Dua Lipa can hold a headstand with ease. She can also flip into flying splits and even balance upside down on a paddleboard. The 30-year-old pop star has made exercise part of her daily rhythm, whether she is in a hotel room, a studio, or the Balearic Islands.
“I always make time to get a good workout in whenever and wherever I’m in the world,” Lipa told Vogue. Much of that effort centres on reformer pilates, a low-impact but demanding form of training.
This week, Lipa revealed she has taken her love of pilates a step further. She has joined Frame, a new company bringing reformer machines into homes, as co-founder and chief creative officer. The device comes with a screen so users can follow classes remotely. Lipa was the first person in Europe to try it at home. “I love that I can wake up, roll out of bed, and get right to it on the reformer,” she said. “I love that I see such instant results. It’s some of the best strength training for me.”
The timing is notable. Lipa is in the middle of a 37-city world tour, including a four-night run in New York. Long hours on stage mean her body must keep pace. “I’m in heels all the time, so my core is incredibly important,” she explained. “If you have a strong core, you have a strong lower back. That really helps when you’re dancing and you’re up on your feet for a very long time.”
Still, Lipa leans into the light-hearted reputation that she is “always on holiday.” She brings that sense of ease into her workouts. “Don’t overthink it,” she said. “You get a really good playlist. You throw on a really cute pilates look, something that makes you feel really good. It clears your mind.”
As for what she listens to, Lipa turns to others. “When I’m looking for something quite high intensity and powerful, I go for Nia Archives,” she said. “But I also have this stretching playlist, and I like to listen to something calming while I am doing the strength. Leon Bridges, Portishead.”
Lipa’s ability to merge discipline with pleasure may be her secret. On stage, she looks tireless. On holiday, she looks carefree. And in between, she finds balance on the reformer.
About the Author
