Maren Chinkel: a licensed trainer model whose fitness philosophy is health and balance

Maren Chinkel, an international model, not only has a stunning presence on the runway. Behind the scenes, she is a licensed personal trainer with a deep passion for fitness, which she considers the foundation of her confidence and energy both on and off the runway.

«For me, fitness is not about appearance — it’s about feeling good», - says Maren.

For her, a consistent and holistic fitness program is not about achieving a specific aesthetic result, but about promoting overall health and well-being. This philosophy has been central to her lifestyle, helping her balance a demanding career and stay healthy.

Maren’s workout philosophy is based on balance, including strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises. Despite her busy schedule, she sticks to a varied fitness program.

«I always start with a warm-up to prepare my body for movement. This is important for preventing injuries», - she explains.

Her warm-up often consists of a 10-minute run on the treadmill or, if the gym is unavailable, improvising with exercises like jumping jacks, high knees, or running in place. This short burst of cardio gets her blood flowing and prepares her body for the upcoming exercises.

Then Maren focuses on strengthening her core, which she considers the most important part of her workout.

«Core strength is everything. It stabilizes the entire body and helps with posture, balance, and overall health», - she notes.

Her core program includes exercises like crunches and other targeted movements, often based on how she feels that day. Maren also trains her back and glutes, but prefers to avoid heavy weightlifting.

«I like to use my own body weight because it tones your body and can be done anywhere», - she says.

Instead of building muscle mass, Maren’s goal is lean muscles and overall strength. She focuses on exercises that strengthen and lengthen.

«Massive muscles are not practical for my career», - she says with a smile. «But strength is always in style».

The workout always ends with a full-body stretch, which Maren considers an essential part.

«Stretching is non-negotiable. It’s important to maintain muscle flexibility and avoid tension, especially considering the demands of my career», - she shares.

As a model, Maren’s schedule is hectic, often including long flights, different time zones, and photo shoots that can last for hours. Nevertheless, she never skips a workout, no matter how her day goes.

«Some days I feel more energetic than others, and I think it’s important to respect that», - she explains.

For Maren, it’s important to listen to her body for longevity in both fitness and life.

«People often think they need to go all out every day or not work out at all. That’s the wrong mindset», - she says.

If she feels weak, she simply modifies her workout to suit her mood. «You don’t have to skip exercises if you’re tired; just adjust the intensity. On low-energy days, I do fewer repetitions or low-impact exercises, but I always move my body».

This approach to fitness emphasizes sustainability, which Maren considers important for maintaining a long-term program.

«Fitness is a lifestyle, not a trend», - she adds.

When asked how she stays consistent in her workouts with such a hectic schedule, Maren shares that her motivation is internal.

«You don’t need to spend hours in the gym — you need dedication and a routine that works for you», - says Maren.

For her, working out is an integral part of her day, like eating or sleeping. «It's just what I do, no matter where I am or how busy I am. It keeps me grounded and gives me energy for everything else».

Despite her dedication, Maren also emphasizes the importance of flexibility.

«I travel constantly, and sometimes there’s no gym around. In»