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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

20 Amazing Bodies of WNBA Players

Here's how they stay fit.

FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Las Vegas Aces v New York Liberty
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) showcases extraordinary athletes whose physical prowess and dedication to their craft are nothing short of inspiring. From setting goals and adopting healthy lifestyles to overcoming obstacles and using their platforms for social change, these remarkable women offer valuable insights into their journeys both on and off the court. Here, we delve into the stories of 20 WNBA players who have shared their experiences, highlighting their approaches to wellness, training regimens, and personal philosophies. From Lisa Leslie's goal-oriented mindset to Kelsey Plum's advocacy against sexism, each player brings a unique perspective to the table. Whether it's diet and exercise, mental fortitude, or using their voices for important causes, these athletes demonstrate what it takes to achieve greatness both physically and mentally.


1. Lisa Leslie

U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Induction CeremonyJamie Schwaberow/Getty Images

Lisa Leslie shared some of her tips to stay positive and productive in an interview with People. "I love to set goals,” she says. “Short-term goals and goals I want to achieve within one year. When I set those goals, it's still somebody that's got to be the best, so why not me?"

2. Sheryl Swoopes

2023 Texas Black ExpoMarcus Ingram/Getty Images

In an interview with Oprah Daily, Sheryl Swoopes talked about the best advice she’s received. “The best thing that my mom said to me growing up was, ‘Stop trying to be like somebody else and just be you.’ And I was always like, ‘I’m not trying to be someone else.’ But I was. I would look around and think, ‘My friends have so much more money, they live in a bigger house, they have better clothes.’ It took me until my adulthood to really, truly, finally grasp that I was doing that.”

3. Diana Taurasi

Nigeria v United States of America Women's Basketball - Olympics: Day 4Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

In a 2018 interview with Women Fitness, Diana Taurasi talked about her vegan diet. “I think it is something I have really benefitted from,” she says. “Just staying away from foods that cause a lot of inflammation, fats and sugars that everyone knows are obviously a little counterproductive if you eat large amounts of them. So, I have stayed more on a plant-based diet and it has really benefitted me, but everyone has a different take on food and what they need.”

4. Maya Moore

2021 ESPY Awards - ArrivalsMichael Loccisano/Getty Images

Maya Moore is known for giving back to others. In an interview with Sports Illustrated Kids, she talked about wanting to be a role model for others. “I think a good team leader, first and foremost, is someone who leads by example. Someone who walks the walk and is unselfish, willing to serve and help give as much as they can to help their group succeed. I think a good team leader is also a good teammate and doesn’t expect everyone to only think about them. They realize that they are part of a team and that they have a leadership role.”

5. Breanna Stewart

Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports 2019 - Red CarpetMatt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Breanna Stewart shared some of her favorite workouts in an interview on Redbull.com. "I need to make sure that my body is ready and that means getting in the weight room. I just work everything—upper and lower body. I also do Pilates to make sure that my core is strong. When I’m on the court, I’m using everything, so I want to make sure that my whole body is ready to go.”

6. Candace Parker

The 2018 ESPYS - ArrivalsAllen Berezovsky/FilmMagic

In an interview with ESPN, Candace Parker talked about her mindset and journey to winning games. “I look at guys like [the NBA’s Nikola] Jovic and guys that are slower that get to their spots. How do they do that? It’s like, really being a master of your matchup, and sometimes it involves slowing down and figuring out what the defense is giving you within a game.”

7. Sue Bird

Moet & Chandon Holiday Season CelebrationJamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Sue Bird shared some of her favorite meals and foods in an interview with Women’s Health. "Breakfast is my favorite meal so I literally never miss it," she said. "I will wake up an hour early if it means I can get breakfast in. I'm obsessed with egg sandwiches.”

8. Elena Delle Donne

Connecticut Sun v Washington MysticsPatrick Smith/Getty Images

Elena Delle Donne has Lyme disease, and she makes sure to take care of it. “Eating healthy is really important to me in managing my Lyme disease,” she explains to TheKitchn.com. “I try to eat gluten-free as often as possible.” Donne also shared some of her favorite meals in the interview. “One of my favorite dishes to make for dinner is a pesto chicken with sautéed onions.”

9. Skylar Diggins-Smith

Skylar Diggins-Smith at The 2022 ESPYS held at the Dolby Theatre on July 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Photo by Christopher Polk/VarietyChris Polk/Getty Images

Skylar Diggins-Smith talked about some of her favorite workouts in an interview with ELLE. She says that she does a lot of box jumps to stay in shape. “A 12-inch box will work to do your box jumps. Box jumps help with explosions, verticals, and your legs get a good workout. I also do a lot of stuff for my core too, so planks and side planks.”

10. Tina Charles

Atlanta Dream v Seattle StormChristopher Mast/Getty Images

Tina Charles opened up about her attitude on the court in an interview with The Daily Beast. “I’m all about winning,” she says. “Everybody has a role on the team. Some carry a heavier load. But I’m willing to do that night in and night out. I’m really thankful.”

11. Nneka Ogwumike

2022 WNBA All-Star Game - Orange Carpet ArrivalsQuinn Harris/Getty Images

Nneka Ogwumike shared some of her diet and exercise secrets in an interview with ESPN. She says that she learned that she had to reduce the amount of exercise she does. “I used to think that you had to do everything to really get the benefits. But everyone's body is different. I learned that my body doesn't need so much. It reacts very quickly to whatever I eat or whatever training I do, so I try to really limit all the extra stuff and keep it simple.”

12. Seimone Augustus

Minnesota Lynx v Los Angeles SparksLeon Bennett/Getty Images

In an interview with The Athletic, Seimone Augustus talked about her approach to exercise. “Obviously as we get older, we start to focus more just trying to make sure we’re fueling our body in the right way and making sure we’re keeping ourselves prepared to come on the court and perform at our highest. But it’s always a struggle. I’m not going to lie, people. It is a struggle to eat healthy. But it’s fun to kind of challenge yourself in different ways as well.”

