Gabrielle Union in Bathing Suit Calls Herself "Stifler's Mom"

Gabrielle Union is a 49-year-old mom but is determined to let everyone know that doesn't mean she can't be fit and fabulous. Her social media account is full of swimsuit photos and videos. She just shared a new video this week. In it, she walked out of the pool wearing a gray-blue bathing suit. Union captioned the video, “Stiffler’s Mom, Kaav’s Mom, who knows the difference,” referencing the sultry mom in American Pie (actually spelled Stifler's Mom). 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 Protects Her Skin From The Sun

Union has amazons skin, and she makes sure to take care of it. She revealed some of her skincare secrets to Essence. She says that a big secret of hers is protecting her skin from the sun. “A lot of women of color do not think that we are at risk. We believe that our melanin is built-in protection and we are good to go from birth. That’s not the case. Our moles can change shape and be cancerous as well. We have to stay on top of our sun protection. We burn as well. Everyone says, ‘Black people don’t burn,’ but yes, we burn as well, so do Latinas, Asians and everyone else. No one is exempt from sun damage. If I have to be worried about it, everyone needs to be worried about it.”

2. She Uses Different Products

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Union’s skincare routine involves a lot of different products. She revealed some of her favorites to Essence. “I have all of my cleansers in my shower but it really depends on what I feel like using that day. If I want an extra boost, I use the Neutrogena Oil Free Pink Grapefruit Scrub because it’s so pungent. If I wake up with a huge blemish on my face, I’ve got to attack it so I might use an acne-specific cleanser. When I take off my makeup I love the Pink Grapefruit cleanser because when I’m working, they really pack on the makeup, so I have to use a deep cleanser. I always use the Clear Poer Toner after I cleanse just to make sure I’ve removed all the makeup.”

3. She Drinks A Lot Of Water

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Union tells Essence that one of her biggest wellness secrets is drinking a lot of water. “I try to drink a gallon of water a day and it’s made a huge difference in my hair, skin and nails. I generally don’t have major skin flare-ups because I’m so hydrated. Substitute soda, juice, and any sort of sugary drink out of your diet.”

4. She Takes Baths

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Union revealed her nighttime routine to SELF. She says that she has started to take more baths as a way to wind down. “I've never taken more baths in my life than I have during this pandemic. One of the things that has just brought me a lot of joy is that Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak. It's a non-negotiable.”

5. She Goes To Therapy

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Union tells SELF that she loves to go to therapy with her family. “Whether that's me, or my husband, or Zaya, or my little sister, or all of us, we carve out time for therapy every week,” Union says. “Don't miss it. In some cases like me, a couple of weeks ago, I did four hours of therapy. I was overwhelmed and I had to just say, Cancel stuff. I don't feel like I can think, my brain is mush, and I feel overwhelmed, and I need to draw a different boundary this week. And I just upped my therapy.”

Actress Gabrielle Union decided to give us all a little motivation for Monday. Union posted a new photo on Instagram with the caption “Runnin’ into this week like… Let’s get it!” The photo shows Union running on the beach in a yellow and white strapless bathing suit, showing off her incredible body that hasn’t changed all that much since the beginning of her career. 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 Gets Her Beauty Sleep

Union has been praised for not aging and looking the exact same since starring in Bring It On 21 years ago. Union’s secret? She takes the term “beauty sleep” literally. “My best anti-aging tip is the ability to say no, no, and hell, no,” she said to Women’s Health magazine. “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.”

2. She Does Activities With Her Kids

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Union has three step-sons and one daughter, and she likes to do activities with them. “We have a basketball court at our house, so we have shooting contests and a game of 21,” she tells UsWeekly. “And the boys were into those hoverboard scooter things, so I jog alongside them with the dogs.”

3. She Isn’t Afraid To Treat Herself

Union tells UsWeekly that she eats a pretty healthy diet filled with lean protein and vegetables. However, Union also says that she treats herself once in a while, and tries to stay away from extreme dieting. She says, “What good is it to be emaciated if your stomach’s always growling? That sucks. Have a burger!”

