Zhang Weili is on the run in her workout gear. In a new social media post the MMA athlete shows off her strong body in a two-piece exercise set while running outside with a group of people. “Confidence comes from action,” she captioned the Instagram video. How does she approach diet, fitness, and self-care? Here is everything you need to know about her lifestyle habits.
Early to Rise and Exercise
Zhang wakes up early. “I get up at six in the morning, before having my breakfast at seven. Then I go outside for fitness training at eight. Around nine o’clock, I arrive at the training site, where I start practicing for the next two hours. I train for three and a half hours before noon,” she told CGTN Sports Scene, per Essentially Sports.
Martial Arts
Zhang’s main form of fitness is martial arts. She trains for Jiu-Jitsu in the afternoon, from 3 pm to 4:30 pm. Around 5 pm she pivots to wrestling. Studies confirm that the practice helps with balance, cognitive function and psychological health in addition to weight loss and physical fitness.
Pilates
Zhang also does pilates workouts in the evening to stretch her muscles deep inside her body. According to research, Pilates exercises are designed to increase muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility, and to improve posture and balance. Experts maintain that it is a great workout for leaning out.
Stretching
Zhang understands the importance of stretching. “Start all over again. Change yourself little by little. Make a little progress every day,” she captioned a post. “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints,” says Harvard Health. “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”
Running
Weili is a runner — on the treadmill like in this video – and also outdoors. According to the Mayo Clinic, running is great for cardiovascular health, muscle building, and weight loss. “For every mile run, the average person will burn approximately 100 calories,” they say.
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