Ivanka Trump Embraces Paddleboarding as Part of Diverse Fitness Regimen

Ivanka Trump has been spotted taking to the waters of Florida for paddleboarding sessions, adding another dimension to her already diverse fitness routine. The 44-year-old mother of three was recently photographed navigating the waters near her Miami home, dressed in a black athletic mini-dress with matching visor and sunglasses.

The former first daughter has transformed her workout regimen since relocating to Florida, shifting from primarily cardio-focused exercise to incorporating more strength training and resistance workouts. In a social media post last year, Trump revealed this significant change in her approach to fitness.

“Since moving to Miami, I have shifted my focus to weightlifting and resistance training, and it has been transformative in helping me build muscle and shift my body composition in ways I hadn’t imagined,” she wrote, emphasizing her belief in “foundational, time-tested and simple movements” like squats, deadlifts, and other functional strength exercises.

Paddleboarding has emerged as a complementary activity to her strength-focused routine, offering comprehensive full-body benefits according to fitness experts. Los Angeles-based celebrity personal trainer Kollins Ezekh, who also practices the water sport, highlighted its multifaceted physical advantages.

“When I’m out on the board, I feel my whole body working, but the first muscles that light up are my core and lats,” Ezekh explained. “Every time you pull the paddle through the water, you’re basically doing a controlled lat pull. My shoulders and upper back always feel it the next day.”

The activity engages lower body muscles as well, with Ezekh noting, “Your legs are quietly doing a ton of work — my glutes and hips are constantly firing just to keep me balanced, especially if there’s even a small ripple in the water.”

Beyond muscle engagement, paddleboarding provides significant balance training, an increasingly important factor as people age. Rachel Williamson, a physical therapist at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies and frequent paddleboarder, emphasized this benefit.

“You have to use all those stabilizer muscles you don’t often use daily,” Williamson said. “You’re not standing on solid ground — it’s unpredictable.” She stressed the importance of challenging balance “as a way to look into the future and prevent falls.”

The activity also qualifies as a form of “dual-tasking” — simultaneously engaging mental and physical capabilities — which promotes brain health and critical thinking skills. “If we don’t challenge the brain, we will start to backslide,” Williamson explained. “When we stop challenging, the cognitive deficits start to show. We need to continue to challenge our body and brain for preventative care later in life.”

Mental health benefits extend to stress reduction as well. The mindfulness aspect of paddleboarding can promote relaxation, potentially lowering stress levels and decreasing inflammation that contributes to chronic disease.

For beginners interested in trying paddleboarding, Ezekh advised against relying solely on arm strength. “The first time I ever went, I made that mistake and my lower back let me know about it,” he recalled. “Once you learn to bend your knees, keep your core tight and pull with your lats, it becomes much smoother.”

Safety precautions are also essential for newcomers. “Starting in calm water and wearing a life jacket is just smart, especially if someone’s nervous,” he added.

Consistent practice yields noticeable results, with paddleboarding twice weekly potentially leading to a stronger core and improved posture and balance. Even a weekly session can deliver benefits when maintained consistently, according to Ezekh.

The activity’s accessibility makes it suitable for diverse demographics. “I’ve seen kids, older adults, total beginners — everyone seems to find their own rhythm on the board,” Ezekh noted. “You can make it relaxing or turn it into a legit workout. It meets you wherever you are.”

Trump’s paddleboarding practice aligns with her broader commitment to fitness, which has previously included resistance training, racquet sports, and jiu-jitsu lessons that have involved her entire family. Her continued focus on physical activity underscores the importance of diverse exercise modalities for overall health and wellness.