Astrid Swan: Exceptionally Talented and Stunningly Beautiful Fitness Expert and Model Reveals her Fitness, Diet and Beauty Secrets   

Ms. Namita Nayyar: You must have been interested in fitness and sports at an early age. You started your career as an international model at the age of 15. Later you were encouraged & motivated to do fitness modeling. You reached the pinnacle of success by being a leading fitness supermodel and fitness trainer. Tell us about your journey that took you to the the world of fitness?

Ms. Astrid Swan: Funny enough, fitness was a struggle for me growing up! It was my brother who was the leader in sports and I learned from his tenacity when it came to dedication to health, wellness and hard work in putting in time in the gym. When I started modeling, I quickly was told that I needed to lose weight and also needed to have strength and endurance to be on set for hours.

So many of my peers were making bad choices for their health to achieve the required demands of agents and clients. I made a choice to be different and find another way to fit the mold, to learn how to eat right and to get my butt to the gym! Once I started doing that, my peers in the industry took notice and I started to teach and train them and organically, I was becoming not only a fitness trainer but a wellness and lifestyle coach.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: You earned professional certifications from National Academy of Sports Medicine, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, American Council on Exercise, being a Fitness Nutrition Specialist and TRX certified. How such qualification and educational background has helped you in carving out a career as an established celebrity fitness trainer?

Ms. Astrid Swan: I am a big believer in 2 things: 1: The best teacher is a student. 2: You can never stop learning! I love to take different fitness classes around town and learning from trainers both past and present. I absorb the atmosphere, the cues from the trainer, the exercises and I appreciate all forms of fitness. Earning my professional certifications and continuing my education by adding more to my belt keeps me up to date on the latest science, form, techniques, etc. I never want to be a stale "phone it in" trainer. I love that my clients say they are never bored and that no workout is ever the same!
 

Ms. Namita Nayyar: What is your motivation to take a multi-faceted personality of a fitness model, fitness trainer, nutritional expert and an athlete?

Ms. Astrid Swan: My motivation comes from within, something that I have felt since I was 3 years old! I have always wanted people to feel good about themselves and to live their life to the fullest with health, confidence and happiness. I feel grateful every day for the position that I am in and I am motivated by everyone around me. There is nothing more motivating or fulfilling than seeing a client gain self confidence.

Ms. Namita Nayyar: Share your exercise routine that you do to maintain such a bikini perfect physique?

Ms. Astrid Swan: I work out 5 times a week and always give myself two days of rest. REST. Not, "oh I'll go do a hike or a yoga class"... actual rest! I lift heavy weights 4 times a week and I do a more cardio hiit one day a week. I push hard for 45-60 minute workout sessions. Lifting heavy is no secret to a great shape but so many people are shocked by it when they ask me! I can't tell you how many times people will say "You must run 10 miles a day and not lift over 3lb weights"

Couldn't be further from the truth! Try 20lbs for my biceps, try 70lbs for my butt and legs... :) I love when I go to a gym and I lift heavier than the guys!
 

Ms. Namita Nayyar: What is your diet? Do you take a particular fixed regulated diet comprising of nutrients and vitamins to keep you in perfect health?

Ms. Astrid Swan: First of all, I never diet! I don't jump on the latest trends. What I do is simple and it works. I never skip breakfast, I eat every 3 hours and I don't drink my calories! I do not eat dairy except for 2% Greek yogurt. Dairy and I have not been friends forever! I don't eat pasta but that is because I have never liked it! I love all kinds of vegetables and will eat them in season.

I eat a lot of chicken and fish, rarely do I eat red meat but I don't have an issue if that is on the menu! When I fly, I always pack my own food to eat on the plane. If I am going out to a restaurant, I will look up the menu before I go to have an idea of if I need to politely ask for some modifications. I take an extra step in preparation because it is worth it in the end.