American college basketball star Cameron Brink is taking surfing lessons from boyfriend Ben Felter, and giving him a shout out on social media. Brink, 21, shared pictures of herself wearing a red and white checked bikini at the beach with Felter. She also posted a snap of the two of them wearing matching black wetsuits. “The best teacher 🏄🏼♀️🤍,” she captioned the post. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Brink stays in shape and the photos that prove they work.
1. Core Workouts
Brink shares her workouts online. All that’s needed is a basketball and space to move around. Her basketball core workout consists of the following moves:
- Crunches (30 seconds)
- Ball toe taps (30 seconds)
- Ball pass throughs (30 seconds)
- Ball twists (30 seconds)
- Ball plank (30 seconds or until failure)
2. Oatmeal and Eggs For Breakfast
A typical breakfast for Brink consists of oatmeal, berries, and scrambled eggs. “There are many varieties of porridge oats, including rolled, quick and instant,” says registered dietitian Victoria Taylor. “Regardless of the type, shape or size, all porridge oats are wholegrains and they all contain a soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which can help lower your cholesterol level if you have 3g or more of it daily, as part of a healthy diet.”
3. Coffee For Energy
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Brink loves coffee for both socializing and the energy boost. Coffee is shown to benefit athletes when it comes to their performance. “There is a lot of research to say that a moderate dose of caffeine, equivalent to around 3mg/kg body weight can improve a variety of sports such as endurance activities and high intensity sports,” says Dr. Neil Clarke, Principal Lecturer, School of Life Sciences, Coventry University. “There is also evidence to show that caffeine can reduce muscle pain during exercise and reduce perceived exertion during exercise.”
4. Positive Pressure
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Brink thrives under the right type of pressure, as it keeps her competitive and focused. “There’s always pressure,” she says. “I’m good at putting more on myself. Even last year, I was so afraid to lose and I think that was the wrong kind of motivation. This year, I’m putting it into wanting to win and finding the right kind of pressure.”
5. Protecting Her Mental Health
Brink is honest about struggling with mental health, and sees a therapist twice a week. “Everyone has their way of coping,” she says. “I’m really good about being vulnerable. Whenever I’m in a bad mood or not having a good day, people around me will know. Mental health should be seen as hygiene, like brushing your teeth every day; you should be checking in with yourself, so I haven’t been afraid to share that I’ve struggled mentally.”
