LSU Gymnast Elena Arenas Shares Swimsuit Photo "Going Back to Summer"

Elena Arenas is casting her vote – in her swimsuit. In a new social media post the LSU gymnast flaunts her amazingly fit body in a bathing suit while on the beach. "All in favor of going back to summer say I," she captioned the set of Instagram snaps. "I…..m speechless," her boyfriend, baseball player Garrett Edwards commented. How does the college athlete stay in shape? Celebwell rounded up her top health and lifestyle habits. 

Elena loves walking. "Heaven on earth," she captioned this photo from one of her walks. The Mayo Clinic endorses regular brisk walking, explaining that it can help you maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat, prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It can also help improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones and muscles, improve muscle endurance, increase energy levels, improve your mood, cognition, memory and sleep, improve your balance and coordination, strengthen immune system, and reduce stress and tension.

Elena also swims. "Gone swimmin," she captioned a recent post from Lake Oconee. Swimming is a good way to get regular aerobic physical activity, according to the CDC. Just two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity, such as swimming, bicycling, or running, can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses. In addition to the many physical benefits, there are multiple studies supporting the mental health benefits of swimming as well. 

As an athlete, Elena understands the importance of hydration. "Sippin coconuts in hawaii w my sista life is GOOD !!!!" she captioned a post.  According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Elena hikes a lot, sharing photos from her treks on social media. Last year she went on a "weekend getaway" to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. According to the National Parks Service, the physical benefits of hiking include:

• Building stronger muscles and bones
• Improving your sense of balance
  • • • • • • • • • • • • Improving your heart health
• Decreasing the risk of certain respiratory problems

Obviously, the main way Elena stays in shape is by rigorous gymnastic workouts, one of the most physically demanding sports. She spends several hours every day in the gym perfecting her skills.