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Danica's workouts are intense—so much so that she called her book Pretty Intense—but the NASCAR star and model doesn't want to hear it. To her, it's a lifestyle, and one that makes her feel incredible even now that her racing days are behind her. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Danica Patrick 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!

Losing weight is just as much, if not more, mental than physical. She believes in pushing her body and her mind in more ways than one. Yes, her workouts are intense, but she even goes as far as to try ice bath therapy, as seen on her Instagram. Heat and cool therapy can do wonders when it comes to reducing inflammation and loosening muscles, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition to those benefits, ice baths are a great way to practice calming your breathing and meditation.

"What I'm hoping is that people realize that this is a lifestyle," explained Danica on Good Morning America, "I want them to develop a good relationship with food and exercise to not be a reward or punishment but a way of life and something that makes you feel good and something that makes you a better you every single day." For permanent change that will stick, it has to be seen as a lifestyle adjustment and a long term commitment. There are countless benefits to exercise, as seen on the Mayo Clinic's website.

"You are creating your life day by day with your thoughts. Think positive things. Believe in yourself. Have great reasons for why you're doing what you're doing," Danica said to Fitness Reaper. "Eat good food because food is medicine. You're either adding to your well-being or reducing your well-being." Eating the right foods gives your body important nutrients and vitamins it needs, keeping you energized.

On her official website, Danica talks about her previous diet and why she switched to Paleo, even though it was meant to be temporary. "Paleo is based on the idea that you only eat foods that were available to ancient man before the invention of agriculture. So no grains, no dairy, no beans or legumes, no added sugars or preservatives. Instead, you focus on naturally raised meats, vegetables, fruits, and nuts," said Danica. "My intention was to only do it for a week or two to reset my body with less sugar and more veggies. Well . . . I felt so good, and saw such amazing results, that I never quit."

"The most important part is that you figure out why you're doing it," Danica explains. "For me, I do it because it makes me feel good so therefore I keep doing it." She has her staples she enjoys hanging on to like burpees, but will challenge herself with new workouts like rope climbing and yoga to strengthen the body and calm the mind.

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