13. Angel McCoughtry

2022 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Awards Presented by ChaseKimberly White/Getty Images

Angel McCoughtry talked about why she spoke out against Kelly Loeffler’s comments to the Black Lives Matter movement and why she joined the Say Her Name Campaign to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It was really important to me, not just for Louisville -- of course that hit home a little bit. But just in general, we were just tired of seeing so much happen, one after the next after the next. We get to see it on video. But it was just important to try to find some type of initiative while playing basketball that we could kind of advocate for. That's how we were able to do the Say Her Name campaign, and it has become a big success. So I've been really proud of what's come out of it.”

14. Liz Cambage

Liz Cambage Portrait SessionChris Hyde/Getty Images

In an interview with Women’s Health, Liz Cambage talked about her approach to wellness, and revealed the best advice she received. “The best advice I've ever received is, that you have to live your life, not someone else's. Do what's good for you. If someone's commenting on yours and what you should be doing, tell them to go focus on theirs."

15. Jewell Loyd

Los Angeles Sparks v Seattle StormSteph Chambers/Getty Images

Jewell Loyd took Women’s Health through her daily routine. She says that staying hydrated is important to her. “Immediately, I like to drink my water. I’m trying to get close to a gallon a day, so I start with half that amount and then refill my bottle for the rest of the day. Luckily one of the features on my new Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is a water tracking feature, so I can set goals for daily water intake and it reminds me to hit those each day.”

16. Chelsea Gray

2022 WNBA Finals - Game FourMaddie Meyer/Getty Images

Chelsea Gray notably suffered an injury in college. She tells The Sports Section that this inspired her to not only take better care of herself, but also to learn more about health. “The first step was changing my diet. I got a little bit leaner and smarter about the weight that I put on and carry with my knees and legs. It was the first time I really paid attention to my diet to get the most out of my body. Our body is how we make our money — it’s what we do. And so to be able to, for lack of a better term, treat it like a temple and make sure I know what’s going on inside is important.”

17. Allie Quicgley

WNBA: JUL 31 Chicago Sky at Connecticut SunM. Anthony Nesmith/Getty Images

Allie Quigley talked about her process for staying in shape in an interview with High Post Hoops. “Physically just taking care of your body, eating right, getting good rest, doing your exercises in the weight room to keep yourself actually on the court. Basketball wise, just figuring out as a player what it is that is going to make you the most successful. Trying to stick to that and be as efficient as possible.”

18. Natasha Cloud

Washington Mystics v Atlanta DreamAlex Slitz/Getty Images

Natasha Cloud is known for speaking out about things that are important to her. She shared why she does this in an interview with The Washington City Paper. “We are blessed to be playing and having a platform at the WNBA, blessed to play for a coach that backs us when we do speak up and feel strongly about stuff and supports us in it,” Cloud says. “Also we’re in the most powerful city in the world, in D.C., so there’s a lot of controversy always here that we can speak on. I feel like if I don’t use my platform, and don’t use my voice, then I’m doing a [disservice] to a lot of people out here in the world.”

19. Kelsey Plum

Las Vegas Aces v Indiana FeverMichael Hickey/Getty Images

Kelsey Plum is all about promoting change. In 2017, Plum talked to The Bleacher Report about the sexism she faces as a basketball player. “I tell people, I don't play women's basketball, I play basketball. Putting the ‘women's’ next to it shouldn't be an asterisk, like it's "less than." I have been given a little bit of a spotlight, and I hope to show that we can keep moving forward in convincing people that women are just as capable as men.”

20. Kia Nurse

Cincoro Tequila LaunchJamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Kia Nurse opened up about her offseason activities in an interview with BarDown. “Some days, it hits more than others. Right now, this is my offseason, this week that I have now not doing anything physical will be the rest that I get. [laughs] Then, getting ramped up and ready to go again for the WNBA season will be all of the next preparation.”

More For You

Las Vegas Aces v New York Liberty
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) showcases extraordinary athletes whose physical prowess and dedication to their craft are nothing short of inspiring. From setting goals and adopting healthy lifestyles to overcoming obstacles and using their platforms for social change, these remarkable women offer valuable insights into their journeys both on and off the court. Here, we delve into the stories of 20 WNBA players who have shared their experiences, highlighting their approaches to wellness, training regimens, and personal philosophies. From Lisa Leslie's goal-oriented mindset to Kelsey Plum's advocacy against sexism, each player brings a unique perspective to the table. Whether it's diet and exercise, mental fortitude, or using their voices for important causes, these athletes demonstrate what it takes to achieve greatness both physically and mentally.


1. Lisa Leslie

U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Induction CeremonyJamie Schwaberow/Getty Images

Lisa Leslie shared some of her tips to stay positive and productive in an interview with People. "I love to set goals,” she says. “Short-term goals and goals I want to achieve within one year. When I set those goals, it's still somebody that's got to be the best, so why not me?"

2. Sheryl Swoopes

2023 Texas Black ExpoMarcus Ingram/Getty Images

In an interview with Oprah Daily, Sheryl Swoopes talked about the best advice she’s received. “The best thing that my mom said to me growing up was, ‘Stop trying to be like somebody else and just be you.’ And I was always like, ‘I’m not trying to be someone else.’ But I was. I would look around and think, ‘My friends have so much more money, they live in a bigger house, they have better clothes.’ It took me until my adulthood to really, truly, finally grasp that I was doing that.”

3. Diana Taurasi

Nigeria v United States of America Women's Basketball - Olympics: Day 4Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

In a 2018 interview with Women Fitness, Diana Taurasi talked about her vegan diet. “I think it is something I have really benefitted from,” she says. “Just staying away from foods that cause a lot of inflammation, fats and sugars that everyone knows are obviously a little counterproductive if you eat large amounts of them. So, I have stayed more on a plant-based diet and it has really benefitted me, but everyone has a different take on food and what they need.”

