Written by Margaret (Maggie) Prosser, BS, CPT

In the wake of Miley Cyrus's electrifying Grammy performance, which captivated audiences worldwide with its raw energy and powerful vocals, the multi-talented artist has once again seized the spotlight. However, beyond her mesmerizing stage presence and musical prowess lies a dedication to fitness and strength that is equally commendable. Amidst her busy schedule, Cyrus has been known to prioritize her physical and mental health through a rigorous workout routine. 

What is Miley’s magical workout routine?

Popular magazines and blogs claim Miley started doing reformer Pilates every day for thirty minutes in 2013. Pilates combines repetitive exercises performed at a slow and controlled rate while engaging the core and the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex to strengthen the muscles. Trending sites also stated she is an active yogi. Cyrus practices a very athletic version of yoga called Ashtanga yoga for two hours every day (except Sunday). Even stars like Miley take rest days. She enjoys moving her body outside of designated exercise, too. According to her Instagram she likes to run, hike, and kayak. Daily, mindful movement is key to weight loss.  

So, if I work out for two and half hours every day and I’ll look like Miley? No. You could do Pilates and yoga every day for a year and still not look like Ms. Miley. Miley has a naturally slender build. Genetics play a role in weight loss. Environment plays a large role in our weight loss journeys but genetic variations effects how we lose weight and our physique with weight loss.  

How can I incorporate Pilates or yoga into my workout routine?

We can’t confirm Miley spends two and a half hours exercising every day, but celebrities may have more scheduling flexibility than us.  

Pilates can be incorporated into a balanced workout routine and lifestyle. You can perform Pilates at home with a mat instead of a reformer. There are ample mat pilates videos on YouTube. Try adding Pilates or yoga one day per week to your current fitness routine. Pilates is not for the faint of heart. In the words of Miley, “Nothing worth it is easy.” 

Find ways to move your body throughout the day and when you are travelling like Miley does. You can up your steps easily by getting up from your desk to walk around the office. Instead of going out to brunch on vacation take a walk around the city you are visiting.  

From a Professional

Instructor Heather Jordan has been practicing Pilates for ten years and teaching Pilates for four years. Jordan says, “Joseph Pilates was far ahead of his time. So much of what we focus on in wellness circles today was already on his mind and woven into the exercise system he began to create during World War I. Pilates offers whole body wellness, seen not only in the exercises themselves, but in the breath control, coordination, and mind/body connection that underpins the whole system. I recommend Pilates to everyone I know….I can’t think of any body who wouldn’t benefit.”

Miley’s Diet

One common theme from the trending news about Miley’s strong core and legs, was that most articles talked more about her diet than her Pilates routine. You can’t work out a bad diet. Your diet is crucial to weight loss.  

Cyrus was previously vegan but has introduced fish and omega-3s back into her diet due to brain fog. She claimed no number of avocados can make up for the low levels of essential fats she needed. Protein is made up of amino acids. Amino acids make essential neurotransmitters and neuromodulators that are imperative for cognitive performance and mood state.  

Final Thoughts

Pilates builds strength, flexibility, and core stability. Ashtanga yoga has an anti-inflammatory effect that can have a protective effect against disease. Workouts don’t need to be scheduled. Weight loss happens with movement. Move your body freely every day and you will see a difference in your results. Whether you are a busy mom cleaning your house, working on your feet all day, or taking a leisurely walk after dinner – count it as movement!  

Working out is does more than drop the scale. Weight loss can make you more confident and decrease your chance of developing a chronic disease.

Starting your weight loss journey can be intimidating, but don’t worry! Click here to learn more about how The Millennial Nutritionist can pair you with a nutrition professional to get you on track to your goals in a healthy and sustainable way. 

Check out the rest of our blog posts for more ideas on weight loss!

References
Abbott M, Killian T, Walsh C, Yim V. The effects of Ashtanga yoga on circulating adipokines and inflammatory associated miRNAs. 2018;32(1). doi: 10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.lb267 

Journel M, Chaumontet C, Darcel N, Fromentin G, Tomé D. Brain responses to high-protein diets. Adv Nutr. 2012;3(3):322-329. doi:10.3945/an.112.002071 

Kloubec J. Pilates: how does it work and who needs it?. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2011;1(2):61-66. 

Lieberman H. The role of protein and amino acids in sustaining and enhancing performance. In: Amino Acid and Protein Requirements: Cognitive Performance, Stress, and Brain Function. Washington (DC). National Academies Press. 1999;14. 

Loos, R.J.F., Yeo, G.S.H. The genetics of obesity: from discovery to biology. Nat Rev Genet 23, 120–133 (2022). doi: 10.1038/s41576-021-00414-z