Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Dani McGinnis enjoyed a summer trip at the gorgeous Vidanta Riviera Maya resort on the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. McGinnis and her fellow cheerleaders train incredibly hard to stay on top of their game, so when they get a chance to relax they take full advantage of it, and McGinnis is no exception. The dancer posted pictures from her vacation, including one of her lounging in the sun in an orange bandeau bikini. “A week in paradise🌴🐡🥥,” she captioned the post. Here’s how the cheerleader stays fit and fabulous.
1. Pilates Instructor
McGinnis is a trained Pilates instructor, teaching classes on a reformer machine. "A class is beneficial because the equipment can help support you — removing some of the tension so that you're only working the muscles that you need to work, rather than having to work all of your stabilizing and balancing muscles when using a mat," says trainer Leanne Wonesh. "The equipment just really supports you in a different way that I think can really transform your experience. Then, after a few reformer Pilates classes, you will probably feel more confident about moving to an online mat Pilates class."
2. She’s a Dancer
McGinnis is an accomplished dancer, which is a non-negotiable for becoming a cheerleader. "Be prepared, not only in the form of dance, of course take every dance class you can," says Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders director Kelli Finglass. "Practice at other auditions and dance competitions. Video tape yourself. There is so much information now, online. There is no secret to who makes our team and who doesn't. Be prepared in every facet."
3. Morning Walks and Lattes
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McGinnis starts the day with a long walk, followed by a cold almond milk latte and energy bar for breakfast. “The faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits,” says the Mayo Clinic. “For example, you may start out as an average walker, and then work your way up to walking faster and walking a mile in a shorter amount of time than an average walker, similar to power walkers. This can be a great way to get aerobic activity, improve your heart health and increase your endurance while burning calories.”
4. Greens and Salmon
McGinnis makes her own food as much as possible, with her typical go-to meal consisting of greens, avocado, and grilled salmon, which is an excellent natural source of omega-3. “Populations that eat a lot of fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids have a lower instance of heart disease,” says Luke Laffin, MD. “We know that people who consume high levels of omega-3 fatty acids by eating fish have a lower risk of cardiovascular events, but that hasn’t been borne out in studies about over-the-counter doses of fish oil.”
5. All the Coffee
McGinnis drinks coffee throughout the day for energy, usually opting for plant-based milks. “There’s really no downside to drinking plant-based milk instead of cow’s milk,” says Dana Ellis Hunnes, PhD, MPH, UCLA Health senior dietitian. “Although milk is only one small part of a person’s diet, plant-based milk along with a plant-forward diet offers many benefits for your health and the environment.”
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