Ashley Callingbull in Bathing Suit is "Blessed"

Ashley Callingbull, the model and former Mrs. Universe, is making Sports Illustrated history. It was announced this week that she will be the first Indigenous woman to appear in a Sports Illustrated swimsuit. Callingbull excitedly posted the news on both her Twitter and her Instagram, and she included a stunning photo in the latter’s announcement. In the photo, Callingbull wore a bright red bathing suit, captioning it, “I still can’t believe this is real. I’m officially on my journey to the Caribbean and three eagles flew over me. I feel blessed to be able to break barriers and be in spaces where others have told me I don’t belong. My heart is so happy I don’t think I’ll be able to process it all until I’m on set!” How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Ashley Callingbull stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing-Suit Photos!

1. She’s An Advocate

Callingbull is an advocate for her Indigenous culture, and is open about the injustices people face in Canada. “It wasn’t just a system that was trying to civilize us; it was genocide, and people need to accept that,” she told Fashion Magazine, recalling the news of bodies of Indigenous children being found at a school.

2. She Mixes Strength Training with Cardio

Ashley Callingbull/Instagram

Callingbull opened up about some of her go-to workouts with Flare.com, specifically the fitness routine she did to prepare for a pageant. She says that she does a mix of cardio and strength training, though not at the same time period. “I would do heavy weights at first and then cardio. Towards the end we’d do more intense cardio and conditioning where I’d be dropping more weight and getting lean and sculpted.”

3. She Works Out At Home

Callingbull, like everyone, had to do all her workouts at home when the pandemic first hit. However, she didn’t have too hard a time with this change. She revealed in this Instagram video, that her personal trainer provided her with at-home workouts throughout lockdowns. She captioned the post, “I’ve been doing mostly home workouts since April 2020. Staying focused, healthy and strong. HUGE THANKS to my trainer @lo_la_trainah for providing me with at home workout plans during the entire pandemic. I can’t thank you enough.” In the video, Callingbull is seen doing kettlebell squats, side lunges with weights, and scissor kicks.

4. She Spends Time Outside

Callingbull spends a lot of time outside, and she posts several photos and videos on Instagram of herself enjoying the great outdoors. She posted this video detailing a trip she took through the Yukon, where she was seen hiking and kayaking. She captioned the video, “Nature is our path.” Callingbull has also posted photos by the beach, at the pool, and biking through New York City.

5. She’s Comfortable With Herself

Callingbull said to InsidersFashion.com that she is comfortable with herself and with her body. “Beauty to me has a lot to do with culture and just being proud about the way you were created. I wouldn’t want to ever look like anyone else because I was made this way for a reason. Beauty is about embracing who I am every time I wake up.”