Ivanka Trump has always shared bits of her active lifestyle, but her time in Florida has added a new twist. The 44-year-old mom of three has taken her workouts to the water, and recent photos of her paddleboarding in Surfside caught plenty of attention. She wore a black athletic mini dress, visor and shades, and glided across the water with a calm confidence that showed she was not just posing, she was training.
Her shift toward strength and resistance work started after moving to Miami. She has talked about how weightlifting helped her build more muscle and change her body in ways she did not expect. Paddleboarding fits right into that shift. It looks peaceful from the outside, but it demands serious body control.
A Full Body Challenge That Sneaks Up On You
Ivanka / IG / Celebrity trainer Kollins Ezekh, who trains clients in Los Angeles and loves paddleboarding himself, says the sport fires up the core and lats with every pull.
Each stroke works like a slow, controlled strength move, which makes the workout steady, not frantic. You feel the muscles turn on right away, even though the pace stays smooth and relaxed.
People often forget how much the lower body works. Even on smooth water, the legs handle balance, which means the glutes and hips stay active the entire time. Every small shift on the surface forces the body to react. That constant adjustment builds strength without pounding the joints, which is ideal for anyone looking to train smarter as they age.
Why Experts Say It Helps You Age Well?
Physical therapist Rachel Williamson explains that paddleboarding sharpens balance because the water never sits still. You use stabilizer muscles that daily life rarely pushes, and once those muscles get stronger, balance improves. Since balance tends to fade with age, training it early and often gives people a head start on long-term mobility.
The body also learns to stand taller. Ezekh says staying upright on the board encourages an open chest and long spine. After a few sessions, people start to carry that stronger posture into daily life. Better posture reduces strain on the back and neck, and it helps the whole body move with less effort.
Paddleboarding also works as a “dual task” activity, which means the brain and body must stay active at the same time. Williamson compares the mental focus to the benefits of solving puzzles. The brain needs challenge to stay sharp, and the coordination of balancing, paddling, and reacting to the water delivers that challenge in a natural way.
Over time, this can support clearer thinking and healthier cognitive function.
The Workout Meets You Where You Are
Ivanka / IG / Ivanka Trump’s commitment to strength training explains why paddleboarding fits her style. It supports muscle building, stability, and mobility.
Ezekh says beginners often make the mistake of trying to power the paddle with their arms, and that usually leads to a sore lower back. Once they learn to bend the knees, keep the core tight, and use the lats, everything feels smoother. Starting in calm water helps build confidence, and wearing a life jacket is just basic safety.
The movement itself also builds coordination. You paddle on both sides of the board, shift your weight, and adjust your hands often. Those small changes challenge the body in simple but effective ways. They help people feel more in control of their movement, both on and off the board.
Sticking with it even once a week makes a difference. Twice a week builds progress even faster, especially in core strength and posture. Ezekh has seen people of all ages pick it up.