Courtney Hope in Two-Piece Workout Gear is "Prioritizing Recovery"

Courtney Hope is stretching – in her workout clothes. In a new social media post the Bold and the Beauty and Young and the Restless star flaunts her flat tummy and amazing body in a crop top and leggings during a stretching session. "Prioritizing recovery has been JOURNEY. As an athlete and a dancer I LOVE power moves and high activity, and slowing down has been my life long struggle (in every area, quite frankly). BUT the more I strength train in between barre, pilates, dance, running and yoga the more I see deep stretching and recovery are not a recommendation they're a requirement," she started the Instagram caption. How does the star approach diet, fitness, and self-care? Here is everything you need to know about her lifestyle habits. 

When it comes to her approach to health, "it's about moderation in food and a healthy lifestyle," Courtney told Soap Opera Digest. "I'm in touch with my body, so when I eat something that makes me feel sluggish or tired or bloated, I know to avoid it. That's an easy guideline for anyone to follow. I also have a few allergies, like to gluten and dairy, so I shy away from those, and I stick to whole foods as best I can, which includes veggies, fruits and proteins. And of course, I drink lots of water."

Courtney is a fan of protein smoothies. "I always start with a vegetable vanilla milk, then add a protein powder. If it's a fruit smoothie, I'll add banana or mangoes or blueberries, or I'll do an avocado or kale smoothie with flaxseed powder. The protein powder I have is chocolate, so it stays sweet. If I do need a little extra-sweet, I'll put in a little bit of organic honey," she told Soap Opera Digest. Other healthy snacks she loves? "I'll have half of a rice cake with some sunflower butter or I'll have fruit or I'll make chia seed pudding or I'll cut up a banana and put coconut yogurt on the slices, drizzle them in chocolate, then freeze them."

Courtney is a fan of group fitness. "I love going to Cardio Barre classes," she told Soap Opera Digest. For many people, taking classes is a great way to be accountable. It also makes fitness a social activity. 

Courtney is such a Pilates fan, she has a Pilates machine in her home. Why is pilates a good workout? According to the Mayo Clinic there are lots of benefits to the workout, as it "strengthens the body's inner core while increasing its flexibility resulting in improved overall health." It can also promote longer, leaner muscles, injury prevention, relief from stress and back pain, enhanced athletic performance, and heightened mind-body awareness.

Courtney also does cardio. "I bought a Bowflex Max Trainer, which is like an elliptical/ StairMaster for my cardio," she says.​​ "If you don't have the space for a treadmill or StairMaster, get outside and move around for cardio. Just keep moving." How much cardio should you do weekly?  Each week adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, according to the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

"I also do a little strength training with some weights," about her approach to exercise. "I think one of the best things to have is a set of lighter hand weights. You can always do high reps with low weights and get that toned look. Also, getting some exercise bands help and they don't cost a lot of money. You can get a set of them for $25-$35. You can put them on doors, then on your arms and legs, and do outer thighs or glute exercises."

In her recent post, Courtney explains why she stretches. "My body doesn't hold elasticity like it did 10/20 years ago, and strength training puts a different type of tension on my body especially in my hips and hamstrings. If I want to stay flexible, I have to work at it more than before. I could've saved myself from many injuries and chronic pain if I had stopped being stubborn earlier," she says. "Recovery affects every area of my life, simply because the better I feel the better I can show up and be present for others. Sometimes I hold positions and sometimes I flow. I dedicate at least one to two minutes in each position when I want a deep release, and I'm really starting to crave it finally! I love to put on music and move my body in whatever way feels natural. I believe our bodies tell us where tension is being held and how we can release it if we just take the time listen," she continues. "Recovery and mobility are essential for longevity in our movement and well-being."