Alicia Keys had an amazing 41st birthday! The singer just shared some videos and photos in a “recap,” which included her being greeted—and surprised—by friends and family on a private plane (replete with bed and birthday balloons), getting a nice sleek black and white outfit, and then heading to a private Vegas club dancing, singing with the legendary El DeBarge, and spending some time in the pool her husband, record producer and rapper Swizz Beatz. “Whoa,” she said when it was all over. “My mind was blown. This was so amazing! It was family, friends, loved ones—all the things I loved.” She thanked Beatz in the caption. “My love @therealswizzz the way you love me is beyond description!!!!!!!!!” How does she look so good for her age? Read on to see 5 of Alicia Keys’ top tips for staying in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!
1. Work Out with a Trainer
Alicia Keys/Instagram
Alicia relies on a trainer to keep her in shape. The singer works out with Jeanette Jenkins, whose other star clients include Kelly Rowland and Pink. “Think about the types of physical activities you enjoy most. After all, a fitness program doesn't need to be boring. You're more likely to keep up with a fitness program you enjoy,” says the Mayo Clinic. “If you love riding your bicycle, consider a cycling class. If you have a blast on the dance floor, an aerobics class that includes dance moves would be a good choice. If you're a social person, a gym or health club membership may be a good option for you. If you prefer to exercise alone or you find health clubs intimidating, fitness videos and exercises you can do at home may be best for you.”
2. Do Lots of Ab Work
The secret to Alicia’s abs? The star shared her routine on YouTube in May 2020, which involves tons of ab exercises. Cat-cows, bird-dog, upward dogs, side planks, hip dips, and side crunches are all part of her routine. "The core is involved in everything," Jenkins says in the background.
3. Avoid Bread and Dairy
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Alicia cut two things out of her diet in 2020. “I’ve cut out dairy... and also, believe it or not, getting rid of the breads,” she told Vogue. “Let me tell you, I’m the first person… I am a ‘breadaholic’. And then obviously, the fried foods, the oil and all that in the skin is never really good.”
4. Hydrate
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Alicia also drinks a ton of water, carrying it around in “a big... jug” she told Vogue. “Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water,” explains the Mayo Clinic. "While the number varies according to age, activity level, food intake, and other factors, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women."
5. Do Cardio
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Alicia also does a lot of cardio. A marathon runner, in 2015 she even trained for the New York City Marathon. She also uses a stationary bike to get her heart pumping.
6. She Feels Brave and Bold in Her Body
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“I was always a thicker girl, and I had a lot of curves early. I'm born and raised in New York, and on the streets, it was always a little bit of hesitation about my curviness because that drew a bit of attention. I dressed in really baggy clothes to hide it. Then as I got older and started to even get into the music industry, I was pretty shy, but I began to explore more. I began to feel more brave and bold,” she told Elle.
7. She Had Skin Issues
Alicia developed Keys Soulcare, a skincare line. “I had challenging skin issues for a long time, even far past puberty. I kept asking everybody, "Isn't that supposed to stop now? Isn't this over yet?" It just kept going, mainly due to stress, primarily due to lifestyle. I internalize a lot. I didn't let things out. Because of that, I wanted to be diligent with my skin, especially when it started to clear up. It feels crazy when your skin is never cooperating with you,” she told Elle.
8. She Makes Time for Daily rituals
“Keys Soulcare is all about creating ritual for ourselves, even in the smallest moments within our days, like when we're getting ready, when we're washing our face in the morning or at night, when we're jumping in the shower to get ready for a big day. Whatever the case, it has this ability to remind ourselves how incredible we are,” she told Elle.
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