British singer and actress Rita Ora has spent more than a decade living at speed, from chart-topping singles and global tours to judging on The X Factor and starring on prime-time TV. In an industry where visibility is currency and stamina is key, slowing down is rarely encouraged. Yet Ora has found a way to combine her busy lifestyle with a fitness routine that prioritises wellbeing over sheer numbers.
For Ora, exercise is less about chasing step counts or calorie burn and more about regulating her body and mind. 'Movement has become a tool to regulate my nervous system,' she told GB News. 'Exercise is not something I use to push myself harder, but something that helps me stay steady.'
Reframing Fitness: Feeling Over Figures
Ora's approach challenges conventional fitness advice, including the oft-cited 10,000-step-a-day target. 'You don't need to hit 10,000 steps,' she says. 'Even 20 minutes walking in the park counts. That's incredible. Walking is so good for your body and mind.' She encourages anyone feeling intimidated by fitness culture to focus on building a sustainable relationship with movement, emphasising that exercise should be accessible and enjoyable rather than dictated by arbitrary targets.
Her own routine focuses on low-impact strength training and mindful movement, keeping her strong without overexertion. Early in her career, fitness was functional – touring, rehearsals, and live shows demanded stamina, and exercise was about sustaining performances. 'That hour [workout] is really crucial to me now,' Ora explains.
'I wouldn't necessarily even relate it to how I look. It really is about a feeling.' Regular movement helps boost her energy, mental health, and overall mindset, creating a balanced approach to celebrity life.
From West London to Global Stardom: A Lifestyle Built on Balance
Born in Kosovo and raised in west London, Ora grew up in a household where activity and movement were part of daily life. Her upbringing instilled an appreciation for fitness that went beyond aesthetics, a mindset she has maintained throughout her career.
Ora integrates strength training, stretching, and recovery days tailored to her body's signals. She stresses that fitness should be individualised. 'When people look at someone's transformation, they think it's all about how they look,' she said. 'But genuinely, you get up because something ignites in you – maybe you want to change your mental health, a habit, or a routine.' Her message resonates particularly with young fans navigating the pressures of social media and celebrity culture, reminding them that health is personal and holistic.
Strength Over Steps: Training Smarter, Not Harder
Ora's current routine prioritises strength, flexibility, and recovery over relentless cardio or step-count obsession. Low-impact exercises, resistance training, and stretching are central to her sessions, often guided by professional trainers who adapt workouts to her lifestyle.
By choosing quality over quantity, Ora demonstrates that fitness can be empowering without being punishing. 'It's not about going harder or longer,' she explains. 'It's about understanding your body and doing what makes you feel strong.' Her method mirrors a broader cultural shift towards mindful, personalised wellness routines, particularly among London's fashion-conscious and celebrity circles.
A Lifestyle That Reflects Identity and Well-being
Ora's philosophy blends self-care, style, and functionality. Beyond the gym, her lifestyle reflects a holistic approach to health – balanced meals, adequate rest, and mindful movement. For fans and fitness enthusiasts alike, her routine offers a blueprint for combining wellness with a high-profile career without succumbing to burnout.
Ora's perspective offers a refreshing reminder: fitness is about listening to your body, not chasing arbitrary targets. As she continues to tour, record, and mentor young talent, her style-first, body-aware approach serves as a model of sustainable wellness in modern celebrity life.
