Emily Ratajkowski, often known as Emrata, is not only a successful model but also a relatable figure when it comes to fitness and wellness. With over 29 million followers on Instagram and a career that puts her in the spotlight, one might assume she spends hours at the gym or follows a strict regimen to maintain her figure. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Ratajkowski’s approach to exercise and self-care is surprisingly down-to-earth, showcasing her belief in balance, flexibility, and mental well-being.
Unlike the stereotypical image of celebrities who rise early, start their day with intense workouts, and have elaborate morning routines, Ratajkowski takes a different approach. She prefers to work out in the evenings, viewing it more as a way to unwind and relax rather than an essential task that must be completed first thing in the morning. Her choice to use exercise as part of her nighttime self-care ritual is refreshing, and it offers a more realistic way for many people to incorporate fitness into their daily lives.
“I’m one of those people who, if I go to the gym by myself, there’s a 50/50 chance of me actually working out and really pushing myself,” says Ratajkowski, candidly admitting that she struggles with solo gym sessions. For her, the key to staying motivated lies in group fitness classes. Ratajkowski has partnered with STRONG by Zumba, a high-intensity workout program that combines both cardio and strength training. Unlike the original Zumba, which is heavily dance-focused, STRONG emphasizes syncing exercises to music, which helps participants stay focused and energized throughout the session.
This method of syncing music to movement has worked wonders for Ratajkowski, as she often finds herself distracted in traditional workout environments. “I am also someone who, even in a class, will get chatty and distracted,” she says. The music in STRONG, however, keeps her engaged and in the zone. She likens the experience to feeling like Superwoman, pushing her body harder than she normally would, all while having fun. The music-driven intensity of the workout ensures that she doesn’t even realize how much effort she’s putting in until after the session is over.
While many people view exercise as something to check off their to-do list at the start of the day, Ratajkowski uses it to unwind. She finds that working out in the evening helps her sleep better, especially in today’s world where we’re constantly attached to our phones. “For me, the way I sleep afterward is one of the main reasons to work out. I am always on my phone working, and I think that’s affected my sleep,” she admits. As a light sleeper who is sensitive to noise and light, exercise provides her body with the kind of physical exertion it needs to rest fully. It’s a natural alternative to taking melatonin or other sleep aids, and she finds that her mind is finally able to relax after a good workout.
Beyond fitness, Ratajkowski has broadened her approach to wellness by incorporating mental health practices into her routine. Like many people, she previously saw physical and mental health as two separate entities, but in recent years, she’s come to understand how interconnected they are. This shift in perspective has helped her find a more balanced approach to self-care. For Ratajkowski, mental wellness can be as simple as taking time for herself, indulging in her favorite foods, and allowing herself to unwind in the comfort of her home.
She acknowledges that sometimes wellness means skipping a night out in favor of staying in, ordering takeout, and watching TV in bed. This relatable perspective shows that Ratajkowski isn’t trying to live up to any unrealistic standards. Instead, she values balance, knowing that a cozy night in can be just as beneficial for her mental health as an intense workout session.
Her belief in the connection between mental and physical health extends to her thoughts on how self-care can combat the stresses of modern life. Ratajkowski, like many others, feels the weight of the 24/7 news cycle and the pressures that come with constant connectivity. To counteract these stresses, she’s become intentional about setting boundaries with her phone and social media usage. “One of the things that I don’t always do, and I wish I did more, is sleep with the phone outside of my bedroom,” she says. Ratajkowski understands the psychological toll that constant phone access can take, even while we’re asleep. Keeping her phone out of her bedroom is one small way she takes control of her stress and ensures that her mind has a chance to fully relax.
Given her active presence on Instagram, it might come as a surprise that Ratajkowski is conscious about limiting her time on the platform. She has set time limits on her apps and restricts her Instagram usage to just one hour a day. In addition, she’s made the deliberate decision not to receive news alerts on her phone, preferring instead to choose when and how she consumes news. This allows her to maintain control over the information she’s exposed to, rather than being bombarded with potentially anxiety-inducing headlines throughout the day.
Ratajkowski’s approach to social media and news consumption offers a valuable lesson in mindfulness. By setting boundaries with her phone and consciously managing her media intake, she’s able to create space for herself to focus on more fulfilling activities, like writing. While she doesn’t practice meditation, she finds writing to be a therapeutic way to unwind and disengage from the noise of the outside world. Ratajkowski is currently working on a collection of essays, and the process of writing has provided her with a creative outlet that helps her stay grounded.
Though her career as a model keeps her in the public eye, Ratajkowski has made it clear that she prioritizes balance and mental health in her life. She’s found ways to stay in shape, manage stress, and practice self-care, all while maintaining a down-to-earth attitude that makes her relatable to her millions of followers. For those looking for inspiration on how to lead a healthier and more balanced life, Ratajkowski’s routine offers valuable insights. From her manageable workout routine to her realistic approach to self-care, she’s proof that you don’t need an elaborate regimen to stay fit and feel good.
In conclusion, Emily Ratajkowski’s wellness philosophy is built on balance and finding what works best for her unique lifestyle. Whether she’s taking a STRONG by Zumba class, indulging in Thai food in bed, or limiting her social media use, she prioritizes both physical and mental well-being in a way that feels authentic and achievable. While her modeling career might make her seem larger than life, her approach to fitness and self-care is refreshingly relatable, showing that even the most high-profile celebrities are just like the rest of us when it comes to staying healthy.