British dancer Abbie Quinnen has clearly been working hard to be fit and toned for the summer, judging by her recent social media updates. Quinnen shared some pictures of herself posing in front of her bathroom mirror, wearing a black bikini that showcased her incredible physique to perfection. “Absolute figure goals,” a fan commented. “Stunning,” said another. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Quinnen stays in shape and the photos that prove they work.
1. Paddle Boarding
Quinnen loves swimming and paddle boarding in the open ocean. “Exercising in natural environments has been shown to have greater benefits for mental health than exercising elsewhere,” says Sergio Diez Alvarez, Director Of Medicine, The Maitland and Kurri Kurri Hospital, University of Newcastle. “This is because it combines the benefits of exercise with the restorative effects of being in nature. Swimming in the ocean is no less the case. It can be relaxing, meditative and reduce stress.”
2. Special Skincare
Shutterstock
Quinnen now takes extra-special care of her skin after suffering a serious burn in 2022. “I began moisturizing four times a day, then I’d apply a silicone gel four times a day, followed by silicone scar sheets and a compression vest on top,” she says. “It was a never-ending routine and became a full-time job. My scars were so tight, I had to keep them hydrated to be able to move. I’ve been lucky in that my face recovered quite quickly. It took a few months and I had to wipe my scars every day with Hibiscrub but it healed quicker than my body.”
3. Running a Half-Marathon
Shutterstock
Quinnen was back running months after getting surgery for her accident. “I ran a half-marathon just five months after surgery, raising money for the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital trust’s charity,” she says. “We have to allow ourselves to make mistakes. Nobody’s perfect and I’m just going to take really good care of my health and my body. I’m still so young and have been through such a horrible thing that has left me with obvious scars. Any normal 24-year-old can go to the beach in a bikini and have no scars — whereas at the moment, I can’t really sit on the beach and be in the sun because my scars will get worse. It’s been a hard experience to get over but it just takes time.”
4. Coffee Lover
Shutterstock
Quinnen loves sipping on coffee while she’s out and about. “Antioxidants help prevent and repair damage to cells and genetic material around your body,” says Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES. “Research has shown that coffee is a significant source of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, in many people's diets. Polyphenols also help fuel your ‘good’ gut bacteria.”
5. Lifting Weights
Quinnen works out at the gym using machines and weights. “As you get older, your joints are more likely to experience wear and tear,” says Emma Mitchell, physiotherapist at Bupa UK. “Sometimes this can cause pain and discomfort when moving. But, strength exercise can support the muscles around your joints, which helps to keep them stable and strong. Studies also show that regular strength training can reduce your risk of sports injuries.”