Aljaž Škorjanec: How the 'Strictly' Pro Stays in Shape

The Blackpool week of Strictly Come Dancing is the talk of the town, and as fans know, it’s one of the most important milestones of the entire series. This iconic setting amps up the glamour and pushes dancers and celebs alike to deliver their best performances. As we count down the days, let’s look at how one of the show’s most celebrated professionals, Aljaz Skorjanec, trains and stays fit for peak performance throughout the show.

Aljaz’s Routine: From Dance Floor to Gym Floor

As a Strictly pro, Aljaz’s fitness regimen goes beyond just practising choreography. Known for his powerful moves and agility, Aljaz combines traditional gym workouts with dance rehearsals to keep his body primed and ready. 

Dance rehearsals for Strictly alone are intense—pros and their partners spend countless hours perfecting every routine, and this level of cardio helps keep Aljaz’s stamina high. He’s well-known for his athletic physique, which he maintains with a mix of strength training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and flexibility workouts. 

Let’s break down how he trains:

• Strength Training: For Aljaz, strength is key. After all, he frequently has to lift and spin his celebrity partners, often mid-routine. His gym workouts focus on building strong, lean muscles, with weightlifting exercises like deadlifts, squats, and bench presses.These moves build both strength and endurance, so he’s able to support his partners effortlessly on the dance floor. It’s said that he likes to keep the reps high to avoid bulking up too much, focusing on keeping a lean and toned physique.  Varying strength workouts with equipment such as weight and bumper plates in barbell training and dumbbell sets can be used to target specific muscle groups that build strength in the upper body and legs for enhanced resilience on the dance floor.

• HIIT Workouts: Aljaz’s HIIT routines are designed to burn calories and build speed, allowing him to stay light and quick on his feet. A typical HIIT workout for includes burpees, box jumps, and kettlebell swings. These exercises are fantastic for improving both agility and cardiovascular fitness. By keeping his workouts dynamic, Aljaz ensures that he’s prepared for the fast pace of dance routines that change every week.

 

• Core Conditioning: For a dancer like Aljaz, core strength is non-negotiable. He’s often spotted doing planks, Russian twists, and hanging leg raises to keep his midsection toned. Core strength is crucial for balance and control, especially when executing those high-speed spins, lifts, and dips that have become a staple of his routines.  Adding a pull-up bar to your power rack is a great way of building core strength and adding more versatility to your workouts.

• Flexibility and Recovery: Dancers often struggle with injuries, so Aljaz makes flexibility and recovery a big part of his regimen. He incorporates stretching sessions to maintain flexibility and prevent injury. Yoga and Pilates are also part of his routine, helping him stay limber, calm, and focused. As a trained dancer, he’s well aware of how muscle tightness can impact movement, so Aljaz is disciplined when it comes to post-workout stretching and foam rolling.

Nutrition: Fueling Aljaz’s High-Octane Lifestyle

While his training routine is demanding, Aljaz’s nutrition plays an equally important role in his performance. For someone who spends hours each day in high-intensity dance rehearsals and gym workouts, nutrition is crucial for both energy and recovery.

• Balanced Macronutrients: Aljaz’s diet is high in protein to support muscle repair and growth with lean proteins like chicken and fish, which keep him feeling light and energised. Complex carbs are another essential; they provide him with the fuel needed for long rehearsals. 
• Healthy Fats: Healthy fats help sustain his energy levels, especially during those high-output dance days. Aljaz incorporates foods like avocados, nuts, and olive oil to make sure he’s not just burning through energy, but also keeping his body fuelled with slow-burning fats.
• Hydration and Supplements: Like most dancers, hydration is crucial for Aljaz. He drinks plenty of water throughout the day, especially during rehearsal weeks. To make up for any nutrients lost through intense workouts, he includes supplements such as protein powder or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which help in muscle recovery. During busy weeks, he may also add a multivitamin to keep his immune system strong, ensuring he can stay resilient through the physical demands of the show.

Aljaz’s Mindset: Staying Positive Under Pressure

One of the most admirable traits about Aljaz is his unwavering focus and positive energy, especially in the high-stress environment of Strictly. When heading into Blackpool, the stakes are higher, and the routines tend to be flashier and more elaborate, demanding intense physical and mental stamina from all the dancers. 

Despite this, Aljaz manages to stay upbeat, largely due to his dedication and love for dance. He’s also been open about the support he receives from his family and friends, which keeps him motivated through the more challenging times of the competition.

Blackpool: The Ultimate Challenge

So, as we all wait in anticipation for Blackpool, it’s worth appreciating the dedication Aljaz pours into his fitness and dance practice week after week with his 2024 partner, the lovely Tasha Ghouri. 

The combination of a focused gym routine, strict nutrition, and positive mindset is what keeps Aljaz at the top of his game, ready to wow audiences in the Blackpool bonanza.  We can’t wait to see them in action!

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