A former Miss America contestant opts for low-impact workouts to develop lean muscle, core strength, and safeguard her heart

Madeline Collins, a former Miss West Virginia and professional dancer, has found a way to stay in peak physical condition despite living with a serious heart condition since birth. Collins, 28, who competed for the title of Miss America 2019, shared her fitness routine with Business Insider, revealing that she loves low-impact workouts like barre and walking to keep her heart healthy.

Despite being advised to remain sedentary due to her heart condition, Collins pursued a career as a dancer, even performing in the intense heat of Disney World parades. She credits her stamina and fitness to regular workouts, including barre, which she describes as similar to dancing but with less strain on the body.

Collins emphasized the importance of low-impact exercise in building strength, grace, and core stability. She believes that anyone can benefit from these workouts, even if they didn’t grow up doing ballet. By focusing on small, deliberate movements, like those in barre workouts, individuals can see significant changes in their bodies without putting excessive strain on their hearts.

In addition to barre, Collins also incorporates long walks into her routine to maintain her fitness. Despite experiencing numbness in her legs at times due to her heart condition, she finds that walking helps her stay focused and energized. Research supports the benefits of walking for heart health, with experts recommending adding extra steps to improve overall fitness.

Collins’ dedication to staying active and healthy serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. By finding a balance between low-impact exercise and regular movement, she continues to defy the odds and maintain her physical well-being.