Unstoppable
with Former WWE Star Danielle Moinet, aka Summer Rae
by Julieta Miquelarena
North Carolina-born former wrestling star Danielle Moinet cruises between Miami and New York, making justice to the “no one is going to live your life for you” motto she lives by — as she finds motivation by believing she hasn’t yet reached her full potential: “I’m never satisfied.”
Danielle Moinet, aka Summer Rae, signed with WWE in 2011, but has been out of the ring since 4 years ago.
She defines herself as a model, actress, stunt woman, an air host for horse racing, and an entrepreneur. With two start-ups in the making, the former WWE star sees no impediments when setting her goals and ventures into brand management for a cryptocurrency management company.
Biggest motivation?
D.M: Believing that I’ve never reached my full potential. Deep down inside me, I always feel that I have more to give, so I’m constantly striving for that. I’m never satisfied.
What's having a “healthy life”?
For me, healthy life is balance. Being active is first and foremost. Moving my body every day. Training, weight lifting, cardio. It is my escape, my therapy, makes me feel great, and helps me clear my head when I’m stressed. Then finding a balance between working and having time for myself. Me time with my family and friends. My time alone and relaxing is particularly hard for me, but I’m working on it.
What is your diet like?
My eating is very straightforward. I try to get protein, fats, and carbs in every meal. I eat three meals a day with two snacks and a protein shake. This is when I’m the leanest! I try to eat whole foods, unprocessed; good carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and brown rice. I love avocado and nuts for my fats!
What are your workout sessions based on?
I’m lifting weights three to four days a week. Two lower-body days, one upper body, one whole body with cardio days. I love to find fun ways to do cardio like spin or boxing! I also lift heavy one day a week.
Squatting, deadlifting, hip thrusts. I did not see my legs get leaner and more trim until I started incorporating a significant amount of weight onto the bar. Everyone is different, but I also think many women are scared to get ‘bulky’ and lift way too light for what they should be doing.
Don’t be scared!
Which fitness tips would you give to those who wish to start working out?
Find cardio that you think is fun! Set small goals, not big ones. I’ll go on a 20min walk four times this week’ then change it to ‘I’ll go on a 30min walk five times this week’, etc. Don’t get overwhelmed with the ‘where should I start and break it down into small goals and build! Start anywhere; just start!
Is fitness related to beauty?
If you are taking care of yourself health and fitness-wise, you will see it on your skin. Eating whole, non-processed foods, drinking your water, working out… you can tell in your hair growth, nails, and skin.
It’s all connected. You should want to give yourself that gift of nourishment!
How do you take care of your skin?
No makeup when possible. I hate wearing makeup and love letting my skin breathe. I try to drink a ton of water a day. I use Hyaluronic Acid in the morning and night and a vitamin C serum during the day and lather my face in oil at night! I love all my oils and serums!
You have over 1.7 million followers. Do you feel a responsibility when sharing content?
Absolutely! I don’t want to be an account that only posts selfies and my outfits. There is nothing wrong with that, but I feel like I have a lot of things that speak to me and stay in my heart. So I like to use my platform to share that: To educate and spread awareness on many different topics and to give positivity. We need a little more of that in the world!
Your Instagram following is…
My Instagram following is from my time at WWE and being on tv. My fans and followers are so amazing and have stuck with me during my time after wrestling. I really appreciate that. I truly have the best fans in the world!
What do you do for fun?
Fitness, helping my friends with their businesses and learning new things (especially during the pandemic).
Speaking fashion: How would you describe your fashion style?
I would say I have a very west coast style about me. I love an extra-large T-shirt with biker shorts and my Jordans. I’m a sneakerhead. I spend way too much on sneakers than Louboutin’s. I love baggy pants with a crop top. You’ll never catch me wearing less than 3 gold necklaces (laughs). I love to layer!
You could find me in workout clothes running errands after the gym. [Those are] my “two looks.”
I love playing dress-up in Miami because it is a different vibe down there.
What type of bag do you usually carry, and what do you have on it?
I hate them, and I’m [kind] of a tomboy in that case. IF I’m carrying a purse, which is rare, [I would carry] my secret lip weapon — Vaseline, ‘this’ Covergirl pressed powder that I’ve been buying since 2002, hand sanitizer, an extra mask, and my Iphone charger. I’m a simple gal!
Follow Danielle Moinet on Instagram.
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This story was originally published in November 2021 at DLAREZMAG