Alexia Clark In Workout Gear Lifts Weights For “Monday Motivation”

Sarah Lanzillo, a professional powerlifter and strong woman, has built a reputation not only for her impressive feats in strength but also for her advocacy. In August, she showed support for Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, sharing a post on Instagram where she posed in a “Childless Cat Lady” shirt—a playful nod that many had adopted to voice their endorsements of Harris. Here's how she stays so fit.

1. She Lifts Weights

One of the main ways that Lanzillo stays in shape is weightlifting. ACE Fitness states that doing this has a lot of benefits. “Lifting heavy weights elevates levels of anabolic hormones—specifically testosterone, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)—which are used to repair muscle fibers damaged during exercise. This helps the muscle fibers to become thicker and capable of generating higher levels of force.”

2. She Works Hard

Lanzillo makes sure to work hard when she trains. She talked about this in the caption of this Instagram video of herself training. “Deadlifts ✅The Competition weights for the ladder are: 405, 455, 495, 525, and 560. My goal is to get though the 1st 3 🙏🏼🙏🏼 it’s absolutely insane to see some of the women flying through this event 😬😬😬💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 💪🏼”

3. She Does Deadlifts

Sarah Lanzillo/Instagram

In the previous Instagram video, Lanzillo is seen doing deadlifts with a barbell. According to NASM, this exercise is very beneficial. “A Romanian deadlift is a hip-hinge pattern that works the hamstrings and glutes. It is a form of deadlift with noticeably less bend in the knee, leading to greater hamstring engagement than traditional deadlifts. The move was introduced to the masses in the 90s by Romanian weightlifter Nicu Vlad (an Olympic and World Weightlifting champion) and his coach Dragomir Cioroslan. The two invented the move to help Nicu strengthen his back for the clean and jerk. Today, RDLs are commonly used to strengthen the posterior chain, using the core muscles to stabilize and the hamstrings and glutes to drive the movement.”

4. She Took Time Off

Lanzillo took time off from competing, and opened up about this in the caption of this Instagram video. “I’ve taken this whole year off competing to focus on my health. My body was so confused with the constant ups and downs of competing. Gain weight… lose weight… back and forth…I honestly haven’t lifted anything heavier than 225 in MONTHS and my body is thanking me for it. It doesn’t hurt when I get out of bed. My elbows don’t chronically hurt. My hips aren’t in pain every second of the day. My spine isn’t compressed after every workout. I feel good! I’m not saying I won’t EVER get back into competing BUTTTT this time off has done my body good 🥰🥰🥰”

5. She Does Squats

Lanzillo is seen doing squats with a barbell in this Instagram video. The Cleveland Clinic states that squats are very beneficial. “‘Squats are integral to athletic training programs, enhancing speed, agility, strength and power across various sports disciplines,’ says sports and exercise medicine physician Matthew Kampert, DO…’Squats primarily target the muscles in the thighs, hips and buttocks, leading to enhanced stability, balance and overall lower body strength.’”

Chyna Cho, a celebrated CrossFit athlete, recently lit up the competition floor at the Aloha Games, sharing the exhilaration with her Instagram followers. In her post, Cho exudes joy, highlighting the blend of intense fitness challenges and the camaraderie among participants. Her caption, “I HAD SO MUCH FUN THROWING DOWN WITH MY FRIENDS. LOTS OF FITNESS, EVEN MORE LAUGHS. THEY ARE GREAT PEOPLE ON AND OFF THE COMPETITION FLOOR. ☺️”, encapsulates the spirit of the event—competitive yet filled with laughter and fellowship. This insight not only reflects her athletic prowess but also her appreciation for the community aspect of CrossFit, underscoring how the sport fosters both physical and social wellness.

1. She Does CrossFit

CrossFit is the main way Cho stays in shape. She shared this video on Instagram of herself doing some CrossFit exercises. Cho talked about what she loves about it in the post’s caption, “I AM SO HAPPY TO BE DOING CROSSFIT A FEW TIMES A WEEK AGAIN. I AM DEFINITELY DYING MORE THAN USUAL BUT IT’S SO WORTH IT. 😜🤘🏽TODAY’S FUN WAS A 15 MIN AMRAP.”

