We get up close and personal with the stunning television host, model and fitness fanatic. Meet Hollywood’s next multi-talented artist…
This month, we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to sit down with the incredibly talented model and fitness fanatic, Santana Rodriguez to get advice on exercise and nutrition. Coming from humble beginnings, this half Puerto Rican, half Brazilian bombshell from Buffalo, New York has made her mark in Hollywood, and she’s only getting started. It’s hard to put Santana in a box, or label her as one particular talent. She is a multi-faceted entrepreneur who has found success in multiple areas, including modelling, acting, producing, hosting and in the fitness world. Santana thrives on piecing projects together, and watching them fly. Her 10-episode TV series “Shaping up with Santana” was recently honoured with a GANAP Global Achievement Award for Best Fitness Television Series for 2021-2022, and Santana is extremely proud of what her and her team have accomplished. After working on the series for a few years, she is now getting the recognition she feels she deserves
The series, which is an at home workout video collection was one of the very first of its kind to launch during the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19. While we were all at home, gaining the quarantine 5kgs, Santana was on our screen helping us stay active, while having a bit of fun at the same time. The timing for the series couldn’t have been better, as she was filming it before the pandemic hit, and had no idea how great the demand would become for at home work outs. It seemed to be divine intervention, and the dedication and persistence she showed truly paid off.
Initially, the show premiered on the Beach Channel in Miami, FL, but now you catch her series on Roku, Fire TV & Apple TV.
In this exclusive interview for MAXIM New Zealand, Santana tells us she is grateful for the success of her show, and gives us her top tips to staying fit and healthy.
Quality shoot Santana, can you give us a little more background about yourself and your life story so far?
Well for starters, I have television show that I both produce and host titled “Shaping up with Santana.” It’s a fitness exercise TV show that you do in real time with me. It’s a 10 episode series on ROKU and Apple TV streaming 24/7 worldwide. We just won the Ganap Global Achiever’s award for Best Fitness Series Internationally for 2021-2022 so, it’s been really exciting. I have such a diverse background. I have a two year degree in Fashion Merchandising, and a four year Business Marketing degree. I was a licensed cosmetologist, I was a daily trader in stocks, I was a fitness and print model, a national champion in fitness, a personal trainer, an account sales executive, an actress, TV Host, and now full time producer, model and entrepreneur and realtor. So I’m incredibly busy. However I’m always open to more ventures. I am seeking endorsement opportunities to become the face of a product and seeking a new established talent management firm to work with.
You look super fit! Can you tell us about your workout routine?
Thank you, I love working out. It’s been a part of my life and will never go away. My routine consists of weights 3x a week, cardio every day and hiking twice a week. I like to make sure that my body is always toned and defined. Not only for my career but for myself. I like to switch it up every so often. Sometimes, I will run the stairs at the park or run the track at a school or even take a run on the sand at the beach. No matter what, I try to implement something different so I don’t get bored with the routine. I train 5-6 days a week for about an hour and a half a day.
What about nutrition? What do you eat to stay looking so young and healthy?
I eat very organically. I try my best to stay away from processed foods or anything that consists of chemicals, sugars, additives, corn syrup, starches etc. Nutrition is literally the most important part of the entire regime. I try to drink water as much as I can even though I am not fond of it and always stay away from soda. However,I am a pizza lover so I will treat myself to that whenever I can. When I’m on vacation is usually when I splurge and eat whatever I please because I feel I’ve earned it and deserve it. Once I get back home, I’m right back to my healthy routine. It’s unrealistic to stay away from treats here and there. It’s about moderation not deprivation. I’ve always been a foodie, it brings me joy. I just happen to have a formula that works well for me.
When do you feel sexy and why?
I feel sexy on a beach because I love nature. There is something magical about walking barefoot on the sand, watching the waves in the water crash, feeling the brisk breeze of the air, watching the sway of the palm trees, and experiencing the smell of sea water, it just all make me want to do twirls on the beach like a child.
