As an 11-time Olympic medalist, Simone Biles knows better than most what grueling physical training feels like. Yet the greatest gymnast of all time has found a fitness routine she keeps showing up for for one very specific reason.

In a recent interview with the Spanish newspaper El País, Biles opened up about her life after the Paris Games in 2024. As she has not set foot in a gymnastics training since Paris, she stays active through a routine her husband, Jonathan Owens, introduced her to.

“My husband takes me to Pilates, and honestly, it’s not fun at all," Biles said. "It's very hard, pure pain and effort. But he loves it. And I do it because I love sharing it with him.”

She further reflected on her experience of intensive training for years, which led her to prioritize slow workouts over everything.

“I think it’s just so I can say I’m doing a little movement, because I actually hate exercise. I feel that after doing it for so long, I deserve a break. And I’m giving myself that privilege.”

With the world still eager to know her status for 2028, her focus right now seems to be enjoying life outside the sport.

Biles Status for 2028 Olympics

As the seven-time Olympic gold medalist has been away from the gymnastics floor for a long time now, the biggest question is whether she will participate in the Los Angeles Games. However, she has yet to make her decision.

“I’d say we’re still at about fifty percent," she said in conversation with the aforementioned outlet.

She also reflected on the pressure she has for her return after playing in the Olympics three times.

"I’ve already been to three Olympic Games, and I feel fulfilled. It’s crazy to see how people always want more and more from you. In the end, the decision will always be mine.”

Her last performance at the 2024 Paris Games was an impressive haul of four medals. She won gold in vault, all-around, and team, plus a silver on floor exercise.

However, Biles still remained skeptical about her future and talked about the reality she is facing.

“Right now, I’m 29, and although longevity in the elite has advanced by leaps and bounds, it would be a huge sacrifice to try to be at Los Angeles [at 31]. We’ll have to see.”

With her status being non-committal right now, only time will tell what she will choose, and until then, she is enjoying her mental and physical break away from the gym.

Read more at the Gymnastics Digest!

Written by

Sebi Mehta

Edited by

Ankita Yadav