On the spectrum of human flexibility, 24-year-old Aleksei Goloborodko lies somewhere between “world-class contortionist” and “literally made of pipe cleaners.” Originally from Tula, Russia, the Bronze Clown winner—the circus world’s equivalent of the Oscars—is currently crisscrossing the globe (and his body) on tour with Cirque du Soleil’s production of Luzia. We asked the most flexible man in the world to share with us the details of his training regimen; the dietary restrictions imposed by chronic bendiness; and his advice for anyone else who aspires to take the coolest Instagram photos imaginable.

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GQ: How did you get started with Cirque?

Aleksei Goloborodko: Cirque du Soleil first discovered me at an audition in Moscow when I was 8. I auditioned again for them at 17; they called me two years later to join the creation of Luzia.

My mom took me to a circus show when I was 4, and afterwards I told her I wanted to join the circus. She brought me to a circus studio where I met my coach. After testing me with exercises, he said he would make me a contortionist. It didn’t matter for me which discipline I would do; I just wanted to be in the circus. It's my lifestyle, and I love it, and I just do it. I started when I was 4 years old, and since then I haven't stopped. It's not like I'm forcing myself to do something. My body loves it.

What’s your typical day like?

I wake up around 9:30 A.M. and stretch for 10 to 15 minutes before I make myself breakfast. Breakfast can be oatmeal or a sandwich and hot tea—basic stuff. Then I relax for, like, 40 minutes. I can read a book or play video games. Then I start stretching and training for the rest of my show routine.

I don’t really have dietary restrictions. I can eat anything: cake, an apple, chocolate, fruit, soup. I eat at least five meals a day, but my rule is that I eat small portions more often. I can’t eat a lot at once, or I’ll have issues with contorting.

My discipline consists of many sub-disciplines: the base is contortion, with sub-disciplines such as hand-balance, ballet, modern dance, wushu, martial arts, and more. My morning training takes an hour and a half. Then I relax for about 20 minutes, and eat something like an apple or small bowl of fruit, before heading to the circus.