What is your best asset? Physically and otherwise.
Hmmmm, I would say physically that my best asset would be my booty. I have a bubble butt so no matter whether I gain or lose weight, I still retain shape there. I feel so weird saying that lol. I guess that comes with my cultural background. My mom being from Brazil and my dad being from Puerto Rico created this. It runs in the family. Otherwise, I would say my intellect. I think outside of the box a lot and come up with creative solutions to just about anything you can think of. Since I was a kid, I always have people saying to me, “I’ve never had anybody ask me that question before”. It’s hilarious to me.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
Most people would be surprised to know two things actually. 1) That I love to eat. I am far from the model that just eats a salad for dinner. I eat a lot even if it’s healthy. I am far from a starving artist. LOL. 2) People would also be surprised that I am passionate about music. All kinds of music. It is my number one love. It’s very therapeutic for me. It makes or breaks my mood. Without music, I can’t even work out.
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Only five??? Wow…OK, here it goes. Spontaneous, humble, firey, crazy-good, over-achiever and I will make up a word. I’m “Funtastic”.
What have you learned about men over the years?
They are all dickheads… I’m joking! I’ve learned that men bleed and hurt just like women do. They just seem to cover it up more and handle their pain differently than women. Women will take on the pain immediately while men hold it inside and run to the bar and make a reservation for a later point in time to deal with things. I’ve also learned that there are many that are insecure and can’t handle a strong woman. They will play mind games to make you feel insecure while they are truly the ones dealing with it inside.
What’s one thing men should always know about women?
Men need to know that we women want to be heard. That means absorb what we say not just listen. There is a big difference. Guys listen up, A woman will ALWAYS remember how you made her feel. While I can’t speak for all woman, I personally will remember how you made me feel emotionally. Did you Show up ? Stand up? Hug me, love at my worst times in my life? Or did you run like a P and watch me cry in pain? Every woman I can say wants a real stand up “MAN” that will be there for her through the good and bad. Realistically, it works both ways but since the question was addressed toward us women, that would be my answer.
What do you look for in a man?
Strength, intellect, sensitivity, confidence, compassion, drive, fight, athleticism, donates to organisations, fashion-conscious, loves music, loves cologne, has passion for good food, has a relationship with God, works on himself to be the best version of himself, and most importantly, loves and respects his mother. Yes that’s a handful but not settling for less.
Describe your ideal date.
Something Spontaneous. I love surprises. A reservation to an amazing restaurant with music, live show/entertainment or dinner and a show of some sort. I also love musicals, concerts in the park, Football and basketball games, boat rides, bowling etc. Maybe even a surprise helicopter ride to dinner and show.
What can we get you at the bar?
(My only sugar drink)… An Appletini please with Grey Goose vodka and no lemon or lime and add a sliced apple. Thank you.
Who is your girl crush and why?
Of course Megan Fox. She is beyond stunning however she is a free-spirit like me and holds her ground. She is an incredible artist.
You are very exotic, what is your ethnic background?
I’m half Puerto-Rican and half Brazilian. I’m a mixed mutt and so very proud.
What is your motto in life?
“Don’t talk about what you are going to do, talk about it after you have done it.”
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?
Yes, I have many things coming up. I am in the midst of writing a book, I’ll be traveling to Paris and Cannes for an Award show in which I’m being nominated for Best TV Host. I’m even segment hosting this award show, more production work and a big surprise is on its way for the year. Make sure you follow me to keep up with my ventures @santanafit on Instagram.
Finally, where would you like to be in five years?
I live in the moment, day by day. My answer would be just to continue being in a happy place inspiring and changing lives for the better. When others are happy, I am happy. If I can be a part of that life for someone, I’ve done my job.
Buy April MAXIM New Zealand to grab our special 18-page MAXIM Fitness special, featuring Santana on the cover!
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JASON ELLIS
HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY MARTHA PHELAN
For the full article grab the April 2022 issue of MAXIM New Zealand from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