4. She Subs Most Drinks With Water

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Union makes sure to stay hydrated and drinks a lot of water each day. She also has methods to make sure she’s drinking a lot of water. “It’s just important to get the water in,” Union told Fitness. "If you can replace sugary drinks or coffee with water you’re still ahead of the game.”

5. She Uses A Heart Monitor

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Union tells Us Weekly that whenever works out, especially when she’s doing cardio, she uses a heart monitor to track her heart rate. She says this helps her know when she's more likely to burn fat, and if anything’s going on. “Keep your heart rate in your fat-burning zone,” she advises. “For me, it’s between 120 to 160.”

Calling Gabrielle Union gorgeous would be an understatement. She has been praised by fans for seemingly not aging since her role in the 2000 film, Bring It On. Union is not afraid to show off her body on social media, or post a swimsuit picture or two. She just shared a stunning new duo of photos on Instagram. In it, Union sat by the pool in a pink floral bathing suit and headwrap. Naturally, she captioned the post, “Headwraps and bikinis.” 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’s Motivated By Her Family

Union broke down her wellness secrets in an interview with Women’s Health. She revealed that her family is a big motivating factor for her to stay in shape. “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!"

2. She’s Conscious Of Her Genetics

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Health is a genetic thing, and Union is certainly aware of it. She tells Women’s Health that a lot of her family members have health problems, like high blood pressure. Union says that she wants to do things to prevent this. "I have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and I know that can lead to an early death.”

3. She Does Pilates In The Morning

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Union’s busy schedule means that she doesn’t always have time to workout. She tells Women’s Health that the mornings are one of the only times that she can exercise. However, Union also admits that this can be difficult, so she has to do exercises that are easier on her body. Union cites Pilates as the perfect morning workout for her. “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.”

4. She Spends Time Outside

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One of Union’s favorite ways to workout is by doing things outside. She tells Women’s Health that she makes time to go outside each day. "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 Practices Meditation

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Union shared her nighttime routine to SELF. She revealed that she likes to practice meditation before she goes to sleep. “Just give yourself that time to center yourself. For me, instead of looking at social media, because obviously I need my phone to get my guided meditation, I just go straight to my guided meditation—in the bathroom—and just have that time. Before you check and see that the murder hornets are making their way to your hometown, give yourself that space.”

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.”

Gabrielle Union, star of Cheaper by the Dozen and author of You Got Anything Stronger?, eats right and exercises, and loves to confidently show off the impressive results. In Union’s most recent Instagram post, she posted three new bathing suit photos. She wore a strapless pale yellow number, looking gorgeous. Union tagged her location as “Magic City” and is likely referring to Miami. 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 Spends Time Outside

Union revealed some of her health and wellness secrets in an interview with Women’s Health. She says that she loves to go outside each day. “I need sun,” she says. “I need vitamin D on my face. 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.”

2. She Does Things With Her Kids

Leon Bennett/Getty Images

Union says to Women’s Health that she loves to do activities with her kids.“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!”

3. She Worked With A Nutritionist

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When Union attempted to go through the process of IVF, she ended up gaining a lot of weight, and not feeling well. She tells Women’s Health that she decided to work with a nutritionist to help her out. Union said that her nutritionist advised her to cut out things in her diet, and that she saw results. “She said, ‘Cut out gluten, dairy, alcohol, and caffeine and see if the swelling alleviates and it helps with your skin and hair,’” Union said.

4. She Wants To Create Opportunities

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In addition to being a successful actress, Union also wants to give back to her community. Union has her own production company, and she wants to help other creators start their careers. “Creating opportunities, especially for creatives of color, to start careers, advance, get paid—it’s the best,” she said to Women’s Health.

5. She Practices Meditation

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Union has a busy schedule, but she always makes time for herself. She tells Forbes that one thing she likes to do is practice meditation. “Meditation gives me the confidence and strength to put myself first,” Union said. “Sometimes you forget that it takes strength to center yourself, that’s not being selfish that’s being strong. Because you cannot be strong for everyone else and be of service to everyone else when you have literally left nothing for yourself. So, be strong for yourself, advocate for yourself to center yourself. Because without that, it's hard to be superwoman.”