Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader Tiyah Ejan just had the most incredible trip to Greece and Croatia, and is still on cloud nine from the romantic vacation. Ejan put together a highlight reel of her getaway, and included video of herself posing in a speeding boat in a black one-piece swimsuit. “Editing reels is a skill, why must it take so long to make 🥲😂 Put together some videos - this trip was so much fun!” she captioned the post. “Can I come next time?” commented a fan. As a Lakers Girl, Ejan works hard during the season—here’s how she does it.
1. Heels Dance Classes
Ejan loves to dance—but not just cheerleading! She also enjoys taking heels dance classes, and naturally, she’s killing it. “Something about taking a heels class w/ women that fully embrace their femininity… Doesn’t matter what level, style, or your dance background - it feels amazing to let loose & let go in this no judgment zone 💭,” she captioned an Instagram video.
2. Weight Training
Ejan stays strong and toned thanks to regular weight training sessions, which are particularly beneficial for dancers. While some might worry about building “bulk”, experts say putting on too much muscle is almost impossible to do by accident. “Just think of the relationship between strength and your performance,” says Brent Brookbush, a trainer, physical therapist and president of the Brookbush Institute. “Jumping, lifting, holding positions. Resistance training can help with all of that.”
3. Hiking In the Cold
Ejan loves hiking, especially in cold weather locations. “It’s a common misconception that being in the cold can give you a cold, but it’s not true,” say the experts at UofL Health. “In fact, exercise is one of the best ways to strengthen your immune system. Staying cooped up inside may actually expose you to more people who may be harboring this season’s latest cold, so getting away from all those folks may actually reduce your chances of catching the same bug.”
4. Painting and Pottery
Ejan indulges her creative artistic side by taking painting classes and making pottery, which research shows is good for mental health. “Studies have shown that expressing themselves through art can help people with depression, anxiety, or cancer, too,” say the experts at Harvard Health. And doing so has been linked to improved memory, reasoning, and resilience in healthy older people.”
5. Farm-To-Table
Ejan embraces the farm-to-table concept of enjoying locally sourced food whenever possible. “Produce from local farmers has spent more time on the vine, on the tree or in the ground, so you get better taste and more nutrients,” says Melinda E. Cater, MS, RD, LDN. “When it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables, the shorter the time and distance from farm to sale, the higher the levels of vitamins and minerals.”