Gabrielle Union in Bathing Suit is "All Love"

Gabrielle Union is known for being one of the most vital actresses in Hollywood. Fans have praised her for seemingly looking the same as she did when she filmed Bring It On or Bad Boys II; her energy and all around vibe are at least as energetic. As if to prove it, Union just posted a new swimsuit photo with some of her friends on her Instagram story, captioning it with the date and a black heart full of all love. (She looks so relaxed, it's hard to believe she plays a harried mom in the new film Cheaper by the Dozen, coming to Disney+ March 18th.) How does she stay so fit? 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 Prioritizes Self-Care

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Union broke down her nighttime routine in an interview with SELF. She says that the pandemic has allowed her to prioritize self-care more than ever. Union does have one particular form of self-care that she enjoys the most. “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.”

2. She Practices Meditation

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In her SELF interview breaking down her nighttime routine, Union says that she loves to practice meditation each evening. “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.”

3. She Does Therapy With Her Family

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Union revealed to SELF that she and her family like to go to therapy, and that it’s helped them out greatly. “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. 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.”

4. She Takes Care Of Her PTSD

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Union revealed in a video with the Child Mind Institute that she was diagnosed with PTSD. She says that she didn’t let her diagnosis get her down, and is encouraging others to stop the stigma of mental health. "PTSD isn't a death sentence," Union says. "You don't have to be alone or feel isolated. There are so many of us out there who are dealing with exactly what you're dealing with and it doesn't make you weak. It doesn't make you anything but human. And we all have something, and you might even become a successful actress and best-selling author, and, I don't know, be dope, because that's what you deserve."

5. She Wants To Stay Healthy

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One of the most important things you need in a healthy lifestyle is consistency. One way to stay consistent is actually wanting to stick with something. Union says to Women’s Health that she actively wants to stay healthy, and this helps her stick with her lifestyle. "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!"

6. She Starts Her Day With Pilates

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Union says that she does a lot of her workouts in the morning, even though she hates it. In order to stick with it, Union says that she does Pilates early in the morning, since it helps her wake up. She tells Women’s Health, "I'm not a morning person, but I have to work out early because of my schedule. 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.”