Brooks Nader, a rising star in the modeling world, has quickly become a fan favorite, particularly after making waves in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. The 22-year-old beauty from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has charmed the fashion industry with her radiant looks and enviable physique. Known for her natural curves and strong, toned body, Brooks is candid about the work it takes to stay in shape for her modeling career.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at Brooks Nader’s workout and diet secrets, and how she prepared for one of her most high-profile shoots in the Bahamas for Sports Illustrated. We also explore her journey in the modeling world, including her thoughts on body image and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Brooks Nader’s path to becoming a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model was anything but typical. Raised in Baton Rouge, Nader initially moved to New York to pursue modeling full-time. However, it wasn’t until she entered Sports Illustrated’s Swim Search—a casting call competition open to the public—that her career truly skyrocketed. Out of more than 10,000 hopefuls, she was handpicked by modeling icon Christie Brinkley to appear in the 2020 edition of the magazine, a moment that proved to be a life-changing opportunity.
With her natural beauty, radiant confidence, and down-to-earth personality, Brooks quickly won over not only the casting directors but also the general public. The journey wasn’t easy, and Nader has openly discussed the challenges she faced when it came to her body image and learning to embrace her natural shape.
“I had a strange relationship with food and weight for a long time,” Brooks admitted in an interview. Like many models, she initially felt pressure to conform to certain beauty standards. However, working with Sports Illustrated helped shift her perspective. Instead of striving to fit a certain mold, she learned to focus on being the best version of herself.
One of the main components of Brooks Nader’s fitness routine is boxing, which she credits with keeping her body toned and strong. Nader is a regular at boxing classes, where she enjoys the combination of cardio, strength training, and mental focus that the sport offers. Boxing helps her maintain her endurance while toning her muscles, especially her arms and core, which are key to her strong, athletic physique.
“Boxing is such a great workout because it works every part of your body,” Brooks explained. “It also keeps my endorphins going, which helps me stay motivated and energized.”
The high-intensity nature of boxing allows Brooks to get an effective workout in a shorter amount of time, which is ideal for someone with her busy schedule. Between modeling gigs, photoshoots, and public appearances, her time can be limited, so efficiency is key. Boxing also doubles as a stress reliever for Brooks, giving her an outlet to channel her energy and keep her mind focused.
Along with boxing, Brooks incorporates other forms of exercise into her routine, including weight training and Pilates. She’s a big believer in mixing up her workouts to keep things interesting and challenging. Weight training helps build muscle, while Pilates works on her core strength and flexibility. This well-rounded approach to fitness is a major reason why she maintains such a balanced and toned figure year-round.
When it comes to her diet, Brooks Nader is the first to admit that she’s had a complicated relationship with food in the past. However, after years of learning what works best for her body, Brooks has found a balanced approach to eating that keeps her energized and feeling her best.
Brooks tries to avoid sugar and dairy as much as possible, recognizing that both can cause inflammation and bloating, which aren’t ideal when preparing for a bikini shoot. By cutting back on sugar, she reduces the chances of blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can lead to fatigue and cravings. Dairy, on the other hand, can sometimes contribute to digestive issues and skin breakouts, so Brooks opts for dairy-free alternatives whenever possible.
Despite these restrictions, Brooks doesn’t believe in being overly rigid when it comes to her diet. She’s open about the fact that she has cravings and isn’t afraid to indulge them from time to time. The key for her is balance—enjoying the occasional treat while staying disciplined with her overall eating habits.
“I try not to obsess over every little thing I eat,” Brooks shared. “If I’m craving something, I’ll have it. But I always try to get back on track with healthy meals and snacks afterward.”
Brooks’ typical day of eating includes lean proteins like chicken or fish, plenty of vegetables, and complex carbohydrates such as quinoa or sweet potatoes. She also makes sure to include healthy fats, like avocados and nuts, to keep her energy levels stable. These nutrient-dense foods help fuel her body for workouts and photoshoots, ensuring she stays lean while maintaining muscle tone.
In the lead-up to her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoot in the Bahamas, Brooks intensified her fitness routine and focused even more on her nutrition. With the tropical location calling for bikinis and minimal clothing, Brooks knew she needed to be in top shape.
To prepare, she increased the frequency of her boxing sessions, adding in extra workouts to ensure she was as toned as possible. In addition to boxing, Brooks incorporated more cardio into her routine, such as running and cycling, to help shed any extra water weight or bloating.
On the diet side, Brooks stayed diligent about avoiding processed foods and keeping her meals as clean as possible. She focused on whole, unprocessed ingredients and avoided salty snacks, which can lead to water retention. Hydration was another critical aspect of her preparation, as drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and keep her skin glowing.
However, one of the most important lessons Brooks learned during her preparation was not to overthink her appearance. Rather than stressing about being “perfect,” she focused on feeling confident and healthy in her body. This mindset shift allowed her to approach the shoot with self-assurance, knowing that she was showcasing the best version of herself.
Working with Sports Illustrated has been a transformative experience for Brooks Nader, particularly when it comes to her self-image. While the modeling industry often promotes narrow standards of beauty, Sports Illustrated has been a champion of diversity and body positivity. For Brooks, this shift has been empowering.
“I’ve learned to embrace my body the way it is,” Brooks said. “Being part of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit family has taught me to be confident in myself, no matter what.”
Brooks credits the magazine with helping her feel comfortable in her skin, whether she’s posing in a bikini or sharing behind-the-scenes moments with her fans. She hopes that her journey will inspire others to feel confident in their own bodies, no matter their shape or size.
As Brooks Nader’s career continues to evolve, she remains committed to fitness, health, and self-love. With her striking looks and hardworking attitude, it’s no surprise that she’s become one of the most talked-about models in the industry.
In addition to her Sports Illustrated success, Brooks has also walked in fashion shows and worked with major brands. Her fit physique and dedication to wellness have undoubtedly played a role in her rise to fame, as more and more designers and photographers seek models who embody strength and confidence.
Whether she’s preparing for a high-profile shoot or enjoying time off, Brooks Nader’s approach to fitness and wellness serves as an inspiration to many. By prioritizing her health and embracing her natural beauty, she’s proven that staying in shape is about more than just appearances—it’s about feeling strong, confident, and happy in your own skin.