Mexican actress Sandra Itzel is used to being the center of attention—and she’s clearly comfortable in front of the camera. Itzel shared a picture of herself posing in a neon pink bathing suit, with her hair in braids. “I think of you every night,” she captioned the post. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Itzel 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. All About the Cardio
Itzel never skips her cardio, which is the ultimate de-stresser, experts say. “Not only that, but it combats depression, improves your self-esteem and releases tension-fighting hormones like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine,” says clinical exercise physiologist Erik Van Iterson, PhD, MS. “Try getting in a 30-minute workout five or more days a week that raises your heart rate for the duration of the activity. Or try three, 10-minute workouts, five or more days a week.”
2. Dancing Queen
Itzel is an amazing dancer. “The everyday life of cell phones, laptops, and screens can result in a shrinking back and in, rather than an expanding up and out,” says choreographer and artistic director Kristin Sudeikis. “The dance floor offers an invitation to unapologetically practice taking up space while also acknowledging the people around you—which is something we could use more of in the world, don’t you think?”
3. Sauna Sessions
Itzel loves using the sauna, which can offer many health benefits (but make sure you consult a doctor first). “Evidence over the past few decades shows that sauna bathing has an immediate positive effect on blood pressure,” says UCLA Health. “But for a bigger benefit, combine your sauna bathing with exercise. Recent research finds that using the sauna for 15 minutes after a workout, three times a week, results in a more significant improvement in blood pressure than exercise alone.”
4. Long Baths
Itzel enjoys long baths. “Taking baths has great physical and mental health benefits,” says family medicine provider Amy Zack, MD. “Baths help many people sleep well. They also create a good environment for meditation, thought and escape from everyday stressors.”
5. Coffee Please
Itzel loves fresh coffee, which can be very good for you. “Coffee may help some people maintain alertness and energy levels thanks to its caffeine content,” says registered nutritionist Nicola Shubrook. “When coffee is consumed, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain where it ‘fires up’ certain neurons which may improve memory, mood, energy and cognitive function, if consumed in moderation. Other reports suggest drinking coffee before exercise may reduce rates of exertion and potentially improve athletic performance.”
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