4. Maya Moore

2021 ESPY Awards - ArrivalsMichael Loccisano/Getty Images

Maya Moore is known for giving back to others. In an interview with Sports Illustrated Kids, she talked about wanting to be a role model for others. “I think a good team leader, first and foremost, is someone who leads by example. Someone who walks the walk and is unselfish, willing to serve and help give as much as they can to help their group succeed. I think a good team leader is also a good teammate and doesn’t expect everyone to only think about them. They realize that they are part of a team and that they have a leadership role.”

5. Breanna Stewart

Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports 2019 - Red CarpetMatt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Breanna Stewart shared some of her favorite workouts in an interview on Redbull.com. "I need to make sure that my body is ready and that means getting in the weight room. I just work everything—upper and lower body. I also do Pilates to make sure that my core is strong. When I’m on the court, I’m using everything, so I want to make sure that my whole body is ready to go.”

6. Candace Parker

The 2018 ESPYS - ArrivalsAllen Berezovsky/FilmMagic

In an interview with ESPN, Candace Parker talked about her mindset and journey to winning games. “I look at guys like [the NBA’s Nikola] Jovic and guys that are slower that get to their spots. How do they do that? It’s like, really being a master of your matchup, and sometimes it involves slowing down and figuring out what the defense is giving you within a game.”

7. Sue Bird

Moet & Chandon Holiday Season CelebrationJamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Sue Bird shared some of her favorite meals and foods in an interview with Women’s Health. "Breakfast is my favorite meal so I literally never miss it," she said. "I will wake up an hour early if it means I can get breakfast in. I'm obsessed with egg sandwiches.”

8. Elena Delle Donne

Connecticut Sun v Washington MysticsPatrick Smith/Getty Images

Elena Delle Donne has Lyme disease, and she makes sure to take care of it. “Eating healthy is really important to me in managing my Lyme disease,” she explains to TheKitchn.com. “I try to eat gluten-free as often as possible.” Donne also shared some of her favorite meals in the interview. “One of my favorite dishes to make for dinner is a pesto chicken with sautéed onions.”

9. Skylar Diggins-Smith

Skylar Diggins-Smith at The 2022 ESPYS held at the Dolby Theatre on July 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Photo by Christopher Polk/VarietyChris Polk/Getty Images

Skylar Diggins-Smith talked about some of her favorite workouts in an interview with ELLE. She says that she does a lot of box jumps to stay in shape. “A 12-inch box will work to do your box jumps. Box jumps help with explosions, verticals, and your legs get a good workout. I also do a lot of stuff for my core too, so planks and side planks.”

10. Tina Charles

Atlanta Dream v Seattle StormChristopher Mast/Getty Images

Tina Charles opened up about her attitude on the court in an interview with The Daily Beast. “I’m all about winning,” she says. “Everybody has a role on the team. Some carry a heavier load. But I’m willing to do that night in and night out. I’m really thankful.”

11. Nneka Ogwumike

2022 WNBA All-Star Game - Orange Carpet ArrivalsQuinn Harris/Getty Images

Nneka Ogwumike shared some of her diet and exercise secrets in an interview with ESPN. She says that she learned that she had to reduce the amount of exercise she does. “I used to think that you had to do everything to really get the benefits. But everyone's body is different. I learned that my body doesn't need so much. It reacts very quickly to whatever I eat or whatever training I do, so I try to really limit all the extra stuff and keep it simple.”

12. Seimone Augustus

Minnesota Lynx v Los Angeles SparksLeon Bennett/Getty Images

In an interview with The Athletic, Seimone Augustus talked about her approach to exercise. “Obviously as we get older, we start to focus more just trying to make sure we’re fueling our body in the right way and making sure we’re keeping ourselves prepared to come on the court and perform at our highest. But it’s always a struggle. I’m not going to lie, people. It is a struggle to eat healthy. But it’s fun to kind of challenge yourself in different ways as well.”

13. Angel McCoughtry

2022 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Awards Presented by ChaseKimberly White/Getty Images

Angel McCoughtry talked about why she spoke out against Kelly Loeffler’s comments to the Black Lives Matter movement and why she joined the Say Her Name Campaign to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It was really important to me, not just for Louisville -- of course that hit home a little bit. But just in general, we were just tired of seeing so much happen, one after the next after the next. We get to see it on video. But it was just important to try to find some type of initiative while playing basketball that we could kind of advocate for. That's how we were able to do the Say Her Name campaign, and it has become a big success. So I've been really proud of what's come out of it.”

14. Liz Cambage

Liz Cambage Portrait SessionChris Hyde/Getty Images

In an interview with Women’s Health, Liz Cambage talked about her approach to wellness, and revealed the best advice she received. “The best advice I've ever received is, that you have to live your life, not someone else's. Do what's good for you. If someone's commenting on yours and what you should be doing, tell them to go focus on theirs."

15. Jewell Loyd

Los Angeles Sparks v Seattle StormSteph Chambers/Getty Images

Jewell Loyd took Women’s Health through her daily routine. She says that staying hydrated is important to her. “Immediately, I like to drink my water. I’m trying to get close to a gallon a day, so I start with half that amount and then refill my bottle for the rest of the day. Luckily one of the features on my new Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is a water tracking feature, so I can set goals for daily water intake and it reminds me to hit those each day.”

16. Chelsea Gray

2022 WNBA Finals - Game FourMaddie Meyer/Getty Images

Chelsea Gray notably suffered an injury in college. She tells The Sports Section that this inspired her to not only take better care of herself, but also to learn more about health. “The first step was changing my diet. I got a little bit leaner and smarter about the weight that I put on and carry with my knees and legs. It was the first time I really paid attention to my diet to get the most out of my body. Our body is how we make our money — it’s what we do. And so to be able to, for lack of a better term, treat it like a temple and make sure I know what’s going on inside is important.”

17. Allie Quicgley

WNBA: JUL 31 Chicago Sky at Connecticut SunM. Anthony Nesmith/Getty Images

Allie Quigley talked about her process for staying in shape in an interview with High Post Hoops. “Physically just taking care of your body, eating right, getting good rest, doing your exercises in the weight room to keep yourself actually on the court. Basketball wise, just figuring out as a player what it is that is going to make you the most successful. Trying to stick to that and be as efficient as possible.”

