Elizabeth Banks jokes about owing her looks to her genetics but it’s clear the actress is incredibly disciplined when it comes to taking care of her health. The 48-year-old posted a picture of herself diving into the sea in Greece, showcasing her physique in a bathing suit with a rash guard on top. “Thanks @vicmdavis for the action shot! Never been to Greece and we made the most of it,” she captioned the shot. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 7 ways Banks 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 Loves To Ski
Banks is a big fan of skiing, although she tries to hold back on any daredevil stunts. "I ski a little too fast and a little out of control,” she says. “I would do black diamonds, but if I break my leg, I don't work, so I do blues. Nothing beats a crisp, cold, bright day when you're on top of a 10,000-foot mountain. It feels as if you can reach up and shake God's hand." “Alpine skiing is a mix of endurance and resistance training,” says Dr. Josef Niebauer, a professor of sports medicine and cardiology and director of the Institute for Molecular Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine at Paracelsus Medical University in Salzburg, Austria. “It has positive effects on the heart and circulation, as well as peripheral muscles—predominately the legs.”
2. Portion Control
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Banks practice portion control and moderation. "When you go to the grocery store, buy more bananas than cookies. [The freezer] is where my Girl Scout cookies are," she says. "Portion control is a real problem. My husband and I always split one appetizer and one entree. I'm sure waiters hate us."
3. She Follows a Gluten-Free Diet
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"Essentially [It’s] a gluten-free diet: no rice, no bread, no pasta. I'll eat tons of protein and veggies. Also, I just drink water and tea...and alcohol,” she says. “We don’t have a clear definition for gluten intolerance or a clear way to explain it,” says Selvi Rajagopal, MD, MPH. “We know that some people eat something that contains gluten and then they don’t feel well.”
4. She Loves Meatloaf
While Banks follows a mostly clean diet, she never says no to meatloaf. "Who doesn't love meat loaf? My father always made an amazing meatloaf, and I've inherited his skill. Leftover meatloaf in a sandwich? Come on!"
5. She Goes Hiking
Banks loves to hike, both with her husband and with friends. "I live in L.A., so hiking is, like, a thing," she says. "If it doesn't happen before lunch, it's not happening. I get that needed hour alone with my husband without our kids." “Regular nature hikes strengthen our heart, lungs, and muscles, as well as our mind,” says David Heber, M.D, PhD, FACP, FASN. “And going with friends can also reap healthy benefits. So, the next time you reach the top of a hill at the end of a dirt path, pause to admire the view and appreciate all you’re doing for your health and happiness.”
6. She Loves To Trapeze
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"I love the feeling of hanging upside down, flying through the air and having the guy catch you,” she says. “When you first see it, you think, I'll never be able to do this! Then it's amazing! It's so good for your upper body and core strength. Your heart rate is up the whole time."
7. Tennis Keeps Her Mentally Acute
Banks has played tennis for years, and credits the sport with keeping her both mentally and physically alert. "It feeds my competitive nature. I also think tennis keeps you mentally acute,” Banks says. I have nothing to back up that statement, but something tells me it's right. Hand-eye coordination is good to keep up, and you can play tennis your whole life." “Whether playing singles, doubles or hitting the ball against a wall, tennis is a full body workout,” says Dr. David Robert Broom. “Swinging the racket works the muscles of your arms, shoulders, back and core. You use the muscles of your lower body to run, jump, crouch and move on the spot.
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