In addition to dishing out self-care advice and grooming tips on the show, Van Ness has also recently embarked on an ambitious new endeavor of his own; learning to figure skate. A lifelong fan of the sport, he shares regular updates of his progress on social media, and has even received expert training from skating legend Michelle Kwan.
View this post on Instagram Smack a queen in the face, my dreams are coming true left and right, and I just simply cannot believe. My idol @michellewkwan helped me get my life together for my #RoadtoBejing tour. Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Denver shows just added. Check out @People for more about the tour! More to come on the tour later this year. Music courtesy of Chers 2019 Here We Go Again Tour, and biggest biggest thanks to @michellewkwan for being the wind beneath my gay wings! I cant wait to see you all as I leave it all on the stage, giving you my best standup ferosha. Get yo tickets, link in bio, theyre going fast. #jvnskates choreography by @eliothalverson A post shared by Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) on Jan 31, 2019 at 7:30am PST
Figure skating requires an incredible amount of core strength, although thats no problem to Van Ness, who has a background in cheerleading and has been practicing yoga for years.
View this post on Instagram My first almost scratch spin #jvnskates @eliothalverson A post shared by Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) on Mar 7, 2019 at 3:35pm PST
Hes also no stranger to the kind of emotional personal transformations that feature on Queer Eye. Last year, Van Ness opened up about gaining 70 pounds in three months following the death of his stepfather. In an Instagram post, he wrote:
After my step dad passed away I gained 70 pounds in 3 months. I didnt like how I felt or looked, its so important for me to look back and tell that man from 5 years ago he was lovely and gorge. I can celebrate where I am now as long as I send love to the mes along the way #transformationtuesday #selfacceptance #fitness
He's got a point: Even if you're embarking on a dramatic weight loss journey , it's important to love yourself no matter what you look like .
View this post on Instagram After my step dad passed away I gained 70 pounds in 3 months. I didnt like how I felt or looked, its so important for me to look back and tell that man from 5 years ago he was lovely and gorge. I can celebrate where I am now as long as I send love to the mes along the way #transformationtuesday #selfacceptance #fitness A post shared by Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) on Apr 17, 2018 at 3:13pm PDT
Van Ness' experience resonated with other Instagram users, with one commenter writing: "I did the same thing. I am working it off now and healing in the process. Thanks for sharing it makes me feel less alone in my journey."
"I literally just got back from the gym today and I feel like Im not making much progress. But this reminded me to look back and appreciate how far Ive come and to not hate either my past or current self," another replied. "Thank you so much!"
Van Ness has been outspoken about body positivity, both on Queer Eye and on his Instagram account. And whether its his yoga, skating, or haircutting prowess, he is quick to remind viewers that his skills didnt come without years of hard work and dedication.
View this post on Instagram It took me practicing yoga every day for 5 years to get this. If it looks easy, someone probably worked very hard for it, so whatever it is youre learning be gentle and compassionate w yourself & watch till the end #instaomcrew #inversions #compassion A post shared by Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) on Apr 10, 2018 at 12:21pm PDT
If it looks easy, someone probably worked very hard for it, Van Ness wrote alongside one video. So whatever it is youre learning, be gentle and compassionate (with) yourself.