18. Natasha Cloud

Washington Mystics v Atlanta DreamAlex Slitz/Getty Images

Natasha Cloud is known for speaking out about things that are important to her. She shared why she does this in an interview with The Washington City Paper. “We are blessed to be playing and having a platform at the WNBA, blessed to play for a coach that backs us when we do speak up and feel strongly about stuff and supports us in it,” Cloud says. “Also we’re in the most powerful city in the world, in D.C., so there’s a lot of controversy always here that we can speak on. I feel like if I don’t use my platform, and don’t use my voice, then I’m doing a [disservice] to a lot of people out here in the world.”

19. Kelsey Plum

Las Vegas Aces v Indiana FeverMichael Hickey/Getty Images

Kelsey Plum is all about promoting change. In 2017, Plum talked to The Bleacher Report about the sexism she faces as a basketball player. “I tell people, I don't play women's basketball, I play basketball. Putting the ‘women's’ next to it shouldn't be an asterisk, like it's "less than." I have been given a little bit of a spotlight, and I hope to show that we can keep moving forward in convincing people that women are just as capable as men.”

20. Kia Nurse

Cincoro Tequila LaunchJamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Kia Nurse opened up about her offseason activities in an interview with BarDown. “Some days, it hits more than others. Right now, this is my offseason, this week that I have now not doing anything physical will be the rest that I get. [laughs] Then, getting ramped up and ready to go again for the WNBA season will be all of the next preparation.”

Celeb News

7 Amazing Bodies of 2024 WNBA Rookies

We've collected the best of their lifestyle tips here.

Los Angeles Sparks v Indiana Fever
Justin Casterline/Getty Images
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

All eyes are on the WNBA this season, as rookies like Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Angel Reese and Jacy Sheldon rack up points after years of hard work to get there. They put in hours on the court, naturally, and also use a variety of techniques to stay physically and mentally fit, so they can give "the best versions of themselves." We've collected the best of those tips here.


1. Rickea Jackson

Los Angeles Sparks v Seattle StormSteph Chambers/Getty Images

Rickea Jackson plays for the Los Angeles Sparks. She opened up about her support from her family with Inside the Wubble. “I just love them. I just want to make them proud and they're always there for me. so you know I'm just always trying to be there for the kids back in the city and you know give them back to the community and things like that. I've been getting a lot of support from this and from my family and friends. My family knows that this transition hasn't been the easiest so they're always there for me. I'm an introvert, I'm a homebody, so they know a little I love you text is all I need to keep pushing.”

2. Julie Vanloo

Indiana Fever v Washington MysticsG Fiume/Getty Images

Julie Vanloo talked about being drafted by the Washington Mystics with The Next. “I have been having a lot of moments where I just try and sit down and take it all in,” she said. “… I always wanted to play with so many players on this team that I said, ‘How would it be to play with this and this player?’ And it’s happening. So … I’m just smiling all the time. I’m just really liking it. I’m just trying to be the best version of myself, be a good teammate and go with the flow. … I’m really in my prime time right now, and I know I can give something to this team.”

3. Alissa Pili

2023 Invesco QQQ Basketball Hall of Fame Women's Showcase - South Carolina v UtahG Fiume/Getty Images

Alissa Pili plays for the Minnesota Lynx. She opened up about wanting to represent her Polynesian culture with The Next. “I take a lot of pride in it, especially because you don’t see a lot of Polynesian women’s basketball players or basketball players in general. It’s something I do take a lot of pride in. Ever since I’ve been here at Utah, I’ve been seeing a lot more just Polynesian people coming out to the games and little Polynesian girls coming up to me after the game and it makes me so happy to know that I’m having an impact on them.”

4. Angel Reese

WNBA: MAY 28 Seattle Storm at Chicago SkyMelissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Angel Reese plays for the Chicago Sky. She tells SportsNet that while she’s glad the WNBA is getting more popular because of players like Caitlin Clark, she’d like other players to receive the same attention. "People are talking about women's basketball that you never would think would be talking about women's basketball. People are coming to games. We got celebrities coming to games. Sold out arenas. The reason why we're watching women's basketball is not just because of one person. It's because of me, too. I want y'all to realize that."

5. Cameron Brink

Los Angeles Sparks v Las Vegas AcesEthan Miller/Getty Images

Cameron Brink plays for the LA Sparks. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, she called for the media to be kinder and to not expect perfection from rookies. "We were drafted to high-drafting teams coming off losing seasons, which is fine. It's a learning process. But people expect us to be perfect, and it's freaking exhausting. I feel like we learn how to tune it out, but still, it's unrealistic, and it kind of just shows that people don't know basketball."

6. Kate Martin

2024 Las Vegas Aces Media DayCandice Ward/Getty Images

Kate Martin opened up about how she’s approaching her future with the Las Vegas Aces to KGET. “I knew it was going to be really hard to make this team, so I just came in with an open mindset,” Martin said. “I wanted to be a sponge and learn as much as possible, and after a few days, I started to gain more confidence. I thought, ‘Maybe I could make this team,’ but I never got my hopes up too high because you never know what’s going to happen in this league.”

7. Jacy Sheldon

Ohio State vs MaineKirk Irwin/Getty Images

Jacy Sheldon is playing for the Dallas Wings. She talked about her approach to the game in an interview with The Dallas News. “I’m a competitor, man,” Sheldon said. “I just want to go out there and get a win, honestly. No matter the drill, no matter the play. I just want to compete, that’s what competitors like. I love the competition, the challenge. These women can play, and learning from them, and being able to learn their system has been awesome so far.”

Lyon,,France,-,7,July,,2019:,Megan,Rapinoe,And,Alex
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

To reach the pinnacle of FIFA Women's World Cup soccer, you have to be physically fit, mentally strong and dangerously determined. The women here are all of those things and more. How do they stay so in shape? Alex Morgan hydrates her skin. Megan Rapinoe is really into weight training. And Ashlyn Harris treats her body as a temple, eating plant-based 80% of the time. Inside you'll find these health tips and more from winners of the FIFA Women's World Cup.


