Basketball "all star" Nataly Gutiérrez is taking some time off from the court to enjoy the beach. Gutiérrez shared an Instagram reel of herself relaxing on the sand in a two-piece swimsuit, captioning the post "Happy Sunday! Thank you for all the support you give me." How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Gutiérrez 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!
Weights are a core part of Gutiérrez's workout and training routine. Experts say weight and resistance training can be significantly beneficial for athletes. "There is no doubt that an appropriate weight-training program would improve efficiency in pretty much any athlete," says Gary R. Hunter, professor of exercise physiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Gutiérrez enjoys fresh fruit for a healthy snack, especially kiwi and melons. "All that water in watermelon, 92% water per serving – which is 1 cup of cubed melon or a small 1-inch thick wedge – makes it a great option for hydration," says Keri Gans, MS, RDN, CDN. "Staying hydrated helps keep our temperature stable, our organs to run properly, promotes heart and digestive health and assists our skin with elasticity to prevent dryness and signs of aging. And during the dog days of summer, it's especially important to stay hydrated."
Gutiérrez follows a Mediterranean Diet complete with plenty of fish and shellfish, and olives. "Although high in fat, the majority is a beneficial mono-unsaturated variety called oleic acid," says registered nutritionist Nicola Shubrook. "This fatty acid is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Oleic acid may help in this way by regulating cholesterol balance and reducing blood pressure."
Gutiérrez incorporates push ups into her workout routine. "Push-ups will improve your health by building muscle, raising your metabolism to burn fat, and providing a cardiovascular benefit," says Robert S. Herbst, a personal trainer and former world champion powerlifter. "They enable you to get a full body workout with no equipment."
Gutiérrez uses resistance bands to give simple mat exercises an edge. "No matter what your fitness level, resistance bands are a great piece of equipment to use," says exercise physiologist Christopher Travers, MS. "Resistance bands might not look like much, but they can strengthen your muscles as effectively as more traditional weights. In many ways, bands put more tension on your muscles and work them longer during movements."
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