Annie Ilonzeh in Two-Piece Workout Gear Does "Cold Plunge"

Annie Ilonzeh is an actress who always shines on screen. She is known for her roles in TV shows like General Hospital, Arrow, Switched At Birth, and Chicago Fire. Last month, she revealed on Instagram that she is doing cold plunges. She shared a reel of herself using a pod to do so. She captioned the post, “Building my cold plunge game.” How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Annie Ilonzeh stays in shape and the photos that prove they work.

1. She Does Cold Plunges

As you can see from her Instagram post, Ilonzeh is incorporating cold plunges into her wellness routine. The Mayo Clinic states that cold plunges have a lot of benefits. “Research on cold-water immersion has found evidence that it helps reduce the degree of exercise-induced muscle damage that can occur after physically challenging activities. Less damage leads to less inflammation, which in turn reduces soreness and helps restore physical performance the next day.”

2. She Speaks Out

Ilonzeh isn’t afraid to speak out about issues that are important to her. In 2020, she attended a Black Lives Matter protest, and shared these photos on Instagram. Ilonzeh captioned the post, “Sunday: An estimated 20+k, all colors, fighting for change. ✊🏾👊🏿🤜🏾🤛🏼Every single person supporting the movement mattered and made a difference. Would love to hear how you’re spreading seeds fam.”

3. She Hikes

Ilonzeh enjoys going for hikes to keep herself in shape. She will hike in any type of weather. Ilonzeh shared these photos on Instagram of herself in Hawaii. In the first one, she’s seen on a trail. She captioned that post, “Celebrating Mother Nature 🤎💚💙 With my loves. Peep the volcano (Kilauea) erupting behind us, it was sooo spectacular.” Ilonzeh also shared this photo of herself hiking in the snow.

4. She Swims

Ilonzeh likes to swim to stay in shape. She shared this video on Instagram of herself jumping into the water in Jamaica. Ilonzeh captioned the post, “I thought I was ready. Til I wasn’t. 👀

The moment I got to the edge and looked down, I wanted to turn around. It looks worse when you’re staring at it in the face. *insert deep quote here*

But, I knew I had to jump the 25ft into the water. There’s nooo way I’m walking back down, like a 👶🏽. So I jumped. FINALLY!”

5. She Plays Basketball

Ilonzeh likes to play basketball to stay in shape. She shared these videos on Instagram of herself on the court. Ilonzeh captioned the post, “I opted out of the #metgala this year to bank half court shots. I kid I kid. I did make the first attempt tho. I kid I kid. #basketball used to be life for me. This is true. @claudiajordan and I were working out, I saw a 🏀 and it was a wrap.” She also shared this video, captioning it, “Second home.”

Maureen Blanquisco is modeling workout clothes. In a new social media post the IFBB contestant shows off her incredible body in a blue exercise set, driving her followers wild. “To all my baddies out there! This color makes your tan complexion POP,” she captioned the series of Instagram snaps. “So gorgeous 🩷🥰” commented one. “OKKKAAAY SLAAY SLAAY,” added another. How does she approach diet, fitness, and self-care? Here is everything you need to know about her lifestyle habits.

1. Swimming

When Maureen was younger she was a swimmer. “I always loved competing and performing. I usually call it “performing” instead of competing. Swimming was an individual sport. If I wanted to win, it all depended on me. I never liked depending on a team. If we lost because of them, I would get very frustrated,” she told Muscular Development.

2. Gymnastics and Cheerleading

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She then moved on to gymnastics and cheerleading. “Cheerleading was fine until one time we fell during a stunt, and it wasn’t my fault. I said, I think I work better alone,” this is when she discovered weights. “I started lifting weights at age 18. That’s around the time you want to look and feel good, putting on makeup. I was doing fitness training anyway, so I started to look for something I could do competitively that fit that. I had always wanted to compete in beauty pageants, but at 5 feet tall I was too short. Then I saw the Bikini Olympia on YouTube, and the woman who stuck out to me the most was India Paulino. She was my first idol! I thought it looked so cool. The women looked amazing, and this was the closest thing to a beauty pageant I could do. I thought I could just go compete in the Olympia. I had no idea you have to turn pro first, then qualify, the whole long process. But in my head, I only had one goal, to go to the Olympia.”

