Shay Mitchell is enjoying the final days of summer. The 34-year-old actress enjoyed a relaxing weekend getaway with her family, sharing photos on social media. In one of her Instagram stories, she flashed her extremely fit figure in a swimsuit while reading Glennon Doyle's bestselling book, Untamed, by the pool. 2021 was Shay's year of fitness, as she prioritized her health and whipped herself into amazing shape. Read on to see 7 things Shay Mitchell did to get so physically fit and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bikini Photos!

In early 2021 Shay made a decision to put her health first. "2020 was the year of searching for something to make us feel good. Not even good…to feel fine. Feel 'normal…' she wrote in an Instagram post. "For me that came in the form of comfort food, comfort clothes and throwing my fitness routine out the window. And that was okay…for awhile. They're called unprecedented times for a reason. But I also learned about physical and mental self-care, and made a pact with myself that 2021 would be different. I wanted to focus on myself again, because I'm the best version of myself for Atlas – and everyone else – when I take care of myself first."

The actress teamed up with Open Fit and saw results in just four weeks. "A doable time frame 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week for 4 weeks," she wrote about her health revamp. "A clear start, a clear finish and a something that I could totally commit to. I have loved getting up these last four weeks and having a routine and a challenge to start the day. I feel more healthy, energetic and engaged…which makes a better me."

Shay doesn't do drastic diets. "I don't believe in diets," she said in an Instagram story, per Eat This, Not That! "Personally, they don't work for me. I think you need to eat in moderation. That is the only thing, at least for me, that works."

For Shay, "it's all about balance," she revealed to Byrdie. "A lot of people that know me know that I absolutely love food, pizza in particular. I work out not only to balance food, but also to keep my mind focused. And for me, that comes in many different forms. It can be taking a walk outside, boxing, or going to dance. Anything physical has such a positive impact on people; the dopamine and serotonin that get released when you work out—afterward, you feel amazing."

Shay revealed to Byrdie that variety is key when it comes to fitness. "I have to switch it up because I get bored, so I'll try different classes," she said. "Cardio for me is a spin class. I think it's great. I get so amped up with other people in the room, and there's just a really good energy about it. So I'll usually start with a spin class, then it will be something like weights or working out with my amazing trainer—we do a mix of Pilates and leg toning. And then I'll go take a Body by Simone class. There are so many amazing classes here in L.A., but my favorite is boxing. I love it because there is the cardio at the beginning, and then we're sparring afterward and then we do stretching and weights."

Shay prioritizes hydration. "I drink a lot of water," she told Byrdie. "I try to opt out of coffee and drink green tea instead." 

Shay's secret to getting in a workout wherever she is? "Just taking a skipping rope with you wherever you are is such a good idea because it's such an amazing workout. It's the easiest, and I can bring it with me anywhere. And you only need a small amount of space," she told Byrdie. 

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