1. Alex Morgan

Reims,,France-june,11:,Alex,Morgan,Of,Usa,Celebrates,After,ScoringShutterstock

Alex Morgan has amazing skin, and shared her tips with Buzzfeed. “I think all my toiletries are a big thing. I always make sure to bring enough lotion for my face and body, because we go to a lot of dry places, like Salt Lake City, St. Louis, and Arizona. Combine that with being in the sun all the time, and keeping my skin hydrated is essential. It’s important to find the right moisturizer, serums, and, of course, sunscreen to moisturize and protect my skin.”

2. Carli Lloyd

Paris,,France,-,16,June,,2019:,Javiera,Toro,Of,ChileShutterstock

Carli Lloyd likes to cook, and shared some of her favorite meals with NJM. “I love cooking! It's hard because I'm not home very often. But when I am, it's fun to cook different recipes. I make some good baby back ribs and stuffed peppers! And we always grill fish, chicken and steak on the charcoal grill.”

3. Megan Rapinoe

Megan,Rapinoe,(reign,Fc),During,The,2019,Fifa,Women's,WorldShutterstock

Megan Rapinoe shared her fitness secrets with Bustle. “Weight training is really big for me. Obviously, I run a lot playing soccer, but I also make sure that I strength train and pay attention to how everything’s working in my body, especially as I get older. I love Pilates, which is amazing for that. I feel like it strengthens you from the inside out. Rest is also really important. It’s how I get the maximum out of my workouts and how I make sure my body's recovering.”

4. Julie Ertz

Julie,Ertz,Of,Usa,During,The,Fifa,Women's,World,CupShutterstock

Julie Ertz tells Forbes that she now understands the importance of self-care, and wished she realized this earlier. “I would have loved to realize how important my alone time is for me to make sure I am in a good place. Sometimes just being able to reflect on my goals and relax helps me have a better plan or perspective going forward. It's all about finding what works for you. I've also become more comfortable talking to my support group to help me with those goals.”

5. Alyssa Naeher

Canada v USWNTRobin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Alyssa Naeher told The Los Angeles Times that she has a lot of supportive people in her life. “Lean on your teammates. Lean on your family. Just focus on what you want. For me it was showing up every day and controlling all the things that I could control. And that was being a good teammate.”

6. Kelley O’Hara

Kelley,O,Hara,Celebrates,After,Winning,The,2019,Fifa,Women'sShutterstock

Kelley O’Hara likes to run to stay in shape. She talked about this in an interview with Women’s Running. “I love the way I feel when I’m done running. Nothing is better than the feeling after a grueling workout. And if I’m fit, I love the feeling of pushing beyond what you think you can do during a run.”

7. Rose Lavelle

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Rose Lavelle shared her wellness secrets in an interview with Well + Good. She says that rest days are very important to her. “Today, rest is vital and I can’t play as much as I did as the load is so much more,” she says. “Now it’s a balance, and I have to prioritize the off-field piece and everything that I’m doing to help best prepare my body to be able to perform on the field.”

8. Ali Krieger

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Ali Krieger shared her wellness secrets in an interview with Muscle & Fitness. She says that one workout she enjoys doing is using battle ropes. “Being explosive and power­ful, hav­ing good footwork and quality speed are es­sen­tial for me. Battle rope drills are one of the toughest yet most rewarding exercises I do at the gym. They are a full-body workout, making me feel every muscle!”

9. Crystal Dunn

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Crystal Dunn shared her skincare secrets in an interview with Cup of Jo. “After breakfast, I wash my face, mostly to make sure I’m nice and awake. I wait until training to apply lotion or sunscreen. Lately, I’ve been really into It Cosmetics tinted moisturizer. It’s really light for daily use and provides a lot of things besides moisturizer — like coverage, a hydrating serum and SPF. So, I feel like I’m getting sunscreen protection and I also get to look cute. If I go out at night, I’m usually wearing Bobbi Brown’s line.”

10. Ashlyn Harris

Houston Dash v NJ/NY Gotham FCIra L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images

Ashlyn Harris talked about her diet in an interview with Green Matters. “Having been a professional athlete for many years, my body is a temple; my body is an engine. It’s something I have to treat extremely well if I want it to function at the highest level. I’ve always been very thoughtful about what goes into my body, and over time that has evolved to where I am now, which is eating plant-based about 80 percent of the time.”

11. Christen Press

Christen,Press,(utah,Royals,Fc),Of,United,States,During,TheShutterstock

Christen Press talked about how she approaches a soccer game to ESPN. “I find the ball and I think, Where's the ball going, and where do I need to go? It just puts me back in the game, and it's the simplest thing, but it's become sort of like my soccer mantra. I simply use the ball as my focus point and move back into position and the distracting thoughts disappear, and I'm right back in the game."

12. Mallory Swanson

United States v Canada - 2024 SheBelieves CupJason Mowry/Getty Images

Mallory Swanson opened up about having young people look up to her in an interview with People. "I always try and take the time with fans because you never really know what that moment can do for someone, and how that moment can change the trajectory of their career or their school life or whatever it is. There have been some times where people have definitely cried and I've been like, 'It's okay. It's like me, I'm literally you.' So connecting with those girls and those fans is super for sure."

13. Tobin Heath

Tobin,Heath,(portland,Thorns,Fc),Of,Usa,During,The,FriendlyShutterstock

Tobin Heath talked about the importance of highlighting women’s sports to E! News. "Women's sports has been put through such a narrow lens," Heath explained. "Our sports structures were created by men and for men because, at that time, men's sports was kind of the only thing that existed. We were completely being missed. So those lenses were very much through the lens of, like, what the patriarchy would want to see in women's sports, not what women's sports actually are and certainly not the fullness of it."

