Madelyn Cline, the star of Outer Banks, has captivated audiences not only with her acting skills but also with her dedication to health and fitness. However, her journey hasn't always been smooth. Cline has openly discussed her past struggles with eating disorders and over-exercising, offering valuable insights into her transformation towards a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Early Struggles with Body Image
Cline revealed that at the age of 16, she developed unhealthy habits around exercise. She would wake up at 5 a.m. every morning for a rigorous 30-minute cardio session and restrict her calorie intake, sometimes eating as little as six almonds for breakfast to avoid "counteracting" her workouts. In addition to cardio, she was also lifting weights and dancing, working out multiple times a day.
"All I knew was I wasn't achieving a particular body image, and so I was angry. I was harming myself and starving myself in the process of trying to achieve that," Cline confessed to Women's Health.
The Turning Point: Embracing Self-Love and Balance
With the support of her family, particularly her mother, Cline began to shift her focus from achieving an unrealistic body image to embracing self-love and balanced health. Her mother would stand with her in front of the mirror, listing things they liked about Cline's body. Over time, this practice helped Cline appreciate her curves and develop a healthier relationship with her body.
"After that repetition those things became solidified in my mind. I like my curves, I like my hips, and after a while I started to love my body. I became so much happier," Cline shared.
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Madelyn Cline's Current Workout Routine
Today, Madelyn Cline's workout routine reflects her balanced approach to health and fitness. She incorporates a variety of activities to stay active and strong, both in and out of the gym.
Outdoor Activities
Cline loves to take her workouts outdoors. Growing up, she was a skier and has also tried snowboarding. She also enjoys horseback riding, which she says helps her feel centered. Horseback riding is known for working your core, thighs, and butt.
"When I'm riding, I feel very centered," she told Vogue in 2021.
Training for Outer Banks
The physically demanding nature of filming Outer Banks keeps Cline active. The show involves a lot of running, climbing, jumping, and general physical activity.
"I get very sweaty," she told Interview in 2022. "It is very physically demanding and emotionally taxing."
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Cline has shared behind-the-scenes videos of herself doing physically demanding things, including pull-ups on set and hanging from ropes.
Gym Workouts
Cline also incorporates gym workouts into her routine. In 2023, she shared a video on Instagram of herself doing assisted pull-ups on the Outer Banks set.
Balanced Movement
Above all, Cline emphasizes balanced movement and maintaining a healthy relationship with exercise. She incorporates both upper and lower body exercises into her routine. Madelyn ensures that she doesn't neglect her upper-body strength in the process.
Madelyn Cline's Diet
Cline follows a balanced diet that fuels her active lifestyle. She enjoys a variety of foods and doesn't restrict herself unnecessarily.
Breakfast
Cline enjoys a hearty breakfast to kickstart her day. Her favorite options include breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal, and smoothies.
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"Sometimes I’ll wake up really hungry," Cline shared in a Harper's BAZAAR Food Diaries video.
Lunch
Cline typically eats lunch later in the day, around 4 p.m., because her breakfast keeps her full for several hours. She often orders a sandwich.
"Usually I’ll forget about lunch until I get hungry, which is probably maybe like 4pm. I’ll realise I haven’t eaten, then I will probably Postmates something, a sandwich of some type."
Snacks
Cline enjoys snacking on-set, with her go-to options being Hot Cheetos, salt and vinegar chips, or snap pea crisps.
“If I’m going to snack, especially on-set, I’m probably going to go with Hot Cheetos, salt and vinegar chips, or those snap pea crisps," she also revealed.
Dinner
For dinner, Cline prefers lighter options like soup. She enjoys chicken tortilla soup, green soup, lemon orzo soup, Matzah ball soup, and potato and leek soup. She also enjoys making charcuterie boards with cheese, salami, prosciutto, crackers, and fruit.
“For dinner, because usually I wait to eat lunch later, I will probably do something just a little lighter. I love soup: chicken tortilla soup, I love a good green soup, lemon orzo soup is really yummy. I like Matzah ball soup, [and] potato and leek soup."
Desserts
Cline isn't a big dessert person, but she occasionally craves mini rum baba cakes from a local bakery.
“I’m not a major dessert person, but every once in a while, I’ll get a craving for dessert," she noted. "There’s a bakery nearby, and I really love these little mini rum baba cakes, like these sponge cakes soaked in rum, and there’s just a little bit of cream filling. They’re so yummy, and they’re tiny and just enough. That’s all I need.”
Guilt-Free Indulgences
Cline allows herself to enjoy her favorite takeaway foods without guilt. She occasionally visits In-N-Out Burger.
“On some days, [I’ll head to American takeaway chain] In-N-Out.
Lessons Learned from Madelyn Cline
Madelyn Cline's journey offers several valuable lessons about health, fitness, and body image:
- Self-love is essential: Learning to love and accept your body is crucial for overall well-being.
- Balance is key: A healthy lifestyle involves a balance of exercise, nutrition, and mental well-being.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body's needs and fuel it accordingly.
- Find activities you enjoy: Exercise should be fun and sustainable.
- Seek support: Don't be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or professionals.
Other Celebrities and Their Approaches to Weight and Body Image
Madelyn Cline isn't the only celebrity who has spoken out about their struggles with weight and body image. Several other public figures have shared their experiences and offered insights into their journeys towards health and self-acceptance.
- Tammy Slaton: Tammy Slaton, star of "1000-lb Sisters," underwent bariatric surgery and has been dedicated to making sustainable lifestyle changes. As of April 2025, she was down to 357 pounds from a starting weight of 540 pounds.
- Jelly Roll: Singer Jelly Roll has been open about his weight loss journey, attributing it to addressing his mental health and overhauling his relationship with food.
- Jason Kelce: Football player Jason Kelce has spoken about his desire to lose weight for health reasons, aiming to reach a weight of 250 to 260 pounds.
- Sherri Shepherd: Former View cohost Sherri Shepherd has discussed her weight struggles and her journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
- Jazz Jennings: Jazz Jennings embarked on a diet-and-fitness journey in 2022, focusing on self-care and addressing years of neglecting her health.
- Christopher Schwarzenegger: Christopher Schwarzenegger's father, Arnold Schwarzenegger, shared how they introduced him to healthy foods and the gym, eventually leading to his decision to become lean.
- Chrissy Metz: Chrissy Metz focuses on staying strong and flexible as she ages, emphasizing the importance of daily activity.
- John Goodman: John Goodman, who once weighed close to 400 pounds, decided to lose weight because he was "sick and tired of looking at myself."
- Lizzo: Lizzo emphasizes that even at the end of her weight loss journey, she may not be considered thin, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance.