Simone Biles in Bathing Suit is “Livin Bikini Loca”

Simone Biles is “livin bikini loca.” The gymnast shared some photos over the long Thanksgiving weekend of herself in a tropical locale, perhaps proof of her motto for this year: “2021. having the courage to take care & put myself first." How does she stay so fit while keeping so busy? Read on to see 7 ways Simone Biles 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. This is How She Eats

Regarding her food intake: "I do not track anything," she tells Women's Health. "I eat what I feel good with and try not to overeat or stuff myself because I'm always at the gym." She added: "For gymnasts, in particular, [tracking] can lead to health problems and eating issues, so I just eat what I know I can and should."

2. She Focuses on Her Mental Health

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Biles said in October she’s been “trying to navigate her own unique mental health journey.” “I definitely feel like it’s been a relief [to speak openly about her emotions] but it’s not easy to go through it,” Biles said during a Today show interview. “Because I try to be strong not only for other people but also myself, but sometimes there are weaknesses in strength and that’s OK, and it’s OK not to be OK, and I’ve taught myself that.”

3. She Has Cross-Trained

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Cross training—mixing disciplines—can be effective, as can interval training. “t's not as complicated as you might think. Interval training is simply alternating short bursts (about 30 seconds) of intense activity with longer intervals (about 1 to 2 minutes) of less intense activity,” says the Mayo Clinic. “For instance, if your exercise is walking and you're in good shape, you might add short bursts of jogging into your regular brisk walks. If you're less fit, you might alternate leisurely walking with periods of faster walking. For example, if you're walking outdoors, you could walk faster between certain mailboxes, trees or other landmarks.”

4. She Swims

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During cross-training, Biles sometimes swims a mile. "Swimming is easy on the joints, and it's very good for both cardiac health and your core strength. And it also can give you really excellent strength around the shoulders, and hips and knees," says Dr. Matthew Crowe, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert. "Swimmers need strong legs and need strong arms. But what really protects people from injuries are core muscles ― the abs, the lower back muscles and all the muscles around the shoulder blades that are stabilizing the shoulder blade to prevent injury."

5. She Downs Protein

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"I wake up so early before practice, which is at seven, so sometimes I'll grab a quick bite and sometimes I won't," she says. Sometimes she’ll have oatmeal or fruit or a protein shake. "I love having a Core Power Protein Shake after a workout," she told Women’s Health. "Usually I drink half after the first practice and half after the second practice. One of my favorite flavors at the moment is vanilla. It always changes, but it's currently vanilla."

6. This is Her Cheat Meal

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"If I'm feeling like a little bit of a less healthy meal, I get pizza or fettuccine Alfredo with chicken," she told Women’s Health. "I really like home restaurants that are in the area because I feel like I get to be closer with them. I'm not picky. I'll try any new restaurant."