“My mom is very much a kid at heart and I’ve always been an old soul. It’s an interesting dynamic that we think a lot of people can relate to,” says Kit Keenan, daughter of womenswear designer Cynthia Rowley, who has her own impressive resume. At only 19-years-old, the New York University student started an eponymous clothing line named KIT. She manages to attend school, run a business, spend time with her family, and prioritize fitness (on her Instagram, you can find weekly #wellnesswednesday posts where she showcases her various workouts). On any given day, this duo can be found surfing in Cynthia Rowley brand wetsuits in the Hamptons, running in Montauk, climbing mountains in Bhutan, or doing at-home workouts in West Village.
“We’ve always been a very sporty and daredevil family,” says Rowley, whose own Instagram bio reads: “Designer, adventure seeker, mom.”
But they also find time to bond outside of the gym, yet more proof that they are the real-life Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. This past Mother’s Day, the duo launched a mother-daughter podcast titled “Ageless,” with a core mission to show that the soul never really ages.
Keep reading for more from the charming mother-daughter duo on how they weave fitness and wellness into their everyday routines — together.
Q: Can you describe your relationship with each other?
Cynthia Rowley: Corny, but true: She’s my best friend and we learn from each other each and every day.
Kit Keenan: At this point in our lives, my mom is truly my best friend. She’s always treated me as her equal, and I feel as though we are now able to learn from each other.
Q: What is your favorite workout?
CR: Surfing, 100 percent!
KK: I love LISS (low-intensity steady state) training like walking and Pilates — it’s easier on the joints and keeps the muscles long and lean.
Q: When do you typically workout? How many times a week?
CR: I do a quick 20-minute workout every morning when I wake up and always ride a Citi bike to work. Sometimes I’ll tag along with Kit to a workout class or two.
KK: I try to move every day whether that be a workout class, a surf session, or just a long walk listening to my favorite podcast.
Q: How do you refuel after an intense workout?
CR: Lots of water. And I think hard-boiled eggs are the most efficient protein-packed refuel. I always have a little Ziploc bag with nuts and dates, and lately, I’ve been into Epic bars.
KK: Protein and fats! I work out first thing in the morning, so I love having some sort of eggs and avocado combo after a workout.
Q: How do you get motivated?
CR: I try to find workouts that fit easily with my schedule and that I look forward to, so it never feels like a task but more so an activity. It’s fun to go with family or friends and find a little time to socialize afterward.
KK: I have been working out regularly since I graduated high school. At this point, it is just an essential part of my morning routine. My motivation comes from the way moving my body makes me feel.
Q: Any tips for working out while traveling?
CR: We hit the ground running when we’re on trips and there’s really no such thing as “chill” time for our family. Finding ways to explore while getting in a good exercise like hiking, finding secret surf spots or biking are my favorites. We usually check to make sure the hotel has a gym or even some local classes.
KK: I love running in new cities because it helps me get to know and explore my surroundings. I also always pack workout bands — they weigh nothing and take up no space in my carry-on.
Q: How do you pick your gym clothes?
CR: “Mommy, you need better workout clothes.”
KK: I am an athletic-wear fanatic. I have a whole section of my closet dedicated to gym clothes.
Q: When do you feel the most beautiful?
CR: I’ve never spent that much time thinking about outward beauty. I’m very low maintenance, get dressed within minutes, and do my makeup on the road. I have embraced my age and all that goes with it and after all these years, I realized someone’s personality, warmth and sense of humor are the most beautiful traits you can have.
KK: It’s taken me years to form the level of confidence I have now. I am happy to say that I don’t have as many negative image days any more as I did growing up. That being said, I am such a girly girl at heart — I feel most beautiful getting dressed up and glammed for an event.
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