017 after 17 years with the brand.

Ambrosio said she likes to drink a protein smoothie filled with power foods after her weight-lifting session. Instagram/@alessandraambrosio
“For the show, I make sure to focus on lean protein and vegetables,” Ambrosio shared while eating salmon and asparagus. Instagram/@alessandraambrosio
The model made sure to keep up with her beauty routine between her workouts. Instagram/@alessandraambrosio
“[It is a] very unique experience and [a] very unique feeling to know that I’m walking the Victoria’s Secret fashion show again,” she said in the video. Instagram/@alessandraambrosio

“Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have been working for this amazing brand that inspires me and women all over the world,” she wrote in an Instagram post on Nov. 21, 2017.

“In my wildest dreams I would have never imagined doing 17 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows.”

She continued, “Thank you Ed, and all my Victoria’s Secret family for making these memories unforgettable. Last night was so emotional to say goodbye to my #angel sisters but we put on the biggest and best show ever. I could not have done this without all the love and support from my fans.”

Ambrosio wore black lingerie while walking in the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Brooklyn, NY, on Tuesday. WireImage
The ensemble was completed with shimmery wings and a mesh skirt. Getty Images for Victoria's Secret
Ambrosio, seen here at the afterparty on Oct. 15, retired from modeling with the bra brand in 2017 after 17 years with the company. GC Images

“It gives me great pride to be part the Victoria’s Secret movement! I will always be cheering for you! Love you forever ❤️,” she concluded.

The fashionista decided that she wanted to quit working with the brand to spend more time with her two kids: son Noah, 12, and daughter Anja, 16.

Ambrosio shares her children with her ex-partner Jamie Mazur, with whom she was in a long-term relationship from 2005 to 2018.