For Maren Tschinkel the go-go pace of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is no excuse to lose her focus on health and fitness. In fact, the gorgeous former Miss Germany uses the excitement of the week to double down on her healthy habits to help her make it through. Maren shares a BTS on NYFW and she how incorporates healthy habits to keep her energy high during the busiest week of the Fall.
For Maren a healthy lifestyle comes naturally. She was raised in Germany and credits her family for her commitment to wellness. She shares, “In my home we always ate fresh, whole foods and moved everyday. My parents showed by example how to have a healthy and balanced life.”
As an adult living in New York City and modeling, Maren sees the results of her health-focused upbringing. So much so that she launched a podcast, “Health Hacks,” now available on Spotify. On the podcast, she explores topics around health, wellbeing and longevity. “It is so easy to lose sight of your well-being during busy times like NYFW. I have to be mindful to get the nutrition, exercise, and rest to look and feel my best,” she explains. Here is a peak behind the scenes with Maren during NYFW to see how she prioritizes self-care to thrive (and shine!).
The work for an in-demand fashion model like Maren during NYFW begins long before the day of the show. Maren attends castings at fashion houses all over town to meet with designers as they plan their shows. Based on these “go-sees,” the fashion shows are cast. Once Maren knows her line-up of shows, she has fittings to make sure the clothes and accessories are perfect. Some designers want hair and make up tests to perfect the looks as well.
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Early Morning: The Calm Before the Storm
Maren’s day begins early. For her, mornings are sacred—a time to center herself and set the tone for the whirlwind that lies ahead. She washes her hair, but keeps her face free from makeup. “Every designer and their creative team has a different vision on how they want me to look. My job is to show up as a clean slate so I can make their vision come to life on the catwalk,” Maren says.
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Mid-morning: Hair, Makeup, and the Backstage Hustle
Maren hits the streets, walking to get in extra steps if possible. Once backstage at NYFW is a world unto itself—a buzzing hive of activity where models, makeup artists, and stylists converge to create the looks that will soon be paraded down the runway.
“Every show has its own vibe, but there always people hurrying around to get their part of the show done. Even with the weeks of the preparation, backstage is usually pretty frantic,” Maren laughs.
Hair and makeup can take hours, with designers often requesting last-minute changes that keep everyone on their toes. With an average of five to 15 models getting ready for the show there can be plenty of hurry up and wait. For Maren, staying healthy is a non-negotiable part of this process.“You never know what kind of food will be provided backstage, so I always bring my own snacks,” she shares. “I want to be fueled and focused, but not fill up on the wrong foods that might make me feel sluggish. By bringing my own snacks like organic fruits and vegetables and healthy proteins, I know I will be ready for the show and not just mindlessly eating the available food.”
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Midday: The Runway Rush
After hours of preparation, it’s finally time to hit the runway. The show itself might only last a few minutes, but the energy and excitement are palpable. Often she will have one or more outfit changes during the show. “Walking in New York NYFW is an adrenaline rush like no other. You come off the runway and an entire team descends on you. In seconds, I am in a new outfit from head to toe and heading back out to the catwalk,” Maren admits.
For Maren, this means staying hydrated, maintaining her energy levels, and ensuring she’s physically and mentally prepared for the demands of the catwalk.
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Late afternoon: Fittings and Final Touches
The show might be over, but the day is far from done. Sometimes, Maren runs out the door to a second show. Other times she heads out to fittings for shows later in the week. After a quick change back into her street clothes, Maren is on the move. Designers often request last-minute adjustments, and Maren’s ability to remain adaptable is key to her success. “This is where my mindset comes in. I have to be ready for anything,” she says. “I remind myself that all of this is part of the process, and staying calm and healthy is essential,” she notes.
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Early evening: Unwinding with Wellness
After a long day, Maren finally returns home, but her day is not over. Dinner is full of nutritious ingredients that replenish her body and prepare her for the next day. Fitness is a part of Maren’s routine that she never skips over. Even after a grueling day, she exercises, whether it’s a session at the gym or a more restorative practice like yoga. “Moving my body is my non-negotiable. It’s how I stay balanced and energized and ready for the next day of NYFW,” Maren shares.
For Maren Tschinkel, being a model is about more than just looking good—it’s about feeling good, too. Her commitment to health and fitness isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a professional necessity that allows her to thrive in one of the most demanding industries in the world. From the early morning calm to the backstage chaos and beyond, Maren’s dedication to her well-being shines through every step on the catwalk.
To follow Maren and find out her latest modeling collabs and wellness tips, visit her Instagram.
Presented by APG
