Since leaving São Paulo, Brazil at the age of 14 to move to Los Angeles and pursue her dreams of skateboarding, Leticia Bufoni has earned six X Games Gold Medals, she’s a five-time Guinness World Record holder, a World Championship (2015), and three World Championship silver medals. She also competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and was named "The Most Powerful Women in International Sports for 2018" by Forbes. As one of the most decorated female skateboarders in the world, Bufoni, 30, has dominated women's street skating for over a decade, but you won't see her at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Instead, she's focusing on other things. “There have been two events in the Olympic race, and I didn't go to them," she told Brazilian ESPN. "The Olympics was an incredible experience, I would love to go to the next one, but I'm still very focused on my projects. So, if I decide to enter this race, I will need to put all my projects aside. So, I believe this is not my moment, and I want to focus on these projects”, she said. Her projects include recordings for her YouTube channel and "social activities that bring the sport to underprivileged communities," the outlet reports. That said, Bufoni is looking forward to doing something great for her sport that doesn't involve competing at the moment but is still skating and keeping up with her grueling workouts. Here's six ways the icon stays in shape and what fitness experts think of her intense regime.
1. She Eats Avocado Toast
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There's no shortage of avocado toast in LA, which is great for Bufoni since it's one of her favorites. “Every time I talk about food, people say I’m very L.A.,” she told Red Bull. Not only is avocado toast delicious, but it's healthy!
What the Expert Says: Eating avocado toast has several benefits and ACE-certified trainer and nutritionist Mary Sabat MS, RDN, LD explains why the California staple is so healthy.
--"Nutrient-Rich: Avocado toast is a popular choice for its nutrient content. Avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which can contribute to heart health and help manage cholesterol levels.
--Fiber: Avocado toast typically includes whole-grain bread, providing dietary fiber that aids digestion, helps maintain a healthy gut, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.
--Vitamins and Minerals: Avocado is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin K, vitamin E, and vitamin C. These nutrients play various roles in supporting the immune system, bone health, and overall well-being.
--Antioxidants: Avocados contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health and may help protect against age-related eye disorders.
--Satiety: The healthy fats and fiber in avocado toast can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, potentially aiding in weight management by reducing the likelihood of overeating."
2. She Loves Green Juice
Another LA thing to do is drink green juice, which is also one of the skateboarder's go-to's, according to Red Bull.
What the Expert Says: Sabat explains why green juice is so healthy to drink.
--"Nutrient Boost: Green juices are often made from a combination of leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits, providing a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.
--Hydration: Green juices contain a high water content, aiding in hydration, which is essential for various bodily functions and maintaining healthy skin.
--Antioxidants: Leafy greens and vegetables used in green juices are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
--Digestive Health: The fiber content in some green juices can aid digestion and promote a healthy gut microbiome.
--Alkalizing Properties: Many green vegetables have alkalizing effects on the body, helping to balance its pH levels and potentially supporting overall wellness."
3. She Knows When to Stop Eating
Bufoni knows her limit and has learned when it's time to stop eating. "The mistake that most people make is cutting out every craving – this ultimately works against you as you will end up craving even more food," she told News24. "My big family enjoys traditional Brazilian food during Christmas, you’ll find everything from turkey, raisin rice, codfish, mashed potatoes, and all types of salad." She added, "I usually avoid most of the heavy food but when it comes to dessert, I can’t help it! I do have my good share of chocolate, ice cream, pudding, and anything that’s sweet. Don’t overindulge and binge on everything in front of you but don’t starve yourself either, moderation is key."
What the Expert Says: According to Sabat, "Leticia Bufoni's mindset of not depriving herself of foods she loves, like sweets, while still knowing when to stop eating, can contribute to her overall health and shape in several ways:
--Moderation: Allowing herself occasional treats in moderation prevents feelings of deprivation and can help maintain a positive relationship with food. This approach reduces the likelihood of binge eating or falling into restrictive eating patterns.
--Sustainability: By not completely eliminating foods she enjoys, Leticia is more likely to sustain her healthy eating habits in the long term, rather than feeling like she's on a restrictive diet.
--Reduced Guilt: A balanced mindset reduces guilt associated with indulging in favorite treats. This emotional well-being can positively impact overall mental health and prevent stress-related eating.
--Positive Body Image: Leticia's approach can help promote a healthy body image by focusing on overall well-being rather than strict appearance-based goals.
-Flexible Lifestyle: This mindset allows her to enjoy social occasions and special treats without feeling anxious about straying from her healthy habits." Sabat adds, "Incorporating these habits—avocado toast, green juice, and a balanced mindset—can contribute to Leticia Bufoni's ability to stay healthy and maintain her shape as a pro skateboarder."
4. She Does Agility Ladder with Ball Kicking
To be one of the greatest skateboarders in the world takes more than hard work. You have to live the sport and Bufoni is all in. She does a variety of unique exercises that target every muscle including an agility ladder with ball kicking, which you can see in this video.
What the Expert Says: There's a lot of benefits to this move for skating, Sabat says. "This exercise improves her agility, coordination, and footwork precision. As a skateboarder, she needs to quickly maneuver around obstacles and maintain balance, and these drills enhance her ability to do so effectively. The added challenge of kicking the ball while performing ladder drills enhances her focus and helps refine her lower-body movements, which can translate to improved control and stability on the skateboard."
5. Jumping Split Lunges with Cable Wood Chop
Another move the athlete does is a jumping split lunge with cable wood chop which you can watch her do in the same video as above.
What the Expert Says: "This exercise combines explosive lower-body strength with rotational core work," Sabat explains. "Skating requires powerful leg movements for tricks and jumps, and the jumping split lunges engage her leg muscles for explosive force production. The cable wood chop adds rotational strength and stability to her core, which is crucial for maintaining balance during complex skateboard maneuvers. The integrated movement pattern helps mimic the twisting motions she might encounter while skating."
6. Balancing on Board with Foam Roller and Ball Toss
Bufoni is always challenging herself with workouts and does an exercise that's hard for most--balancing on a board with a foam roller while tossing a ball back and forth to someone working out with her.
What the Expert Says: "Balancing on an unstable surface like a foam roller challenges her proprioception and stabilizing muscles," Sabat explains. "As a skateboarder, maintaining balance on the board is essential, and this exercise replicates the dynamic and unpredictable nature of balancing on a skateboard while performing tricks. The added element of ball tossing challenges her coordination and reaction time, which can improve her ability to adjust to unexpected movements while skating." Sabat adds, "Incorporating these unique exercises into her workout routine provides Bufoni with specific benefits that directly support her skating career. They enhance her agility, strength, coordination, and balance—key components for excelling in skateboarding and performing complex tricks with confidence and control."
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