A New Approach to Pageant Preparation
Justus Kelley, who made history as the first married woman and mother to be crowned Miss USA 2026, recently discussed how she balanced her training regimen with the demands of family life. In a recent interview, the 31-year-old explained that her path to the crown required a significant shift in strategy compared to her previous experiences.
«My pageant prep, it did look different,» Kelley stated. «I’m not going to pretend like I was able to dedicate the same amount of time as what I did in the past. I had to get creative.»
To fit her workouts into a busy schedule, Kelley utilized every available moment:
- Nap time training: She prioritized fitness during her children's nap times and late at night after the family’s bedtime routine.
- Multitasking: She incorporated exercise into childcare, performing squats while holding her two-year-old and practicing her walking skills with her baby in a carrier.
- Interview practice: Kelley honed her responses to potential interview questions while feeding her toddler.
Making History and Breaking Barriers
Kelley secured her win on August 26 at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, surpassing 50 other contestants. Her victory is particularly notable as she is the first representative from Virginia to win the title since 1970. Beyond her status as a mother and spouse, Kelley is also the first woman in her 30s to claim the crown, following recent rule changes that lifted the pageant's age restrictions and eligibility requirements for mothers.
«Knowing that history was made as the first mom, as the first wife, as the first woman in her 30s, my first thought was how amazing it is to get to do this and to represent women from all over the country, from all over the world that resonate with, ‘Hey, we’re still dreaming,’» she noted.
Fitness Routine and Future Goals
To maximize her time for fitness, Kelley stepped away from social media. When she was unable to make it to the gym, she adapted her routine to work around the house. «I love abductor and adductor exercises, something that I usually do on a machine at the gym,» Kelley explained. «But if I can’t make it to the gym, I’m just lying on the floor, elevating my leg and mirroring what I would’ve done on that machine.»
As the reigning Miss USA, Kelley’s prize package includes a $150,000 salary, a one-year apartment lease in Miami, a Range Rover, and a luxury vacation membership, along with significant stipends for her wardrobe and glam team. She is currently preparing to represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant, scheduled for November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.