Charlotte McKinney talks to DailyMail.com about fitness

Just by looking at her Instagram account, it’s clear Charlotte McKinney is passionate about fitness.

But wellness is not a passing phase for the model-turned-actress – it’s a lifestyle.  

McKinney, 24, spoke with DailyMail.com about staying in shape on the road, eating well, feeling confident on Instagram, and working with STRONG by Zumba.

‘I have to workout, almost everyday,’ McKinney, who shot to stardom after appearing in a Carl’s Jr. commercial, explained of squeezing in workouts on her busy schedule. 

‘I try and take the weekends off. For me, my workout is key…I need to get that cardio in, I need to get my abs going, I gotta get moving!’

Exercising has become an integral part of her daily routine.

‘I don’t feel good when I don’t workout,’ she explains.

‘I have to workout, almost everyday,’ McKinney, who shot to stardom after appearing in a Carl’s Jr. commercial, explained of squeezing in workouts on her busy schedule (pictured July 2017)

The actress has recently become ‘hooked’ on the dance-based exercise, Zumba.  

Charlotte was speaking with DailyMail.com before the launch of Steve Aoki’s exclusive new music for HIIT workout STRONG by Zumba. 

The music, which was developed by Aoki specifically for STRONG by Zumba workouts, makes exercising ‘feel like you’re at a club in Miami,’ Charlotte raved.

‘I do a lot of yoga and barre, sculpting class, but for me I just needed a bit of that cardio. 

Putting in the leg work! McKinney explained to DailyMail.com that she only takes breaks from her workouts on the weekends 

‘For me these classes are great because they’re high-intensity, lots of great music, the energy’s up, for me these classes are amazing, I love it. I don’t even feel like I’m working out when I do it, ’cause the music’s so fun.’

McKinney’s diet has recently become more plant-based, which means the actress is still eating healthy even when she cheats from time to time. 

‘I’ve recently gone mostly plant based, so for me, if I’m cheating, I’m having like coconut ice cream,’ she said. 

‘It’s all about finding those healthy treats’: McKinney’s diet has recently become more plant-based, which means the actress is still eating healthy even when she cheats from time to time

‘So there’s ways to cheat as being plant based and not having dairy. For me, I’ve been dairy-free for years. So it’s all about finding those healthy treats where I can indulge but not feel so horrible after.’

It can be tough staying so healthy all the time, but Charlotte has clearly remained disciplined. 

‘It’s tough but there’s always healthy options like everywhere I go nowadays, so just finding those healthy options is key with travelling.’ 

‘I have those photos, where I’m like, “That’s going nowhere!”‘: And for those feeling insecure about posting bikini photos online, Charlotte can empathize

And for those feeling insecure about posting bikini photos online, Charlotte can empathize.

‘I think right now we’re in a time where everyone is very open with their body, and can post a photo that’s not perfect and we’re okay with it. For me, it’s all about being confident in yourself.

‘Trust me, I have those days, I have those photos, where I’m like, “That’s going nowhere!” So I can relate to every girl, that one picture you see on Instagram, there’s 2000 more that aren’t perfect.’

But the actress advises: ‘For me, I like to just know I do everything I can to stay healthy and feel good, and I think for the women just getting in shape and feeling good, as long as you feel healthy and you’re exercising and eating right, I think that’s the best you can do.’ 

Next up, Charlotte will be appearing in the upcoming film Literally, Right Before Aaron, which she says was directed by her friend, Ryan Eggold. 

Next up: Charlotte will be appearing in the upcoming film Literally, Right Before Aaron, which she says was directed by her friend, Ryan Eggold (pictured August 2017)