New York Knicks cheerleader McKenzie Landis took a break from her busy New York schedule over the summer to get some sun and fun in Miami, Florida. Landis shared pictures of her trip, including snaps of herself posing in a green bikini and matching shirt against a background of sand and sea. “Miami takeover loading,” she captioned the post. “YOU ARE THE MOMENT,” a friend commented. Landis is one of the most accomplished dancers for the Knicks: Here’s how the dancer is on top of her game and only getting better.
1. Class of 2023
Landis is a proud college graduate. “We did it class of 2023!” she captioned an Instagram post. “Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Commercial Dance ✅
~ these past four years have taught me so much here at Pace and I couldn't be more grateful for the friendships I’ve made, professors who pushed me, and the continued support from my family! I can't wait to embark on this new post grad journey!”
2. Hiking In LA
Landis loves taking long hikes when she’s on the West Coast. “Being in nature decreases anxiety and includes some benefits such as an increase in cognition and affect, or feelings and emotions,” says ACE Certified Health Coach Jen Kates, Pn2, NASM-CPT. “Being in nature may also provide the opportunity to be more mindful and present to the moment you’re experiencing, which has been shown to reduce stress and blood pressure.”
3. Animal Lover
Landis loves animals, especially her dog Oakley. “Pets can benefit your health in many different ways,” says the American Heart Association. “They can help raise fitness levels. They can help lower stress, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Best of all, pets can boost people’s overall happiness and well-being.”
4. Veteran Knicks Dancer
Landis is officially a Knicks dancer veteran, as she detailed in a social media post. “Officially on vet status… I’m returning to the court for the 2023-2024 season and I couldn't be more excited!! so honored to be a part of such an iconic group of ladies that bring a special type of fire to the court!! y’all not ready for what’s in store this season! 🔥🔥As always thank you to @fatima_noir for believing in me. I’m beyond blessed to be able to work under your direction again! Also thank you to my dream team!!”
5. Dance Professional
While all cheerleaders have to know how to dance, Landis is a step above. “The evidence for the health benefits of exercise is indisputable,” say the experts at Harvard Health. “Physiologic studies have demonstrated that regular activity builds muscle and bone, reduces fat, increases aerobic capacity, lowers blood pressure, and improves the ratio of ‘good’ to ‘bad’ cholesterol. Dance has been shown to have all the benefits of other forms of exercise.”