Kelly Bensimon is heating up the beaches of Puerto Rico. The former model and Real Housewives of New York star flaunted her incredibly flat abs and legs-for-miles in a blue swimsuit while vacationing on the island over the weekend. How does the star keep herself so fit and manage to look half her age? Read on to see 8 ways Kelly Bensimon 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!

Kelly is the author of a book: I Can Make You Hot!: The Supermodel Diet. In it, she reveals that she lost 50 pounds twice. "When I got pregnant with each daughter, I gained 50 pounds. Most people in my position would really watch their diet and eat crazy foods and exercise like a maniac. For me, having children and being able to bear children was such an incredible luxury. I wanted to be a vessel for them and not exercise and diet while pregnant," she explained to The Washingtonian. "As a result, I gained 50 pounds. Believe me, it wasn't easy [losing weight] and having an ex-husband photographing models all the time. But for me, wanting to take care of myself is a really big part of who I am. I like to say I lost the weight gracefully—when my one daughter was five months old people were asking me, 'Are you still pregnant?' But you know what? I have great, healthy kids, and I'm healthy at 44. I treat my body well, and as a result it looks good."

Kelly is a big fan of group fitness. She told Page Six that two of her favorites are SoulCycle and Y7 yoga. Yoga is considered one of many types of complementary and integrative medicine approaches. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines that may help you achieve peacefulness of body and mind. This can help you relax and manage stress and anxiety," says the Mayo Clinic.

Kelly is a big outdoor runner. She often shares photos of social media rocking running gear. "Running alone," she captioned an image over the pandemic, flaunting her flat abs in a sports bra and matching leggings.  

Kelly is a big advocate of self-care and prioritizing mental health. On Mental Health Day, she shared a photo of herself in an upside down yoga pose reminding people to take care of themselves. "Today is one of those days that people brush off because they think, 'I'm good. I'm fun. I'm doing great. Why do I need to stop and reflect? Im in a great time in my life!'" she said. 

Kelly revealed the two exercises responsible for her toned legs to The Washingtonian. "My favorite leg exercises are squats and lunges. They just really tone up the inner and outer thighs and lift the buttocks, as well. When your butt muscles are toned, your legs look leaner," she explained. 

Kelly dished to The Washingtonian about which dietary trends are the biggest mistakes. "One is skipping meals and the other is fasting," she said. "Both of those do the same thing—every time you skip a meal or fast, you're jarring your metabolism, which causes you to gain weight."

In her book, Kelly reveals that Sunday is her one cheat day. "I love my mom's Irish soda bread, which she used to make on Sundays after I did well in swim meets. I love the pizza I make with the girls, and guacamole and homemade chips. I love doing anything with my kids, and cooking is a good way for them to learn responsibility and how to take care of themselves, and for us to share and make memories," she told The Washingtonian about what she usually eats on cheat days. df44d9eab23ea271ddde7545ae2c09ec

Kelly prioritizes hydration, but has an interesting method. "When you're hydrated, you're less hungry," she told The Washingtonian. "Miso soup has a lot of sodium, but it's hydrating, and it helps with digestion and fills you up quicker. But do you need to have a bowl of soup with every meal? No. Instead, you could have a glass of water without ice in it before you start a meal."