Chandler Kinney’s Journey on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and Its Impact on Her Routine

Chandler Kinney, a prominent contestant on season 33 of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ has become a leading figure in the competition, consistently achieving high scores throughout the season. Known for her role in Disney’s ‘Zombies 2,’ Kinney revealed to Women's Health that she was not particularly enthusiastic about regular exercise before joining the show. «I was someone that didn’t go to the gym too often—my schedule is just so abnormal, so it’s hard to create routine,» Kinney explained.

Despite her previous lack of a structured workout routine, her participation in the show alongside professional dancer Brandon Armstrong has inspired a newfound commitment to physical fitness. «It’s definitely motivated me to pursue a more active lifestyle,» she noted, adding that she enjoys activities such as hiking, but previously struggled with consistency. The demanding rehearsal schedule, often spanning four hours per day, has also influenced her mental and physical health positively.

Kinney applies a meticulous approach to her performances, often studying renowned dance routines from venues like Blackpool Tower Ballroom in the U.K. She describes herself as a «perfectionist,» yet strives to balance technical precision with emotional expression in her dances. «There’s this space within the technique and the emotion of a dance—there’s a bit of a magic that exists and I don’t want to get so rigid and technical that I lose that element,» she said.

Offstage, the actress maintains her well-being through self-care practices, such as spending quality time with loved ones and focusing on mental clarity. «I need to release my feelings from my brain so they’re not clogging up critical mental space,» she remarked, underscoring the importance of a mind-body connection in competitive dance.

Before Kinney undertakes her competition challenges, she adheres to a simplified morning routine, which she shared in SELF Magazine‘s ‘Wake-Up Call’ series. For Kinney, a calming wake-up is essential, preferring cozy blankets and a set ritual to start her day. She noted, «While my wakeup routine is a bit stripped down at the moment due to very early rehearsals, it’s been well worth it.»

Kinney’s approach to skincare and personal hygiene before rehearsals highlights her emphasis on comfort and preparedness. Her focus on maintaining a balanced energy through music and natural rhythms, rather than caffeine, showcases her unique method of preparing both mentally and physically for her time on stage.