Clara Fernández is heating up social media with her latest selfie. The Spanish pole vaulter flaunts her famous figure in a few different swimsuits via her latest Instagram post. “This mirror,” she captioned the series of snaps. How does the gorgeous athlete stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Clara Fernández stays 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. She Is a Track & Field Star
Fernández does track and field. Specifically, she is a professional pole vaulter. Pole vaulting, a form of cardio, involves running and then launching yourself into the air, which requires strength. “Even if you’re unlikely to start flinging your body to amazing heights anytime soon, there’s plenty to learn from watching Olympic pole-vaulters. Dr. Jones suggests watching the incredible core and upper body strength of vaulters, as well as their unique running style and power,” says Adventist Health.
2. She Trains
Clara Fernandez/Instagram
Fernández also does weight and strength training. She has a tab on her Instagram dedicated to exercise. In it, you can take a glimpse at some of her workouts. A few exercises she does? Deadlift (heavy, heavy weights) and squats with a barbell.
3. She Runs
Clara also runs to stay in shape. She prefers running outside to on a treadmill. Because she is a track and field runner, it not only helps her burn calories, but trains her for competition. "Although running can trim away some of your existing risk of cardiovascular disease, it doesn't entirely eliminate it. The combined effect of lifestyle, diet, and family history still contribute to your lifetime risk," says Harvard Health.
4. She Gives It Her All
Pedro Vilela/Getty Images
While Clara is very dedicated to her sport and gives it her all, she doesn’t always come up on top. In this Instagram post, after a major loss, she demonstrated acceptance. "At the gates of the finals. I dreamed of being in that final, I gave it my all, but it wasn't enough. After a season full of injuries, I can only be grateful to have come this far and keep trying."
5. She Stretches
Like any athlete, Clara doesn’t overlook the importance of stretching, specifically to keep the body warmed up for performance and prevent injuries. In one of her Instagram highlights, she is seen doing different stretches. One type of stretch she is seen doing is an oblique stretch with her knee under her arm. "Before stretching, warm up with 5 to 10 minutes of light activity. Better yet, stretch after a workout. Keep stretches gentle and slow. Don't bounce. Breathe through your stretches. If you feel pain, you've stretched too far," says the Mayo Clinic. "Hold a stretch for about 30 seconds, to the point of a slight pull, on each side. Repeat the stretch on both sides 2 to 4 times. Stretching is recommended 2 to 3 days a week."