14. Allie Long

Harrison,,Nj,-,May,26,,2019:,U.s.,Women's,National,SoccerShutterstock

Allie Long shared how she prepares for soccer season in an interview with Oxygen Magazine. “Every off season, I make specific goals and go to training with a purpose. There’s always something that I want to work on and I leverage the off season to work on my long-term goals by setting and achieving the short-term goals to get me there.”

15. Sam Mewis

Reims,,France-june,11:sam,Mewis,Of,Usa,In,Action,During,TheShutterstock

Sam Mewis opened up about her recovery process in an interview with Outside Online. In it, she talked about how she eats healthy. “As women, we’re trained so much by society to watch what we eat. But as an athlete and as someone who is trying to heal, recover, and be strong, I need to eat a lot.”

16. Emily Sonnett

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Emily Sonnett shared her training routine in an interview with US Soccer. “We don't often lift heavy weight, but we do get a lot of reps in. We've also did a lot of testing at the beginning of camp to measure our range of motion, agility, flexibility, etc. We really appreciate having that kind of feedback because of course we want to do everything that can help us win, always.”

17. Jessica McDonald

Jessica,Mcdonald,(nc,Courage),Of,Usa,And,Irene,Paredes,(psg)Shutterstock

Jessica McDonald likes to strength train to stay in shape. “Strength training has definitely helped improve my game,” McDonald told BarBend. “Since I’m older, I have to up keep my body in a different way than a younger player. Strength training has helped me with longevity. I feel quicker and stronger than I have before.”

18. Lindsey Horan

United,States',Lindsey,Horan,#10,Shoots,Against,Argentina,Goalkeeper,LaurinaShutterstock

Lindsey Horan talked about the importance fitness has on her life to Tonal. “Fitness was never the main component in my game when I was younger,” she says. “I wish it was. I wish I knew what I know now. I wish I knew everything that goes into fitness because it’s not just running. It’s not just kicking the ball and chasing it.”

19. Becky Sauerbrunn

Becky,Sauerbrunn,(utah,Royals,Fc),Of,Usa,During,The,FriendlyShutterstock

Becky Sauerbrunn is always trying to improve herself. She talked about this in an interview with Soccer.com. “For someone that’s just trying to find their stride in their game, that’s kind of harsh criticism to get, but I took it to heart,” Sauerbrunn said. “I did everything I could to try to counteract that…Don’t be afraid to push your boundaries. I think you need to discover more about yourself, and you need to do that by making mistakes.”

20. Abby Dahlkemper

Reims,,France-june,11:abby,Dahlkemper,Of,Usa,In,Action,During,TheShutterstock

During the pandemic, Abby Dahlkemper made sure to stay fit. She talked about her goals with Yahoo Sports. “My goal during the quarantine is to maintain as much muscle mass and I can,” Dahlkemper explained. “I don’t want my body to go into shock after months away from the pitch and risk some sort of injury. These workouts are slightly simpler versions of what my teammates and I do during normal training sessions.”

Lyon,,France,-,7,July,,2019:,Megan,Rapinoe,Of,Usa
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FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

In the world of sports, the ESPY Awards stand as a testament to the incredible achievements of athletes who continue to push the boundaries of physical excellence. Among these remarkable individuals are the female ESPY Award winners, whose bodies are finely tuned instruments of athleticism and strength. In this article, we delve into the fitness, wellness, and training secrets of 15 exceptional women who have earned the coveted ESPY accolades.


1. Mikaela Shifrin

Los,Angeles,,Usa.,July,10,,2019:,Mikaela,Shiffrin,At,TheShutterstock

Mikaela Shifrin won Best Athlete, Women’s Sports, this year. She revealed some of her favorite workouts on Instagram. Shifrin enjoys doing Pilates. “This is just straight up nourishment for the whole body,” she explained in the caption. “It’s a serious combo of a lot of core, upper body, hip, leg strength and active mobility. My sessions range from more recovery focused to a very intense core work, but it really can be targeted for your specific needs. It’s been a godsend for me over the last few years.”

2. A’ja Wilson

A'ja Wilson  WNBA: OCT 18 WNBA Finals - Las Vegas Aces at New York LibertyIcon Sportswire/Getty Images

A’ja Wilson won the 2023 Best WNBA Award. She shared some of her wellness secrets with Bustle. In it, Wilson revealed her hydration secrets. “I don’t carry a water bottle around, but I do drink a lot of water. I hydrate myself with Ladder, an electrolyte packet that you can mix in. Sometimes I get tired of just straight water when I’m rehydrating on the bench during a game, so I’ll add that for some flavor.”

3. Claressa Shields

London,,England,-,November,9th,2019.,World,Champion,Boxer,Claressa ShieldsShutterstock

Claressa Shields won Best Boxer at this year’s awards. She shared her training routine and secrets with Muscle and Fitness. “I make myself get up early in the morning to do my cardio. My coaches [at Jackson Wink] right now are showing me a lot of new techniques, which my body still needs to be conditioned to do. I’ll work on wrestling drills for about 45 minutes, then learn how to fight off the cage and against it, also learn how to take somebody down when they’re trying to resist.”

4. Katie Ledecky

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 08/07/2016: Katie Ledecky is Rio 2016 Olympic Games champion. USA american swimmer swim to set world record wins gold medal 400m freestyle swimming competition, Aquatic StadiumShutterstock

Katie Ledecky walked away with two awards at last year’s ESPY’s: Best Athlete, Women’s Sports, and Best Olympian, Women’s Sports. She shared her diet secrets with E! News. “I keep it pretty consistent. The only day that I don't train is Sundays, so even right now when I'm taking a little bit of time off, I'm trying to stick to a pretty regular routine. So oatmeal for breakfast, some sort of egg sandwich for lunch, or eggs with toast and then dinner is what varies the most but it is either carbs or some sort of protein: chicken, steak, salmon, something along those lines.”

