SWEAT DIARIES: Singer Justine Skye Shares Health Tips


R&B singer/songwriter Justine Skye stepped onto the scene in 2010 when she covered Drake's "Headlines" and received almost 2 million YouTube hits. Since then, the 21-year-old Brooklyn-born beauty has released a seven-track EP, landed a record deal with Jay Z’s Roc Nation, and her popularity on social media continues to grow! We caught up with Justine, who joined our Sweat Sisterhood back in 2014, to get her take on fitness! 

Where are you from?
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I wouldn't want to be from anywhere else! I'm a complete city girl.

Did you play sports growing up? If so, which sports and for how long?
I was never really into sports. My parents always wanted me to be though. They figured some magical athletic skills would kick in because I was tall. Didn't turn out that way, lol. I tried Tennis for a while, that's probably the one sport that I actually stuck with for a good minute. Then there was this one time they threw me into a basketball game, no training, no nothing. I was scared, I passed the ball to the other team. I have no idea why they would give a complete amateur the ball, lol.

What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is Vinyasa Yoga. I did that for about 2 years while I was being homeschooled. I've been meaning to get back into it, I've just been so busy.

When did you start boxing/kickboxing? And what do you enjoy most about it?
I started kickboxing a few months back. My mom wanted to try it out because a hair stylist of ours started kickboxing and lost a tremendous amount of weight. So I decided I'd give it a try with her. I did kickboxing for a while, it's really exciting, and quite painful sometimes, lol. But its a great workout. You're consistently moving and it keeps you pumped.

What helps you to stay motivated during a workout?
What helps me stay motivated is how much better I will feel once I'm done. It's "hard work" (no pun intended, lol) but the weight that's lifted off of you literally and mentally will give you confidence and clarity when you walk out into this world.

What are some of your favorite songs to workout to currently?
I actually don't listen to my personal music choices while working out. I'm not picky. I like the music the instructor will play normally. It's kinda of a house mix, and I'm in to house music.

What fitness instagram accounts do you follow?
I don't follow any now, but I use to follow @massy.arias. She is the epitome of a health and is dedicated to her body and fitness. I wish I could be that disciplined. But I have a bit of a sweet tooth that I'm not so proud of, lol.

What advice do you have for young girls in today's society dealing with body image issues and struggling to live healthier lifestyles?
Learn to love yourself first. Don't just want to change your appearance to fit into whatever today's society may deem "beautiful". Beauty starts from within you. Work out because you love YOURSELF and you want to challenge YOURSELF and treat YOUR body right! Not for anyone else. Us women come in many different shapes and sizes... we have to embrace that, we're all built differently.

You can start with eating healthier foods, more organic, less red meat because its hard to digest, cut down on the carbs (breads, pastas, rice, etc.). If you have a blender and you want a snack, try dropping some things in there and making a smoothie, experiment. Pineapples, bananas, strawberries, spinach, etc.

Then start looking for a hobby that consists of movement. Whether it's a dance class, zumba, yoga, riding a bike, jogging or even just taking a stroll in the park. There are so many fun ways to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Download Justine Skye's new single “U Don't Know" featuring Wizkid here.


Aja Gatling is a 24 year old fitness enthusiast who loves to travel the world. The alumni of University of Westminster (London, UK) recently received her Master's degree in Music Business Management after relocating from New York to London in 2015. Her passion for writing began in high school as a health and fitness reporter for Teen Diaries/Pretty Girls Sweat. The former track runner and coach now operates as digital marketer and sales manager and has worked with artist nationally and internationally through her work at Sony Music, Live Nation and 2breal Media UK. She plans to bring PGS to the United Kingdom very soon!