Ivanka Trump adds popular self-defense practice to fitness routine

Ivanka Trump, the daughter of incoming President Donald Trump, is not just a busy mother of three but also leads an active lifestyle. Always on the move, the 43-year-old recently added jiu-jitsu to her list of physical activities.

In a recent episode of The Skinny Confidential Him & Her podcast, Trump shared how her daughter, Arabella, expressed interest in learning self-defense at the age of 11. Arabella felt the need to know how to defend herself as a woman and lacked confidence in her ability to do so. Inspired by her daughter’s initiative, Trump enrolled Arabella in jiu-jitsu classes with the Valente Brothers in Miami, Florida. Soon, the entire family joined in on the martial arts training.

Trump, who is now a blue belt in jiu-jitsu, described the sport as a “moving meditation” that combines physical movement with philosophy. She appreciates how the sport “meshes physical movement” and finds it almost like a “three-dimensional chess” with a spiritual aspect rooted in samurai tradition.

During her father’s first term in the White House, Trump had little focus on fitness, only engaging in weekly runs with her husband, Jared Kushner, and “chasing the kids around the house.” However, she has always loved sports and continues to enjoy activities like skiing, surfing, and racquet sports such as padel tennis and pickleball.

In addition to jiu-jitsu, Trump has recently incorporated weightlifting and resistance training into her fitness routine. She believes in a strength training approach focused on foundational movements like squats, deadlifts, pushes, and pulls. Prioritizing form and mobility work, Trump dedicates three to four days a week to strength training, with an emphasis on increasing her protein intake to support muscle growth.

Despite her busy schedule, Trump still finds time for weekly yoga sessions, outdoor activities with her children, and sports with friends. She also includes high-intensity interval training sessions to maintain cardiovascular fitness. This balanced approach has revitalized her fitness routine and delivered significant results.

Overall, Ivanka Trump’s commitment to fitness and self-defense reflects her dedication to holistic well-being and personal empowerment. Her journey serves as an inspiration for individuals looking to prioritize physical health and mental resilience in their lives.