In the series Chill Chat, Bustle connects with celebrities and influencers to explore their wellness journeys, from daily habits to sleep tips. Here, Livvy Dunne reveals her morning rituals, her transition post-gymnastics, and the best wellness advice she’s ever received.
Livvy did remarkable things during her five years in college gymnastics. With fantastic performances on the bars and floor, she helped LSU clinch the 2024 national championship and earned the title of top-paid female college athlete. After announcing her retirement from gymnastics in April, she’s been busier than ever.
Just months after graduation, she stepped right into the spotlight with her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoot. Now, she’s featuring in an adventurous ad campaign with Fanatics Sportsbook, which is gaining traction fast among sportsbooks, perfectly timed for football season. Picture this: Livvy relaxing in a bubble bath outside on the field at the Rose Bowl Stadium, while encouraging fans to take advantage of the Gameday Guarantee FanCash offer.
Joining this campaign was a natural fit for Livvy. She shared, “I’ve been part of the Fanatics family for a while, and I’m a good friend of [Fanatics CEO] Michael Rubin. He FaceTimed me with this idea and said, ‘You’ll be perfect for this.’ As a sports fan, it just felt like the right fit.”
With over 8 million fans on TikTok and 5 million on Instagram, Livvy is no stranger to being in front of the camera — but this ad marks her acting debut. She mentioned, “I’ve always enjoyed performing. As a gymnast, the choreography of floor routines was a passion of mine. Filming this ad carried a similar creative energy where everyone’s input mattered.”
In this exclusive talk, Dunne reveals her favorite workout splits, her love for bubble baths, and the powerful advice that helped her through a challenging injury season.
How has your workout routine changed since stepping away from gymnastics?
Being able to work out whenever I want instead of on a set schedule is a game changer. I’ve settled to a routine that still includes exercises from my gymnastics days, but now it’s all on my terms.
What’s your workout of choice?
I’m big on core workouts. I frequently do tutorials for core exercises on my Instagram—kicking off with leg flutters, which I tackle for the duration of an entire song.
How do your mornings typically start?
Honestly, I wake up and check my phone immediately—some folks won’t admit it, but I do! As I brush my teeth, I kick things off with a shot of apple cider vinegar every single day.
Tea or coffee: what’s your preference?
I really enjoy coffee and grab an energy drink if more power is needed. The whole coffee-drinking experience is just fun for me.
What’s your favorite coffee order?
If I’m out getting coffee, I typically opt for a sugar-free brown sugar oat milk espresso.
What’s your self-care routine look like?
I’m a huge fan of saunas; they really help me have restful nights. And I indulge in bubble baths — I probably take about three a day! It’s so calming for me and truly my version of ‘me time.’
How did you cope mentally after your avulsion injury this season?
Mental recovery can often feel tougher than the physical challenges. So many athletes face this. Having a supportive network makes a world of difference — leaning on my teammates, family, and even a mindset coach who’s been a huge help. My aunt Laura stepped into that role for me, and she was fantastic.
During injuries, your physical limitations can feel overwhelming, making it easy to let frustrations spike. Having trustworthy people to confide in helps maintain positivity and focus on healing.
Was there a piece of advice that has stuck with you?
“You’re more than your sport.” I learned that around age 10, and it shaped my identity. Gymnastics was a vital chapter in my life, but it doesn’t solely define me. Bad scores and injuries don’t determine who I am—a crucial lesson my aunt instilled in me.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
