Gabrielle Union Celebrates Fit Figure in Sports Bra

Gabrielle Union-Wade, 48, is the poster child for “strong is sexy.” On Monday, the #fitspirational star stripped down and modeled a sports bra and briefs for Harlem American, flaunting her fit figure—washboard abs and all. How does the star stay in fantastic shape? Celebwell has rounded up some of her top tips, tricks, and secrets to staying in shape. Read on to see the photos that prove they work—and to get summer-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bikini Photos!

1. She Works Out in the Morning

Even though she would rather sleep in, Gabrielle starts her day off with a work0ut. “You know how you swing your legs off to the side of the bed?” she asks. “That’s when you really think about life’s decisions: How much would it cost if I cancel? What does traffic look like? Should I go back to sleep?” She drinks a coffee and hits the gym. “I don’t leave people hanging.”

2. The Union-Wade Family Sweats Together

Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for StanceJohnny Nunez/Getty Images

For Gabrielle, exercise is a group—and often a family—activity. “Training together, struggling, failing, trying to get better—it’s been a cool thing that doesn’t feel like, ‘Let’s go talk about our feelings.’ It’s like, I’m a cool mom!” she told Women’s Health. “Grind together, shine together,” she captioned an image of herself working out with Dwyane Wade.

3. She Eats Healthy...Most of the Time

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In her latest Instagram post she joked about her diet. “No gluten, no dairy. Except when I eat gluten and dairy, she captioned the image. She previously told WH that she occasionally indulges in “eating what the hell I want and not thinking about it.”

4. She Trains Efficiently

Photo by David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty ImagesDavid Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Gabrielle does 15 to 20 minutes of cardio plus strength training and Pilates to stay in shape she revealed to WH. "A Pilates routine generally includes exercises that promote core strength and stability, muscle control, and endurance, including exercises that stress proper posture and movement patterns and balanced flexibility and strength. It can also be helpful in training for sports or in physical rehabilitation," says the Mayo Clinic.

5. She Likes Outdoor Activities

Photo by Toni Anne Barson/WireImageToni Anne Barson/WireImage

“I need sun. I need vitamin D on my face," she told WH. "Give me a trail, a park, a walk down the street with the dogs, a breeze, rain. I’ll go hike. I’ll get a lawn chair and sit outside my trailer so I’m not trapped inside.”

6. She Drinks Water...A Lot of It

Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagicJon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Gabrielle revealed to Elle that she started drinking a gallon of water a day in her mid-thirties and it was life changing. “It's made a tremendous difference with my hair, skin, and nails. Everyone is always like, 'What did you do differently than everyone else? Why are you aging so slow?' It's something that everyone has access to and it not only helps with your beauty, it also helps with your fitness and digestion,” she said. She tries to drink half of it by noon and then “casually” drinks the other half until 6:00 pm. She also revealed that she drinks “a good 32 ounces” during her workouts. “Just try and do as much as you can early,” she suggests.

Gabrielle Union, star of the Disney+ hit Cheaper By the Dozen and Apple TV+’s Truth Be Told, in a bathing suit just shared a special selfie for the 4th of July weekend. She wore a brown swimsuit in front of a mirror, with her husband Dwyane Wade in the background, his hands on his ballcap. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Gabrielle Union 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 Meditates

Gabrielle Union / Instagram

“New research is finding meditation useful for a variety of health problems—including easing chronic pain… reducing gastrointestinal symptoms… and lowering blood pressure and stress to protect the heart!” says Harvard Health. “With regular practice, meditation can also help you gain a deeper awareness of your inner self. There is even some evidence that meditation changes your brain—enlarging areas of brain tissue that help us think and learn… while decreasing areas that cause us stress and anxiety.”

2. She Does Pilates

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - MAY 06: Gabrielle Union attends American Express Presents CARBONE Beach at Carbone on May 06, 2022 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Carbone Beach)

"The great thing about Pilates is that I can take out my annoyance from waking up early on the machines instead of human beings," she told Women’s Health. "It's for the greater good. My body responds to it, and I'm also more clear."

3. She Does Cardio

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 03: Gabrielle Union is seen in the Upper East Side on May 03, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

"I like to mix it up so I don’t get anxiety staring at the treadmill," she said to Women’s Health. "Cardio could be jumping jacks, running up my driveway, side shuffles like I used to do in basketball, an elliptical, treadmill, or sled pushes." “Rather than stretching before you exercise, do a dynamic warmup instead, such as running in place, jumping jacks or leg lifts,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Things where you’re engaging the muscles, but you’re moving them. And you’re getting them warm gradually as you progress into your workout,” says Dr. Chad Asplund, a Mayo Clinic sports medicine physician.