5. Megan Rapinoe

Los,Angeles,,Ca.,March,08,,2023:,Megan,Rapinoe,At,TheShutterstock

Megan Rapinoe won Best Play at last year’s awards, and the Arthur Ashe Courage Award with her teammates this year. She shared some of her fitness secrets with Bustle. “Weight training is really big for me. Obviously, I run a lot playing soccer, but I also make sure that I strength train and pay attention to how everything’s working in my body, especially as I get older. I love Pilates, which is amazing for that. I feel like it strengthens you from the inside out. Rest is also really important. It’s how I get the maximum out of my workouts and how I make sure my body's recovering.”

6. Ashley Hatch

Ashley Hatch USWNT TrainingBrad Smith/Getty Images

Ashley Hatch won the Best NWSL Player award in 2022. She revealed to The Washington Post that she makes sure to not succumb to pressure during games. “When my mind’s right, sometimes even if I’m not feeling physically my best. I feel like I can push through hard times, and I can play even better.” Hatch says that she does breathing and confidence building exercises.

7. Candace Parker

Candace Parker Indiana Fever v Las Vegas AcesEthan Miller/Getty Images

Candace Parker won the 2022 award for Best WNBA Player. She shared how she’s changing up her approach on the court to SB Nation. “I think simplicity has always been difficult for me. I think physically because you know, I’ve been versatile and have played multiple positions. I think simplicity was always, you know, me dribbling and me doing this and whatever. And now I’ve just learned that simplicity is key, doing things with the least amount of motion is going to benefit me greatly. So I think that is the biggest thing to me is just yes, I can dribble and do that, but it’s more beneficial for me to be able to do it with less motion.”

8. Nelly Korda

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Nelly Korda won the 2022 Best Female Golfer Award. She shared how she warms up for a game to Golf Digest. “It’s more that I’m working on my strike out there. It’s about finding my timing. I typically start about an hour and five minutes before my tee time. I want to make sure my body and muscles are loose. I start off with pitch shots on the range and then I work my way all the way up through my bag.”

9. Crystal Dunn

Crystal,Dunn,During,The,2019,Fifa,Women's,World,Cup,FranceShutterstock

Crystal Dunn won the Arthur Ashe Courage Award with her US Women’s Soccer teammates this year. In an interview with POPSugar, Dunn talked about how she approaches the sport, after being cut from the 2015 World Cup. "I was so uptight about everything. I'm a totally different player than I was four years ago. I take things as they come now. I try not to take everything so seriously, so harshly."

10. Aubrey Kingsbury

Aubrey Kingsbury United States Training Session & Press ConferenceMegan Briggs/Getty Images

Aubrey Kingsbury was another recipient of this year’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award. She likes to spend time outside, and specifically enjoys going hiking. Kingsbury posted this set of photos on Instagram of herself hiking in North Island, New Zealand. She captioned the post, “NZ, thanks for an epic adventure.”

11. Alex Morgan

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Alex Morgan has won several ESPY’s, including this year’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award. She talked about how her diet has evolved to Insider. "I have a really good relationship with my body and understanding what it needs and nourishing it in the right way," Morgan said. "That comes with years of experience, but you have to start somewhere, and I think a lot of female athletes aren't given that support early in their career."

12. Casey Krueger

Casey Krueger Colombia v United StatesAlex Goodlett/Getty Images

Casey Krueger also won the Arthur Ashe Courage Award this year. In an essay with NWSLsoccer.com, she talked about her journey to becoming a mother and returning to soccer. “After my three-month moratorium on vacuuming and running ended, it was time to get back on my grind,” Krueger said. “I was still far from where I needed to be to rejoin the Red Stars, so I trained on my own until I was ready. I practiced with a local boys’ club team, played pickup with some of my teammates, and did double days designed by my trainer — but some of my most cherished memories from that time were when I’d workout in the basement of our home. I’d bring Caleb down there with me and let him hangout in his baby bouncer while I focused on getting my strength back. Watching him watch me as I sweated through reps was the greatest motivation I could have asked for, a living, breathing reminder that after everything I’d gone through, and for all the love I didn’t even know I was capable of giving to him, I had everything I needed to get to where I wanted to be. I could do this.”

13. Sam Kerr

Melbourne,,Australia,-,November,12:,Sam,Kerr,Of,Australia,WhilstShutterstock

Footballer Sam Kerr won Best International Athlete, Women’s Soccer in 2022. In her book, she talked about how she approaches games. “I try to shift my focus to the task at hand – that one match or that one training session or that one goal – and stay focused on it. Staying in the present and focusing on that one thing isn’t easy, but it definitely helps. I just have to believe in what I’m doing and try to ignore any distracting, negative or outside factors that start to creep in. Using this mental tool to maintain this kind of attitude is a big factor in winning for me. I truly believe that.”

14. Lauren Holiday

Lauren Holiday USA v Japan: Final - FIFA Women's World Cup 2015Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images

Former soccer player, Lauren Holiday, and her husband, NBA player Jrue Holiday, won the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award this year. She shared why she retired from her sport to ActiveKids.com. “As much as I love playing the sport of soccer, I also know that it's not my identity. I know that I was called to do other things and I'm not the type of person that can focus on multiple things at once. When I'm in soccer, I'm so focused on it that I feel guilty if I go a day without working out or trying to better my game. For me, it just came to the point that I wanted to do other things and I was ready. I've accomplished all that I wanted in soccer.”

15. Christen Press

Los,Angeles,-,Jul,12:,Christen,Press,Arrives,For,TheShutterstock

Christen Press helped accept this year’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award on behalf of the US Women’s Soccer Team. She shared how she prevents injuries in an interview with ESPN. "I haven't had many injuries and I know that's because I take care of my body and I do the things that I need to do to keep it strong. And I'm very grateful for the way that I feel when I play. I feel very powerful. I feel fast. I feel unstoppable and that's because of my body."

Celeb News

20 Amazing Bodies of Female Team USA Olympians

Dive into the stories behind their enviable physiques.

