Melissa Ordway in Two-Piece Workout Gear Does First Cold Plunge

Melissa Ordway is taking the plunge in her workout clothes. In a new social media post the Young and the Restless star shows off her incredible body while chilling out in some cold water. “My very first #coldplunge 🥶@jmichaelgaston didn’t think I’d actually do it (actually, I didn’t think so either) but thanks to @cheneybeshara and @jamesjbeshara cheering me on, I made it 1 min!!! I can’t wait to do it again! #icandothis,” she captioned the Instagram video. How does she approach diet, fitness, and self-care? Here is everything you need to know about her lifestyle habits.

1. Cycling

Melissa is the owner of a Peloton. “It hasn’t been used [in the past],” she shares, “but I’m trying to use it every single day. You can either do a bike class or a cycle class — there are all different kinds of workouts,” she told Soap Hub.

2. Intermittent Fasting

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Ordway told Soap Hub that she is a fan of intermittent fasting and keeps gluten to a minimum. “I feel that being consistent [helps],” she says. “They say if you can stay on a consistent path for a certain length of time, that you can stick with it. As soon as I miss one day, the whole thing can fall apart.”

3. No Crash Diets

"I tried going on diets, or saying, I'm only gonna eat healthy this week and eat salads, or I'm gonna go on a juice cleanse, and I last like half a day," she told Food Republic. "I find it important to eat what I want and then go to the gym and run on the treadmill. I'm lucky that I can do that so I don't have to do some crazy diet. I just try and do outdoorsy things and keep active. My favorite food from the time I was born until this day is macaroni and cheese. I love mac and cheese, fried catfish, fried chicken, green beans and collard greens. Anything that is deep fried I will probably love. Cheeseburgers, baby back ribs. Chicken pot pie is one of my favorite foods. But macaroni and cheese tops the list. I love it so much."

4. Hiking

Melissa loves hiking. "I think just finding things you love to do," she told She Knows. "I'm not a big workout class person but I love doing things with my family like hiking and just finding activities you enjoy, that you are going to be excited about going to do … Just being active and doing things you love."

5. Cold Plunge

In her latest post, Melissa takes a cold plunge. There is limited research supporting the benefits of cold plunges, which may include easing sore muscles, bringing body temperature down, increased focus, improved sleep, and decreased inflammation, per the Cleveland Clinic. However, a 2021 study found that cold water immersion therapy promotes basic post-sport recovery.

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.”

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.”