Spanish actress María León is a triple threat—she sings, she acts, and she puts on amazing live performances. León posted a picture of herself on stage, singing into a microphone while wearing a silver swimsuit. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways León 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. Exercise For Mental Health
León understands the importance of exercise not only for physical health but for mental wellbeing. “When they ask me how to combat depression in lockdown:. Me: With exercise. D: But that won't work, right? Endorphins in my body: 🤗 🤪🔥💃🏽 ⚡️,” she captioned an Instagram video.
2. She Practices Yoga
León practices yoga, something that offers many benefits for dancers. “Usually in dance we have certain habits that the body learns which help with dancing but may cause the body to be somewhat unbalanced,” says yoga and jazzercise instructor Sara Green. “Although dancers tend to have great posture, yoga can also help improve core strength to help the dancer have stronger back and abdominal muscles. This, in turn, will help in all movements and protect from lower back pain or injury.”
3. She Plays the Guitar
León plays the guitar, which experts say offers incredible health benefits. "Music-making is linked to a number of health benefits for older adults," says Suzanne Hanser, chair of the music therapy department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. "Research shows that making music can lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, reduce stress, and lessen anxiety and depression. There is also increasing evidence that making music enhances the immunological response, which enables us to fight viruses.”
4. She Skateboards
León loves getting outside in the fresh air for some skateboarding sessions. “Many people feel a lot of tension about working out, losing weight and lowering their blood pressure,” says personal trainer ShaNay Norvell. “Outdoor exercise is enjoyable and feels more like play than a chore.”
5. She Pole Dances
María León/Instagram
León is a skilled pole dancer, something that requires significant athletic ability. “The beginning of each class has a cardio component to warm up the body and prepare it for exercise,” says pole dancing instructor Jaime Rangeley. “In addition to that, we put together tricks, spins, and transition moves into combos to increase endurance. Other health benefits include increased strength and coordination as well as neurological benefits. Learning new movements has been proven to develop new neural pathways and help reduce the risk of dementia.”
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