3. Here Is How She Preps for Shows

“I started prepping for the Olympia right after the Boston Pro in March, so that was seven months. It was a very chill prep because I was eating clean, but I was eating more than ever in a prep. I was still dieting, but it was more calories, and I did have one cheat meal a week. Now I see this is the best approach for me: a longer prep but with more food,” Maureen said.

4. Her “Breaks” Involve Cardio

When she does go on vacation, she still exercises. “I did go on vacation to Hawaii with my partner the week after the Olympia. That was on my bucket list. I did cardio every day, but I took five days off from weights. I had a couple of treats, but nothing crazy,” she says.

5. She Doesn’t “Gain Too Much” During the Offseason

Marueen avoids overindulging in the off season. “I have a very clear mindset that if I gain too much, it will be a lot harder for me,” she told Muscle & Fitness. “In Bikini, it’s all about condition, and while you could be ‘too’ hard, you certainly can’t be soft, either.”

If you’re addicted to Bravo and reality TV, chances are you know Madison LeCroy from Southern Charm. She made her debut on the show because of her relationship at the time with Austen Kroll, and has since made a name for herself. Reality stardom aside, many of her fans and followers have noticed her challenging and effective workouts, making her a fitness guru on social media. What are some of her go-to health and wellness secrets? We did a little digging to find out.

1. She makes time for the gym

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LeCroy loves to workout and always makes time for it. "I work out with a guy named Gunnar, who has been a friend of mine for so long," she said. "Him and his girlfriend are great. They help me with meal plans and stuff like that just to keep me on track because they know that I’ve worked hard," she explained to Bravo. "I would say he’s more of an accountability coach, which I appreciate 'cause sometimes I can get into the work mode and mom mode and put the health on the back burner."

2. She loves a cold plunge

LeCroy loves a good cold plunge, sitting in 42-degree water for about three minutes. According to the Mayo Clinic, “research indicates that icy water may have a positive effect on recovery after exercise by reducing inflammation and soreness. It also may help build resiliency, restore balance to the nervous system and improve cognitive function and mood.”

3. She dresses for the occasion

LeCroy fills her closet with fun athletic wear, and cute gym clothes. "You've got to look at my gym closet. This is all gym clothes — it's a problem. I wasn't kidding when I said I had over 100 pairs of workout leggings, sneakers,” she said to Bravo. It makes working out fun if you’re a fashionista.

4. She has a home gym

If LeCroy can’t make it to the gym, that’s not a problem. She has an epic home gym set up. “OK, we’re getting into a workout,” she said. “It’s that first week of January where you’re like, ‘Alright, I’m over this. I’m over dry January. I’m over eating healthy and working out every day.’ But we’re gonna keep going, we’re gonna be strong, we’re gonna be healthy. That’s the main key for all of this.”

5. She turns up the heat

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LeCroy not only enjoys working out, but other health regimens as well, including her home sauna which she oftentimes will crank up to 175°F and chill in there (or bake, I suppose) for a whopping 45 minutes. “A little touch of hell,” she said. “They say it’s really good for you, so… that’s what this year’s all about.”

1. She Stretches

In her Instagram post, Wells is seen doing different stretches. Harvard Health states that stretching has a lot of benefits. “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”

2. She Uses A Stationary Bike

In this video that Wells posted on her Instagram, she is seen using a stationary bike. Penn State PRO Wellness states that using a stationary bike has a lot of 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.”