4. She Has Anxiety and Says “I See You”

MILAN, ITALY - JUNE 19: Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade attend Prada Spring/Summer 2023 Menswear Fashion Show on June 19, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jacopo M. Raule/Getty Images for Prada)

Gabrielle once wrote: “As a rape survivor, I have battled PTSD for 30 years. Living with anxiety and panic attacks all these years has never been easy. There’s times the anxiety is so bad it shrinks my life. Leaving the house or making a left hand turn at an uncontrolled light can fill me with terror. Anxiety can turn my anticipation about a party or fun event I’ve been excited about attending (Met Ball) into pure agony. When we tell y’all what we are experiencing, please believe us the 1st time we mention it. No, it’s not like being nervous and everyone experiences and deals with anxiety differently, and that’s OK. I don’t need you to try to ‘fix’ me. I share this as I hope everyone living with anxiety knows they aren’t alone or ‘being extra.’ I see you, I FEEL you and there is so much love for you. Always. Love and light good people. Be good to each other out there 🖤”

5. She Urges Kids to Get Their Vaccines

MILAN, ITALY - JUNE 18: Gabrielle Union is seen during Milan Fashion Week S/S 2023 on June 18, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Robino Salvatore/GC Images)

“We want to make sure that you and your family and your loved ones are as safe as possible. And it starts with step one, reach out to your doctor. If you don't have a doctor, reach out to your local health department to find out if, uh, your child has missed any immunizations, any of those doctor recommended vaccines. So you are good to go come school time, and you're safe as you guys are moving around,” she said. “As the world is opening back up, we don't want those diseases that have been prevented by vaccines to make their way back.”

Gabrielle Union is considered one of the most gorgeous women in Hollywood. She still looks the same way she did 21 years ago, when she starred in Bring It On. And she isn’t afraid to show off her figure, as evidenced by her most recent Instagram story. Union is enjoying time outside, and posted photos of herself in a green bikini relaxing on a chair, and on the golf course. Read on to see 6 ways Gabrielle Union 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 Works Out With Her Family

Gabrielle Union/Instagram

Union has posted a lot of her workouts on her Instagram, whether it’s uploading a reel or adding to her “Workouts” highlight. She sometimes has partners with her. Union will often show herself working out with her husband, NBA legend Dwayne Wade, and even her daughter, Kaavia, like in this reel.

2. She Weight Trains

Gabrielle Union/Instagram

Union uploads a lot of her workouts to a highlight on her Instagram page. In the highlight, she is often seen using weights to workout. Union is seen doing squats with a kettlebell and a hand weight, and lifting hand weights.

3. She’s Conscious Of Her Health

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Union tells Women’s Health that her family has a history of health problems, and that this motivates her to stay active and healthy. "I have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and I know that can lead to an early death. I want to be a vital and energetic part of my family for a long time, not to be big mama in a rocking chair in the TV room, or huffing and puffing just going up stairs. I work out not because I get off on it, but because I want to live!"

4. She Loves Pilates

Rich Fury/Getty Images for dcp

Union tells Women’s Health that her busy schedule means that she has to workout in the mornings, which can be difficult as she’s not a morning person. However, she says that doing Pilates helps her wake up and focus. “The great thing about Pilates is that I can take out my annoyance from waking up early on the machines instead of human beings. It's for the greater good. My body responds to it, and I'm also more clear.”

5. She Gets Outside

Union is a big fan of going outside and getting enough Vitamin D. "I need vitamin D on my face,” she says to Women’s Health. “Give me a trail, a park, a walk down the street with the dogs, a breeze, rain. I'll go hike. I'll get a lawn chair sit outside my trailer so I'm not trapped inside.” Union will often post photos of herself enjoying the fresh air on Instagram.

6. She Doesn’t Deprive Herself

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When it comes to her diet, Union says that she does eat healthy, and she also doesn’t deny herself the occasional indulgence. "If I want cupcakes, cookies, or a short stack, I don't deny myself, and I certainly don't deny myself bacon," she says to Fitness Magazine.

Gabrielle Union knows how to do TV night right. “Mentally I'm here. Physically my” behind “is still in my pj's on the couch binge watching @queensabc smashing Kaav's @bitsys,” she captioned a photo of herself in a bathing suit and coverup. She was referencing the ABC series Queens and Bitsy’s, her food brand. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Gabrielle Union 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 Worked With A Nutritionist

While attempting to go through IVF, Union revealed that the procedures really took a toll on her body. "My face looked like the surface of the moon, small chunks of hair were falling out," she told Women's Health. "At 9 a.m. I had a flat stomach. By noon I looked like I was five months pregnant." Union then decided to work with nutritionist, Alisa Vitti, to help her out. "She said, 'Cut out gluten, dairy, alcohol, and caffeine and see if the swelling alleviates and it helps with your skin and hair,'" says Union.

