Nina Agdal is the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue’s rookie of the year for 2012. A South Beach resident for the past 1 1/2 years, the Denmark native has become one of the world’s top bikini and lingerie models.
Her first public appearance since winning the SI title was at last weekend’s Ludus Athletics Model Beach Volleyball Tournament in South Beach, which featured modeling agencies competing against each other. But she wasn’t there to play. Sounds like basketball is more her sport.
Q: Why do you keep fit?
A: Because of my job as a model, it’s always important to stay fit. For photo shoots, you have to be in shape because from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. you’re standing up in heels or in bikinis up on toes. So I have to keep working out my legs to keep doing that.
Working out also makes you more confident. I’m not a big fan of working out, but when I’m in the gym and afterward, I feel awesome. Makes me feel good and cleans my mind.
Q: What’s your workout routine?
A: I mix it up because I get bored. Most of the times, I do circuit training at a gym in my apartment complex. Start with my arms and lift weights and then continue with my stomach and then legs and butt, which is the most important part. I have to stay fit with my butt and legs because of bikinis.
After that, if I have energy, I run for 20 minutes to keep the pulse up and burn calories. I run on a treadmill because it’s hot to run outside in Miami. I can push myself more [on a treadmill] because I have that watch in front of me and can listen to good music.
I try to exercise three days a week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday — but if I’m working or traveling it’s hard so I miss out. But I have a [resistance] band in my suitcase, so I can do it in a hotel room.
Q: Play any outdoor sports in South Florida?
A: I play basketball when I can, when the wind is not too strong and the sun is not burning me. I’ve been playing basketball for seven years, three times a week in Denmark … Makes me not think I’m working out.
Q: Ever played team sports?
A: I danced for around 10 years and went to a lot of tournaments. I’m really competitive. If we’re running around and shooting basketball, I want to be good. I don’t want to look bad in anything I do.
Q: Have you done physically active photo shoots?
A: My first shoot ever was for a Danish magazine and it was fitness. I was lifting weights. Since then, none.
Q: Does your family keep fit?
A: Definitely. My family is an active family. When on vacation, we go for long walks. My dad, a lot of soccer. My mom works out three times a week.
Agencies