Poonam Dubey in Bathing Suit Says "My Life, My Rules"

Indian actress Poonam Dubey is saying “my life, my rules” regarding her decision to wear bathing suits. Dubey posted a video of herself posing in a coral swimsuit and sarong, and insists her choice of outfit doesn’t define who she is. “My identity, dignity remains the same if I wear a bikini or Indian dress,” she captioned the post. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Dubey 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. Weight Lifting

Dubey uses heavy weights to develop muscle, especially on her legs. "Legs are the foundation for most activities," says Vijay Daryanani, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. "They're home to some of the body’s largest muscles, and building healthy legs can improve one’s performance, reduce injury, and increase endurance."

2. Sit Ups

Dubey does sit ups as part of her workout routine, often with a friend or trainer stabilizing her feet. “I love doing sit-ups when I have a table to anchor my feet on or a workout buddy holding my feet down with their hands,” says Olivia Amato, CPT. “This usually ensures proper form because you don't have to worry about keeping your feet on the ground on top of everything else.”

3. Yoga Sessions

Yoga is an important part of Dubey’s wellness regimen. “Yoga can decrease stress and cortisol levels, enhance mood, decrease anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and improve chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, reducing the need for medications that can cause weight gain,” say Chika Anekwe, MD, MPH, and Niyoti Reddy, MD. “Yoga is not a band-aid for excess weight, but it may work on the underlying causes. Its benefits extend beyond the calories-in-versus-calories-out equation.”

4. Lat Pulldown

Dubey uses machines to work on her arms and back. “Are you finding that your lats are lacking a little in the symmetry department? In other words, is one side more developed than the other?” says David Sandler, MS, CSCS. “Training bilaterally, as in with a fixed barbell or long bar attachment, can have the effect of allowing the stronger side of your body to do slightly more work than the weaker one, creating a visual imbalance in your musculature. Unilateral training (training each side independently) can solve this problem, creating optimal symmetry, and the one-arm lat pulldown is a great exercise for attacking this issue.”

5. Biceps and Triceps

“Big and strong biceps not only look good but play an important role in the health and performance of your shoulders and back,” says certified personal trainer Shane McLean. “Although it’s worth remembering that the triceps make up 70 percent of the upper arm, having strong biceps helps prevent tricep strains, keeps the shoulders in place and allows for smoother upper arm movements.”