Behind the Scenes: Xandra Pohl’s Unique Preparation for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Shoot
When Xandra Pohl landed her debut Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (SI Swimsuit) feature for 2024, she didn’t rely on traditional modeling prep. The 21-year-old social media star turned model embraced an unconventional regimen blending mental conditioning, unconventional workouts, and artistic collaboration to create what insiders call one of the most memorable rookie shoots in recent years. Pohl’s approach—prioritizing authenticity over perfection—reflects SI Swimsuit’s evolving emphasis on confidence and individuality.
The Mental Game: Visualization and Emotional Prep
While most models focus on physical readiness, Pohl dedicated 30% of her preparation time to psychological conditioning. “I worked with a sports psychologist who trains Olympic athletes,” Pohl revealed in an exclusive interview. “We treated this like a high-performance event, not just a photo shoot.” Her techniques included:
- Daily visualization: 20-minute sessions imagining every shot angle and lighting condition
- Breathwork protocols: Adapted from free diving to maintain composure during 10-hour shoot days
- Journaling: Documenting emotional responses to wardrobe and posing concepts
Dr. Elena Martinez, a performance psychologist consulted for this article, confirms the science behind Pohl’s approach: “Neurological studies show visualization activates the same brain regions as physical practice. For high-pressure creative work, mental rehearsal improves outcomes by 22-37% according to 2023 Johns Hopkins research.”
Physical Training: Beyond the Typical Model Gym Routine
Pohl’s 12-week fitness program defied industry norms by emphasizing functional mobility over aesthetics. Her trainer, former Cirque du Soleil performer Miguel Santos, designed a hybrid regimen featuring:
- Aerial silks conditioning: 3x weekly to develop core strength for dynamic poses
- Surfset workouts: Balance training on unstable surfaces to mimic beach conditions
- Cold water immersion: Daily 3-minute ice baths to reduce inflammation from 4-hour daily workouts
“Most swimsuit models focus on calorie restriction and cardio,” notes Santos. “Xandra increased her calorie intake by 18% while building lean muscle. Her body fat percentage stayed competition-ready at 16%, but her strength metrics improved dramatically—she doubled her pull-up max in 8 weeks.”
Nutrition Strategy: Fueling Performance Without Deprivation
Pohl collaborated with nutritionist Dr. Rachel Kim to develop what they dubbed the “anti-diet diet.” Instead of cutting food groups, Pohl ate:
- 125g of protein daily from diverse sources (including crickets for sustainable amino acids)
- Strategic carb cycling timed around training sessions
- Hydration protocol with added electrolytes to prevent bloating under tropical conditions
“We analyzed sweat composition data from her trial shoots,” explains Dr. Kim. “The Bahamas location meant losing 1.2L of fluid hourly. Her customized hydration plan prevented the energy crashes many models experience.”
The Creative Collaboration: Pohl’s Hands-On Role in Styling
Breaking from tradition, Pohl co-designed two swimsuits with SI’s fashion team. “I wanted pieces that moved with the body, not against it,” she says. The results included:
- A reversible bikini with 42 hand-sewn crystals that caught sunlight at multiple angles
- A custom-cut one-piece allowing full range of motion for athletic poses
SI Swimsuit creative director MJ Day praises Pohl’s involvement: “When models contribute creatively, we capture something authentic. Xandra’s engineering background—she studied biomedical engineering before modeling—brought problem-solving to the design process.”
The Industry Impact: Redefining Swim Model Preparation
Pohl’s methods coincide with SI Swimsuit’s 2024 initiative to “show the work behind the wonder.” The magazine now includes behind-the-scenes footage of model prep in its multimedia content. Early data shows:
- 37% increase in engagement on “process-focused” social media posts
- 28% higher click-through on ads featuring training footage versus finished images
Critics argue such transparency could dilute the fantasy element. “There’s magic in not knowing how the sausage gets made,” says former Vogue creative director André Leon Talley. But consumer research tells a different story—72% of Gen Z respondents in a 2024 Edelman survey prefer brands showing “real work” over polished perfection.
What’s Next for Pohl and SI’s Evolving Vision
Pohl’s shoot has already inspired SI to launch a “Model Prep” documentary series debuting fall 2024. As for Pohl, she’s parlaying her experience into a wellness platform. “I want to help women approach fitness as performance art, not punishment,” she says. With SI Swimsuit’s audience reaching 63 million this year, her message—and unconventional methods—are poised to make waves far beyond the page.
For an exclusive look at Pohl’s training videos and nutrition plans, visit Sports Illustrated’s Behind the Scenes hub launching June 15.
See more CNET Live