2. She Works Out In The Mornings

Rich Fury/Getty Images

Union told Women’s Health that she likes to do her workouts first thing in the morning. “You know how you swing your legs off to the side of the bed?” she said. “That’s when you really think about life’s decisions: ‘How much would it cost if I cancel? What does traffic look like? Should I go back to sleep?’”

3. She Listens To Inspirational Podcasts

Stephane Cardinale/Getty Images

One of the ways Union stays inspired is by listening to podcasts. She tells Women’s Health that one of her favorites is Affirmation Pod by Josie Ong. “I’ll listen to these while I’m brushing my teeth or getting a facial,” Union says. “She always drops some nuggets.”

4. She Gets Outside

Union is a big fan of going outside, and she posts a lot of photos of herself enjoying the great outdoors on Instagram. “I need sun. I need vitamin D on my face,” she told Women’s Health. "Give me a trail, a park, a walk down the street with the dogs, a breeze, rain. I’ll go hike. I’ll get a lawn chair and sit outside my trailer so I’m not trapped inside.”

5. She Strength Trains

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Union is a big fan of strength training and lifting weights. She has posted videos of herself using weights and doing strength exercises on Instagram.

Gabrielle Union is 49 and in the best shape of her life. The actress is enjoying the summer sun with husband Dwayne Wade, relaxing on a boat in an orange bikini. “It’s begun. 🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🛥🛥🛥#WadeWorldTour2022,” she captioned an Instagram post. In another, added the caption: "All Me. All 🖤🖤 #WadeWorldTour2022 🇪🇸🇪🇸." How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 6 ways Union 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 Her “Oily” Skin

Union looks incredibly youthful, and credits not smoking and her “oily” skin with her looks. "I get asked all the time how I look so young,” she tells Women’s Health. “I don't like needles. I'm not going to rule out Botox, but the idea of putting a needle in my face... I'm not there yet. I have pretty oily skin, I drink a lot of water, I don't smoke, and I don't have a hard life. Of course, as I've aged, everything on my body hurts! My hips, back, shoulders—lots of aches and pains. I dye my hair and people say, 'You look young,' but my gray hairs are saying, 'She's old as f—!'"

2. She Works Out For Health

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 03: Gabrielle Union is seen in the Upper East Side on May 03, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

Union understands that exercise is more about health and longevity as it is about looking good. "I have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and I know that can lead to an early death,” she says. “I want to be a vital and energetic part of my family for a long time, not to be big mama in a rocking chair in the TV room, or huffing and puffing just going up stairs. I work out not because I get off on it, but because I want to live!"

3. She Sets Boundaries

MILAN, ITALY - JUNE 19: Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union attend Prada Spring/Summer 2023 Menswear Fashion Show on June 19, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Prada)

Union keeps stress at bay by setting and maintaining boundaries. "My best anti-aging tip is the ability to say no, no, and hell, no,” she says. “We run ourselves ragged saying yes to every freaking thing, whether it's to our family, spouses, or careers. I sleep eight hours a day and don't let myself stress out. A lot of people call it selfish, but I don't have any wrinkles." “Why is it important to have boundaries? It’s important because healthy personal boundaries help maintain a positive self-concept,” says Marvin G. Knittel Ed.D. “It’s important because I can take better care of myself and not allow other people to define who I am.”

4. She Loves Pilates

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: (Exclusive Coverage) Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union arrive at The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/MG22/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue )

Union is a big fan of Pilates workouts, especially on the reformer machine. "I'm not a morning person, but I have to work out early because of my schedule,” she says. “The great thing about Pilates is that I can take out my annoyance from waking up early on the machines instead of human beings. It's for the greater good. My body responds to it, and I'm also more clear."

5. She Focuses On Her Arms

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: (Exclusive Coverage) Gabrielle Union attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/MG22/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue )

Union doesn’t skip arm workouts, and it shows. "I love my arms because it's where I get fast results. At my age, if I don't work out for two weeks, it's like I've never done anything, ever. But my arms come back quickly. I try to maintain my moneymakers," she says. "A strong upper body is essential for anything from good posture and daily activities like putting the groceries away, to injury prevention and more," says Allen Conrad, DC, CSCS, the owner of Montgomery County Chiropractic Center in North Wales, Pennsylvania.

6. She Knows When To Relax

Union works hard but she knows when to relax. “What good is it to be emaciated if your stomach’s always growling?” she says. “That sucks. Have a burger!” Union also keeps her workouts fun. “We have a basketball court at our house, so we have shooting contests and a game of 21. And the boys were into those hoverboard scooter things, so I jog alongside them with the dogs.”