2. She Lifts Weights

Cho likes to lift weights to stay in shape. In the previous Instagram video, she is seen doing a section of her workout with a barbell. Cho also posted this video of herself doing kettlebell workouts. She captioned that post, “MONDAY THINGS. 🙃🩷I’M PRETTY SURE THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I’VE DONE DOUBLE KB SNATCHES (AND IT SHOWS LOL). 😆🫣ALMOST 15 YEARS OF CROSSFIT AND I’M STILL DOING NEW MOVEMENTS. PRETTY F-ING COOL! 🤘🏽”

3. She Pushes Herself

Cho makes sure to push herself when she works out. She talked about this in the caption of this Instagram video. “IT’S ALWAYS A LITTLE INTIMIDATING TO DO A REPEAT OPEN WORKOUT. THIS WORKOUT WAS EXTRA INTIMIDATING FOR ME SINCE I DID SO WELL IN 2014 … 🫣THINGS ARE DIFFERENT. I AM 9 YEARS OLDER. I AM STILL TRAINING HARD BUT NOT THE WAY I USED TO. I HONESTLY WASN’T SURE IF I WAS CAPABLE OF BEATING MY OLD SCORE. I GOT TO THE MUSCLE UPS FASTER THAN MY YOUNGER SELF, BUT I TOOK LONGER ON THIS MOVEMENT THIS TIME AROUND (ABOUT :45). REGARDLESS, I IMPROVED AND I AM VERY PROUD THAT I DID. ☺️”

4. She Uses A Rowing Machine

Chyna Cho/Instagram

In the previous Instagram video, Cho is seen using a rowing machine. The Cleveland Clinic states that using a rowing machine has a lot of health benefits. “Your abdominal muscles, lower back, obliques, glutes and hamstrings all get a workout during a session on a rowing machine. If you follow proper form, your core will be engaged during every single step of the rowing process. Strengthening those muscles is also key to maintaining stability and building speed.”

5. She Uses A Stationary Bike

Cho likes to use a stationary bike to keep herself in shape. She is seen using the machine in this Instagram video. Cho captioned the post, “FUN (WELL, KINDA) INTERVAL STYLE WORKOUT I WROTE FOR MYSELF. 😋” Penn State PRO Wellness states that using a stationary bike has a lot of health benefits. “Riding a stationary exercise bike is an efficient and effective way to burn calories and body fat while strengthening your heart, lungs, and muscles. Compared to some other types of cardio equipment, a stationary bicycle puts less stress on your joints, but it still provides an excellent aerobic workout.”

Thaisa Costa, a successful bodybuilder, continues to inspire her fans with her dedication to fitness, regularly sharing workout content on Instagram. In a recent post, Costa is seen wearing pink workout gear and showcasing her impressive routine. She captioned the post, “Do you like videos like this? 😍💖 Remembering my coupon on the website@duxnutritionlabTHAISA10 and get 15% off on the entire site.” Here’s a closer look at how Costa maintains her strong physique.

1. She Lifts Weights

In her Instagram post, Costa is seen using weights to do exercises like deadlifts. ACE Fitness states that lifting weights is very beneficial. “Training for muscle strength is different than training for muscle size. A six- to 10-week strength-focused mesocycle of heavy resistance and low reps followed by a six- to 10-week hypertrophy (bodybuilder) mesocycle of moderate weight for higher rep ranges can produce significant gains in both size and strength.”

2. She Does Crunches

Thaisa Costa/Instagram

Costa is seen doing crunches in her Instagram post. This exercise has a lot of benefits. According to The Mayo Clinic, “The abdominal crunch is one of the most common exercises used to train the abdominal muscles. The abdominal crunch targets the abdominal muscles, which are part of your core muscle group. The stronger your core muscles, the easier it is to do most physical activities and sports.”

3. She Does Shoulder Presses

Thaisa Costa/Instagram

Costa is also seen doing shoulder presses in her Instagram post. NIFS states that the exercise has a lot of benefits. “Shoulder health, strength, and stability are so important in training and, more importantly, everyday living. The vertical press options here are great ways to continue to bulletproof your shoulders, and the best first step is to get screened and take care of your shoulders prior to heavy loading.”

4. She Works Hard

Costa naturally works hard when she hits the gym. In this Instagram post’s caption, she talked about this. “One day I decided to change, 4 years of ups and downs process and it's not just about lipo. Your effort and dedication toward a goal speaks volumes about you. ❤️ Just the first step. The goal is to top her! ✨”

5. She Does Leg Extensions

Costa is seen using the leg extension machine in this Instagram video. Asphalt Green states that the exercise has a lot of benefits. “These machines provide isolation exercises for your legs. This type of exercise works only one muscle or group of muscles, which means you can build up that part of your body quickly. If you want your thigh muscles to really stand out in those shorts you just bought, the leg extension machine is for you!”

The coach and well-known bodybuilder, Anya Nicholson, focuses on her mental and physical strength. “Monday motivation & dues paid. 🤘🏼 This year has shown me that through trial and tribulation that I am stronger than I think and capable of achieving my goals no matter the adversity. No matter how far the journey may seem or the work that needs to be put in to achieve your goals, you can do it. You are capable. And more importantly, you are enough. It all starts upstairs with a strong mindset and a team behind you to support the acquisition of dreams. #keepworking #headdown #countingblessings,” she said on Instagram. Here are some habits she prioritizes to keep her health in a good place.

