Natalia Nykiel in Bathing Suit is Amazed by "Calakmul"

Natalia Nykiel is enjoying a magical trip to Guatemala, exploring the amazing Mayan ruins. Nykiel shared pictures of herself posing in a pool in a leopard-print bathing suit, as well as pictures of herself at the ruins. "Guys, here are some [stunning] photos of me to draw your attention to the absolutely amazing archeological site I've ever seen – Calakmul! 🔥" she captioned the post. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Nykiel stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

Nykiel enjoys horseback riding. "For the average junior or amateur rider who trains in the saddle at least two to three times per week, riding is a great addition to an exercise program," says professional hunter-jumper rider and trainer Melissa Gruber. "Riding is a total body workout. Your legs, arms and core work together to control and communicate with the horses. Really, riding is a partnership sport; the rider and the horse support and guide each other. Just like dancing or ice skating with a partner, horse and rider communicate through body language and touch."

Nykiel loves swimming and snorkeling in the ocean. Research has shown that being near, in, on or under water can provide a long list of benefits for our mind and body, including lowering stress and anxiety, increasing an overall sense of well-being and happiness, a lower heart and breathing rate, and safe, better workouts, says marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols. "Aquatic therapists are increasingly looking to the water to help treat and manage PTSD, addiction, anxiety disorders, autism and more."

Nykiel enjoys hiking, which has many physical and mental health benefits. "There's no reason to really limit what you identify as hiking," says sports medicine physician Matthew Kampert, DO, MS. "I think anytime somebody gets out in nature and they're moving from point A to point B and they're getting their heart rate up, you can consider that a hike… If you're sedentary, just the smallest amount of effort will result in a lot of benefits. But as you adapt and become more fit, you're going to have to increase the stress on the body by either increasing the duration, the intensity or the frequency."

Nykiel posts many videos and pictures of herself cycling in the fresh air—she even takes part in cycling events. "It's been shown that cycling reduces anxiety and depression," says Jaclyn Kubiak, PT, DPT. "Mainly, because you can make it fun. You get the added benefit of being outdoors or you can go do it with friends."

 

Nykiel finds running marathons incredibly rewarding. "I think people have a love-hate relationship with running because it can be intimidating to start," says Peloton tread instructor Jess Sims. "And to that I say, just start! Take some pressure off yourself. Start with two times a week, and then move to three or four."