MTV’s Video Music Awards were a star-studed show filled with performances by legendary artists. While we were dazzled by artists like Bey and RiRi, we couldn’t help but notice the fitness theme in a few aspects of the show.
Ariana Grande didn’t let the VMAs or her stiletto boots get in the way of her fitness routine. Instead, she brought the gym to the stage.
The star’s performance started off with some spinning and ended with some Nicki Minaj, which is how we wish all of our workouts would go. As Minaj and Grande performed “Side to Side,” they were joined by some muscle-bound men in singlets who were carrying dumbbells. Grande also performed from a pommel horse, so we may see her around in the next Olympics.
Michael Loccisano / Getty
Michael Loccisano / Getty
Kanye West is also evidently on board with the fitness trend, as shown by his premiere of the “Fade” music video. In the video, fellow musician Teyana Taylor dances in a gym wearing a very practical crop top and thong for her workout.
All kidding aside, the mom-of-one and wife to Iman Shumpert of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks amazing in the video, which was a throwback to “Flashdance.” The 25-year-old has said that she doesn’t really workout, but her abs and glutes still had us wanting to get off the couch and get a late-night workout in.
After Taylor’s intense workout, she hits the showers with her husband and then becomes a feline before the video comes to a close. It’s definitely an interesting concept. The video is available to stream on Tidal, Jay Z’s artist-owned music app.
Teyana Taylor / Instagram
Teyana Taylor / Instagram
The rest of the show was exciting as well, with Michael Phelps introducing Future and clearing up the whole “looking extremely angry by the pool in Rio” situation (he was actually just listening to the rapper’s music in his headphones). Jimmy Kimmel impersonated Ryan Lochte, blue wig and all, while Michael Phelps was in the audience snapping pictures and laughing along with everyone else.
The Final Five (minus Gabby Douglas) also made an appearance to present Beyoncé with a moonman, and Laurie Hernandez had the best reaction.
Finally, pro tennis player Serena Williams introduced one of Beyoncé’s performances in a gorgeous dress that showed off her athletic physique.
The VMAs were filled with athletes, and now we’re going to have to hit the gym and get that diet in check to make up for all the time spent on the couch watching them.
