Jennifer Lopez Rocks Bikini During Birthday Getaway
Jennifer Lopez, on her 52nd birthday, posted a photo of herself in a bikini, posing for the camera solo, while also posing in a video—and, in another shot, kissing Ben Affleck. "5 2 … what it do …" she captioned it. While the Internet went wild for the official return of "Bennifer," we're more interested in how she stays so fit at her age. "I've taken care of myself, and now it shows," she once told InStyle. Here are some of her greatest wellness tips for staying fit and fabulous—and the photos that prove they work. Read on—and to get summer-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bikini Photos!
She Dances to Work Up a Sweat
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Jennifer, who had a box office smash with Hustlers, likes to dance in real life too. "There's something about seeing what my body is capable of and feeling the endorphin rush that comes with a good dance session that really helps boost my confidence and my mood," Lopez told HELLO! Magazine. "Sign up for a dance class and invite your friends to join. Find classes at your local community college, YMCA, dance studio, or community center," says the CDC. "Try dancing at home by following along with a DVD or videos on YouTube. For an extra challenge, try using small weights to build strength. Keep a 2-pound or 5-pound weight in each hand while doing your dance routine."
She Eats Lean Proteins
Lopez centers her meals around lean proteins, according to her trainer and life coach, Dodd Romero, in Us Weekly. "Her overall body has just shrunk and tightened and her strength has actually doubled," says the pro. Examples include chicken breasts, grass-fed beef, egg whites and white meat turkey, chicken breast and high omega-3 fish.
She Avoids Processed Foods
JLo keeps it real—when eating. "Consuming processed foods on occasion is fine," says the Mayo Clinic. "However, it's vital to look for hidden sugar, fat and salt. Just because a product might read 'natural' or 'organic' doesn't necessarily mean it's better for you. Look for words such as sugar, maltose, brown sugar, corn syrup, cane sugar, honey and fruit juice concentrate." Those are added sugars added to processed foods to make them taste better and be more shelf-stable. They are also disastrous for your health.
She Avoids Caffeine and Alcohol
Lopez reportedly avoids stimulants and depressants like caffeine and alcohol, both of which can be damaging to your wellness. "You may want to cut back if you're drinking more than 4 cups of caffeinated coffee a day (or the equivalent)," says the Mayo Clinic, "and you have side effects such as headache or insomnia."
She Drinks a Ton of Water
Romero says Lopez drinks seven glasses a day. "Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones," says the CDC. It helps your body "keep a normal temperature, lubricate and cushion joints, protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues and get rid of wastes."
She Works Those Abs
Dodd shared Jennifer's ab routine with Oprah:
"Set 1:
50 hanging ab raises.
50 rope crunches
50 incline sit ups with a 45 pound plate.
Set 2:
Everything from the first set but with 35 reps.
Set 3:
Same thing, but with 21 reps this time."
Give it a try—and for more inspiration, don't miss Lady Gaga Stuns in Star-Shaped Bikini on Pool Day.
