Actress Nataša Stanković has a physique that’s made her a Bollywood star: The wife of Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya posted a beautiful shot on Instagram of herself wearing a black-and-white one piece swimsuit, looking relaxed and calm. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Stanković 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 Ballet
Stanković practiced ballet in school, and continues to enjoy dance-based workouts. “When you begin moving, you immediately release the brain chemicals dopamine, adrenaline, and endorphins, causing a powerful and lasting effect I call ‘energized optimism,’” says Kelly McGonigal, PhD. “The adrenaline makes you feel powerful, the dopamine generates hope, and the endorphins bring you joy. You’ve created this amazing cocktail that boosts your mood and energy, leads you to experience better social interactions, makes you more likely to progress on your goals, and lowers stress. So dancing doesn’t just make you feel great in the moment. It sets you up to be a better version of yourself.”
2. She Practices Pilates
Stanković loves Pilates, and credits it with helping her get back into shape after giving birth to her son in 2020. “There’s a therapeutic, preventative benefit to Pilates,” says yoga therapist Judi Bar. “Because as it’s isolating and relaxing muscle groups, it strengthens them with control and breath. Like yoga, one of the best benefits is that well-being that can come from feeling better. It strengthens your core and, ultimately, it can help lower back pain because, besides tight muscles, lower back pain also comes from misalignment and lack of strength.”
3. She’s Not Into the Gym
Stanković didn’t hit the gym after giving birth. “I don’t go to the gym…I know exercises from my school days and I could put them together,” she says. “I was on my feet all the time.”
4. She Loves Healthy Food
Stanković credits a healthy diet with helping her get back into pre-pregnancy shape. “Some of you have asked me how [I] have lost weight after pregnancy. As I’m not someone who does gym or any heavy training I guess I can only thank to my good genes and a healthy food.”
5. She Is Passionate About Breastfeeding
“People should be more open about it in India. It is not something to be ashamed of,” Stanković says. “You are feeding your own child.” “Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure,” says the CDC.
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