Social media influencer Alix Earle has disclosed the unconventional fitness regimen that prepared her for one of the most coveted assignments in modeling: a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover. Speaking with TMZ Sports in New York City on Tuesday, Earle attributed her physical readiness to an entirely different spotlight—the dance floor of a primetime competition series.
When asked about her preparation for the prestigious cover shoot, Earle's response was succinct and surprising: "Dancing With The Stars!!" The influencer, known for her popular "Get Ready With Me" video content, competed on the ABC competition show last year alongside professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. The pair secured second place in the competition, finishing behind Robert Irwin and Witney Carson.
The weeks of intensive rehearsals and live performances required for the dance competition provided Earle with a comprehensive physical conditioning program that translated directly to her modeling work. Dance training combines cardiovascular endurance, strength building, flexibility, and body awareness—elements that align with the physical demands of professional modeling.
However, Earle was quick to emphasize that physical perfection is not the defining characteristic of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's editorial vision. The influencer praised the publication's inclusive approach to beauty and body representation, noting that the magazine has built its reputation on celebrating diversity rather than conformity to a single aesthetic standard.
"I think that's the thing about S.I. is they just empower everyone, so you feel good no matter what. And that's a really special thing about them," Earle stated. Her comments reflect the magazine's deliberate evolution over recent years toward featuring models, athletes, and celebrities representing a wide spectrum of body types, ages, and backgrounds.
The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue features four cover models: Earle, Hilary Duff, Nicole Williams English, and Tiffany Haddish. This multi-cover approach allows the publication to showcase different personalities and body types simultaneously, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive representation. The magazine will hit newsstands nationally on Monday, May 26, 2026, featuring an extensive roster of celebrities and athletes across its pages.
Earle's journey from social media content creation to competitive dance television to high-profile modeling demonstrates the increasingly fluid boundaries between digital influence and traditional media opportunities. Her candid discussion of body image and the importance of inclusive beauty standards resonates with her substantial online following while contributing to broader conversations about representation in fashion and media.
The revelation that dance training served as Earle's primary physical preparation also highlights an alternative to conventional fitness routines often associated with modeling. Rather than adhering to restrictive dietary protocols or intensive gym regimens, Earle's experience suggests that engaging in enjoyable physical activities—particularly those that challenge the body in varied ways—can provide effective preparation for demanding professional commitments.