1. She’s proud of her growth

She continues to grow and celebrates that. “#transformationtuesday the glow up 🌱✨One of my favorite parts of this journey has been the growth compiled over years of practice. If there’s one thing that bodybuilding has instilled in me, it’s the discipline to do the hard things day in and day out that propel you to the next level version of yourself. Time. Hard work. Dedication. Passion. Faith in the process. Always a student to the game,” she said on Instagram.

2. She works her glutes

In a video of her working out her glutes, she posted “Thursday evenings glute work 🍑💪🏼,” on Instagram. "Strong gluteals are important for proper pelvic alignment, propulsion during walking and running, and even standing on one leg. Gluteals also help support the lower back during lifting, and help prevent knee injuries,” according to Amy Koch, MPT, COMT Methodist Physical Therapist from this article on bestcare.org.

3. She works her upper body

She works her upper body, as seen in these video clips captioned, “back to biz with delts and applying feedback,” on Instagram. According to the Mayo Clinic, “by stressing your bones, strength training can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.” Continue strengthening your body like Nicholson!

4. She’s positive

She maintains a positive mindset. “Setting the tone 🖤💪🏼 #tunnelvision It feels like it’s been ages since the last time I prepped and stepped on stage, embracing this journey and all that it has in store. The one thing I LOVE about bodybuilding is that it’s a great teacher of delayed gratification.,” she said on Instagram.

5. She always aims to improve

In a series of clips of her working hard in the gym, weightlifting and strength training, she said on Instagram, “never stop reinventing yourself. 🖤💪🏼.” According to the Mayo Clinic, “strength training may enhance your quality of life and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Strength training can also protect your joints from injury. Building muscle also can contribute to better balance and may reduce your risk of falls. This can help you maintain independence as you age.”

Powerlifter and strongwoman Chloe Brennan knows the value of persistence and resilience in her sport. Recently, Brennan celebrated a new milestone on Instagram, sharing a video of herself lifting a long-awaited personal best, captioned, “It’s taken me 3 years to add 5KG to my log… 85KG finally ticked off.” Her fitness journey combines intense strength training with strategic restorative weeks to recharge her muscles. Known for exercises like deadlifts and pushing herself beyond comfort zones, Brennan emphasizes the importance of focusing on gains and trusting the process, even through challenging prep sessions. Her mindset and dedication inspire fans to embrace the grind, stay positive, and celebrate each hard-earned achievement.

1. She Strength Trains

Brennan naturally does a lot of strength training to keep herself in shape. ACE Fitness states that lifting weights has a lot of benefits. “Lifting heavy weights elevates levels of anabolic hormones—specifically testosterone, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)—which are used to repair muscle fibers damaged during exercise. This helps the muscle fibers to become thicker and capable of generating higher levels of force.”

2. She Does Restorative Training

Brennan makes sure to give her body time to recover and doesn’t push herself too hard. One way she does so is by doing restorative training. Brennan talked about this in the caption of this Instagram video. “When your mind and body are feeling zonked from life doing its thing or from hard training or competing it can be super valuable to take a step back and do 1-2 weeks of restorative training where you take a break from hammering your body with heavy loads and just focus on movement quality and feeling good ✌🏻It’s amazing what a bit of a recharge can do, remember. In order to shoot an arrow forward, you must first pull it back.”

3. She Does Deadlifts

One strength training exercise that Brennan likes to do is deadlifts. She is seen doing them in this Instagram video. ACE Fitness states that deadlifts are very beneficial. “The Romanian deadlift (RDL) is a traditional barbell lift used to develop the strength of the posterior chain muscles, including the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, hamstrings and adductors. When done correctly, the RDL is an effective exercise that helps strengthen both the core and the lower body with one move. Unlike the traditional barbell deadlift and other quad-dominant exercises such as leg presses, which place significant loads on the anterior portion of the knees, the RDL focuses most of the physical work on the muscles responsible for extending the hip and the knee from the posterior.”

4. She Pushes Herself

Brennan makes sure to push herself when she is training. This means moving outside her comfort zone. Brennan talked about this in the caption of this Instagram post. “Feeling uncomfortable is part of the process. Being scared to fail is normal. The greatest opportunities and outcomes happen when we step outside of our comfort zone. So embrace the fear, feel the discomfort and do the thing anyway.”

5. She Focuses On Her Gains

Brennan makes sure to focus on the positive things when she trains. She talked about this in the caption of this Instagram post. “The final weeks of prep don’t always feel good, I’ll often feel like all of my gains have escaped but it’s super important to trust the process- you are not your final sessions but the result of all of the work put in up to that point ✌🏻This final session I was struggling to pick up 100kg from the floor- but panic we did not- on the day 100kg popped up lovely and moved 77m in 60 seconds for the event win (I hated every second but that’s not the point 🤣)Stop stressing over one or two bad sessions and remember your result will be a reflection of the bigger picture.”