3. She Lifts Weights

Wells lifts a lot of weights to keep herself in shape. She is seen doing so in this Instagram video, captioning it, “Trying to stay strong.” ACE Fitness states that lifting weights is very beneficial. “Using heavy weights increases intramuscular coordination, the number of type II motor units and the amount of muscle fibers engaged within a specific muscle. Have you ever felt your muscles shaking while lifting heavy weights? This is because you are recruiting and activating the larger type II muscle fibers, which are only stimulated to work when a muscle is challenged with heavy resistance or working to fatigue.”

4. She Uses A Rowing Machine

Wells likes to use a rowing machine to stay in shape. She is seen using one in the second blurb’s Instagram link. Wells is also seen on a rowing machine in this Instagram video. She captioned it, “Girls just want to have fun.” The Cleveland Clinic states that rowing is very beneficial. “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 Does Cold Plunges

Wells likes to do cold plunges. She shared this video on Instagram of herself getting into a tub. The Mayo Clinic states that cold plunges are very beneficial. “Research on cold-water immersion has found evidence that it helps reduce the degree of exercise-induced muscle damage that can occur after physically challenging activities. Less damage leads to less inflammation, which in turn reduces soreness and helps restore physical performance the next day.”

Hannah Eden is a fitness trainer and triathlete. She recently welcomed her first child, and has been documenting her workouts pre and post-baby. Eden shared a reel of herself doing different strength training exercises, talking about how society expected her workouts would slow down when she got pregnant and had a baby. She is seen still working out despite those expectations. Eden captioned it, “Now it’s… ‘Just you wait till you have a second…’ My response is… just let me live my life and please stop projecting your fear onto me.”

1. She Lifts Weights

As you can see in her Instagram reel, Eden is seen doing strength training workouts. According to The Mayo Clinic, strength training has a lot of benefits. “By stressing your bones, strength training can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Strength training can help you manage or lose weight, and it can increase your metabolism to help you burn more calories.”

2. She’s Consistent

Eden is consistent when it comes to her fitness. She talked about this in the caption of this Instagram video. “Today I took a moment to reflect and appreciate the consistent dedication I have put into fitness for the past 11 years… I remember signing my contract to a CrossFit gym back in 2012. It was like I was signing a contract with myself to never give up. It doesn’t happen overnight but all my hard work is paying off as I feel myself getting stronger by the day at 3 months postpartum. Don’t wait any longer. Show up today and don’t expect results for a while. It’s a long game… don’t don’t waste any more time wishing and waiting… JUST GO! I’m grateful for the journey and lessons along the way. Daily deposits lead to great results emotionally, physically, and mentally.”

3. She Does Cold Plunges

Eden likes to do cold plunges. She talked about why she loves them in the caption of this Instagram post. “Ever wondered why cold plunging is all the rage? 🌊✨Here are 4 amazing benefits: 1. Boosts Your Immune System 🛡️2. Reduces Muscle Soreness 🏋️3. Elevates Your Mood 😃4. Enhances Circulation ❤️Get out of your comfort zone and dive into the benefits of the discomfort! ❄️💙I challenge you to plunge today for 90 sec- 3 minutes… if you don’t have a tub hit a COLD shower and let me know how you feel afterwards in the comments!”

4. She Runs

Eden loves to run to stay in shape. She shared this post on Instagram of herself doing so. Eden captioned the post, “Zone 2 run yesterday.Got 11.9 miles under the scorching sun ☀️ 96 degrees Fahrenheit here in Texas with no shade…That was a DOOZY! I like putting myself in uncomfortable situations often. It’s workouts like these that make a difference for me. It’s where the magic lives 🪄”

5. She Slows Down

Eden talked about how her approach to work has changed in the caption of this Instagram post. She says that she has learned the importance of slowing down. “It has taken over a decade to figure out that more doesn’t always mean more. Sometimes you need to slow down to speed up, to zoom out and set your systems up to work for you rather than against you. I believe how you do one thing is how you do everything but the problem was that I poured all my energy into work that I had nothing left for any other part of my life… Insert burnout here** it has taken major adjustments internally and systemically within my business to discover there is another way!”