She’s making a run for it. And by “she” we mean Chelsea Freeman, a dancer and model who absolutely slays when it comes to fitness. When she isn’t killing it on the dancefloor or posing for the camera, she’s embracing her newfound love for running and all its physical/mental health benefits. Keep reading to get her tips on taking up running, learn why it’s important to have a supportive fitness community, and discover her must-have items for a successful jog. (Hint: Nike’s InfinityRN 4s are def one of them!)

As a fitness model, we can imagine you like to switch things up when it comes to exercise. What’s your favorite form of movement right now?
I actually recently got into running and discovered how amazing it is for your body! As a dancer, it’s important to cross-train and keep your muscles active in different ways, and running is such an easy way to do that because you get all your muscles involved, get warm, and get some good cardio in too!

What’s become your favorite thing about running?
I love watching how my stamina increases every time I run. It allows me to be less winded in dance class, hold positions longer, and even run faster to catch the train [laughing]! It’s also the one workout I can definitely say I see immediate results from.

What are some essential items you can’t run without?
Headphones! I like to listen to a podcast or have a good pump up playlist going, so if I forget them, I’m 100% turning around to grab them. Running can impact both your feet and knees, so having a supportive shoe is beyond important, too. That’s why I’ve been using Nike’s InfinityRN 4s. When I first put them on, my immediate thought was “comfort.” I couldn’t believe how lifted and supported my whole body felt—it was like I was walking on a cloud!

Yes! Nike’s campaign is all about finding support both physically in the shoe, but also in your community. Does that resonate with you?
Totally. The dance industry in NYC will knock you down, so a supportive community is arguably the most important thing to have as a New York City performer. My community also consists of my close friends, sorority sisters, and followers on IG. They give me an extra push of encouragement when I need it, challenge me to try new workouts, and inspire me to work harder. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to share a common interest with so many passionate individuals.

What’s something you do when you really don’t feel like getting in movement? How do you motivate yourself to get up and go?
Reminding myself of my goals. For years, I used to doubt myself and found myself in a rut because I didn’t believe I could accomplish all the things I’ve now done. So over time, I’ve taught myself to do just one thing every day that “future Chelsea” will thank me for, and it’s usually getting in some form of movement.

Ready to find your stride? Fuel your run with our killer running playlist by clicking here. 🏃‍♀️