Nastia Liukin In Bathing Suit Is 'On Location'

Nastia was already retired when she opened up to The Cut, but her words confirmed the Olympian routines haven't gone anywhere.

"I wake up around 5 or 5:30 and work out. For me, it’s really important to get a workout in as soon as I wake up because if I don’t do it then I feel like I’m not going to have a chance to do it. I try to get four to five days a week," she said, adding:

"I like to eat something very small beforehand, whether it’s a banana or a piece of fruit, and I have coffee. It was the same when I was in gymnastics. After my workout I’ll have a bigger breakfast, like an omelet with tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and maybe some chicken or something."

The 2008 all-around champion added: "Some days that’s just getting in 20 minutes of some kind of workout, maybe it’s in my hotel room or my apartment or going for a quick jog. But for the most part I love changing it up. I also think that my body responds to that best. When you do the same thing over and over your body just gets used to it."

The five-time Olympic medalist listed a wide choice of exercises: "I love boxing with my trainer. I love barre classes and hot yoga. I love Pilates. That really elongates you, but it’s also important to do some kind of cardio and now that the weather’s nice I love running along the West Side. It’s a beautiful view. I take spinning classes, too," she said.

The Mayo Clinic states: "Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or an equal combination of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity."

Noting that balance is best, Nastia also told The Cut: "I also remember my mom telling me, “If you want a cookie, have a cookie.” Because then you’re going to get to a point where just like you want ten cookies and you’re going to eat ten. So allow yourself to have that."

The blonde concluded that living life to the full is important, stating: "I believe in being able to just live your life and be happy and comfortable with it, but be active and take care of your body because it’s the only body that you have."