Alessandra Ambrosio Bares Abs in Fit Pics From the Gym
Alessandra Ambrosio achieved supermodel status when she first graced the Victoria's Secret catwalk in 2004. Now 40, she is just as fit as she was in her 20s. On Wednesday, the Brazilian beauty shared photos on Instagram from a workout session, celebrating her rock hard abs in a sports bra and joggers. How does she manage to stay in such fabulous shape? Here are a few of her go-to workouts and wellness tips, which she's shared with others, along with the photos that prove they work.
Ambrosio Is a Yogi
"I love to do yoga as it centers me and also at the same time keeps me in shape," Ambrosio told Fox News last year about her practice. She's frequently promotes Alo Yoga and tagged the brand in her recent Instagram post (above). Yoga has numerous benefits. "Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles, while holding a pose can build strength," according to Johns Hopkins. "Regular yoga practice may reduce levels of stress and body-wide inflammation, contributing to healthier hearts. Several of the factors contributing to heart disease, including high blood pressure and excess weight, can also be addressed through yoga."
Ambrosio Understands the Importance of Stretching
Even when she doesn't have time for a full-on workout, the fitness devotee makes sure to get in a few stretches. "Since there is a lot to do around the house sometimes I don't have much time to work out, in which case I try to do some stretching and hold a plank for five to 10 minutes," she revealed to Fox News. "You may think of stretching as something performed only by runners or gymnasts. But we all need to stretch in order to protect our mobility and independence," says Harvard Health. "A lot of people don't understand that stretching has to happen on a regular basis. It should be daily," David Nolan, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, tells Harvard.
Ambrosio's Workouts Are Hardcore
Alessandra recently shared a video on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse of her hardcore routine. It included weight lifting, a bunch of intense interval moves like mountain climbers and kettlebell squats, and some seriously impressive ab exercises. "Core exercises train the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen to work in harmony. This leads to better balance and stability, whether on the playing field or in daily activities. In fact, most sports and other physical activities depend on stable core muscles," says the Mayo Clinic.
Ambrosio Is a Pilates Devotee
Alessandra is a huge fan of pilates, regularly snapped coming and going to various studios in Los Angeles. "Pilates aims to strengthen the body in an even way, with particular emphasis on core strength to improve general fitness and wellbeing," says the NIH. "Pilates exercises are done on a mat or using special equipment, such as the Reformer, Cadillac and Wunda Chair. With its system of pulleys and springs, handles and straps, the apparatus can provide either resistance or support, depending on your needs. Practitioners say regular pilates can improve posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility, as well as relieve stress and tension. For elite athletes, including dancers, pilates can complement training by developing whole-body strength and flexibility, and help reduce the risk of injury."
Ambrosio Stays Active Outdoors
It is no surprise that the native of Brazil is a fan of one of the best ocean exercises—surfing! She also stays active outdoors with her two children. "We love going to the beach, hanging in Malibu and playing volleyball… We like going rollerblading and biking, all kind of things!" she told People.