28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Arrivals
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FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

The world of elite athleticism is a realm of dedication, discipline, and determination, and the female Team USA Olympians exemplify these qualities like no other. From sprinting sensation Allyson Felix to swimming prodigy Katie Ledecky, these remarkable athletes not only achieve greatness on the world stage but also offer insights into their rigorous training regimens, dietary choices, and personal philosophies. Dive into the stories behind their enviable physiques as we explore the training secrets, workout routines, and nutrition strategies that power these phenomenal women in their pursuit of Olympic glory.


1. Allyson Felix

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Sprinting legend Allyson Felix revealed her diet in an interview. “I usually keep breakfast light: yogurt and granola. In transit to the gym, I’ll have an acai bowl or some type of smoothie. Lunch is a salad with protein and fruit. And then for dinner (that’s my biggest meal) I eat a lot of fish, brown rice or sweet potatoes and veggies. Asparagus is one of my favorites. And zucchini.”

2. Katie Ledecky

2022 ESPYs - ArrivalsMomodu Mansaray/WireImage

Swimmer Katie Ledecky revealed her training regime to Prevention. “I swim 10 times a week,” she says. “It’s quite a bit of training. It doesn’t really change in an Olympic year. We have other big meets throughout the four-year, in this case five-year, cycle.”

3. Gabby Douglas

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Gabby Douglas shared her training secrets with HollywoodLife. “Honestly and here’s my secret — I don’t workout my arms as much as I workout my legs or as much as my body. I love a long, toned arm and not too masculine, but that’s just my body. You love what you love and so I just do stretches with my arms to try to elongate everything.”

4. Megan Rapinoe

Los,Angeles,,Ca.,March,08,,2023:,Megan,Rapinoe,At,TheShutterstock

Megan Rapinoe broke down her workout routine in an interview. “My workout is a combination between cardio, strength training, and on-field work. It’s a balance of all of those three. When I’m in my club team environment, it’s more soccer. When I’m away from that, I focus more in the gym on strength work. I try to build that base. A lot of Pilates, interval cardio work when I’m in the gym, too.”

5. Alex Morgan

Los,Angeles-,Oct,21:,Alex,Morgan,Arrives,For,5th,AnnualShutterstock

Alex Morgan shared some of her diet and workout secrets with The Beet. She says that she believes in moderation when it comes to food. “There are times when I may find myself eating something that has eggs in it or dairy. Sometimes that slips into my diet and I am trying to eat healthy and plant-based but when that happens I tell myself to give myself some grace. So if you are trying to live healthily and vegan, you can forgive yourself. That's what I mean by giving yourself grace.”

6. Mikaela Shifrin

The 2023 ESPY Awards - ArrivalsFrazer Harrison/Getty Images

In addition to skiing, Mikaela Shifrin likes to windsurf to stay in shape. She shared this post on Instagram of herself windsurfing. Shifrin captioned the post, “Windsurf & Training Camp on Maui ended a few days ago! Gonna miss getting catapulted off my rig on the daily and accidentally drinking the entire ocean in a session only for it to pour out my nose later in the day, but duty calls! Now it’s time to do more training in other parts of the world! Like… home… hahah.”

7. Simone Manuel

Golden Goggle AwardsKevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Simone Manuel didn’t let the pandemic stop her from training hard. She told Yahoo in 2020, “I have been training in a backyard pool, so I'm still getting nine practices a week in. I have been doing weightlifting training at home. It's not my favorite because I don't have all the equipment that I'm used to. I'm kind of like putting books in a backpack and just adapting to the circumstance and just doing the best that I can with the situation.”

8. Aly Raisman

Los,Angeles,-,Jul,18:,Aly,Raisman,Arrives,To,TheShutterstock

Even though she’s no longer a gymnast, Aly Raisman is still working out regularly. "I actually feel like I've been able to work out a little bit more than I was before the pandemic," Raisman tells Shape. "It doesn't mean I'm working out for hours every day, but sometimes I'll do a little bit of a workout in the morning, and then even do a little bit more in the afternoon. I break it up throughout the day because that's what's working for me right now."

9. Carli Lloyd

Los,Angeles,-,Oct,21:,Carli,Lloyd,Arrives,For,TheShutterstock

Carli Lloyd opened up about the changes she’s made to her workouts with Insider. "I do use weights now, but if the weights are used in the actual movements that you do on a normal basis and on your field and in your respective sport, then I think it's fine. But you're never in a squat position on the field with 300 pounds of a bar on you and doing that motion, you know, you're always on the move."

10. Gabby Thomas

The Annual espnW: Women + Sports SummitLeon Bennett/Getty Images

Gabby Thomas shared some of her health and wellness secrets with The Healthy. “As an Olympic medalist and a student, sleep is really important for me so I can ensure that I’m going to be my best self every day. I train at such a high level, every time I do something, it is 100%. Making sure that I am mentally and physically ready to take on the day is really crucial for me.”

11. Nastia Liukin

Los,Angeles,-,Jul,18:,Nastia,Liukin,Arrives,To,TheShutterstock

Nastia Liukin shares a lot of her wellness secrets on her website. In this post, she talked about her typical morning routine. “I love the predictability of a routine. Maybe it’s because I spent the better part of my life in a strict routine training for the Olympics—it’s what I know, it’s what brings me comfort. My morning routine is ever-evolving. As I learn new things, speak to other entrepreneurs, and adapt with the changes my mind and body go through over the years, I incorporate, remove, and refine elements. Right now, I love my morning routine. It suits my current needs of setting the tone of my day, calming anxiety, and allows me to practice all of the self-care I need in order to move on to serving others.”

12. Dana Vollmer

The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection 2018 Presented By Macy's - Arrivals & Front RowTheo Wargo/Getty Images

In an interview with ESPN, Dana Vollmer talked about how she avoids injury when swimming. “The pain in burning from using your muscles is different than the pain of hurting something. The 50 free is short, that's why I'm doing it. And my doctor said there is really no risk at all. I made a joke about doing a belly flop and [the doctor] said even that would be fine. As long as I'm cautious with the warm-up and keep some space between myself and the other swimmers, that's really the only issue at all.”

13. Jenny Thompson

Tri-State Starlight Childrens Foundation Honors Warren Kornblum and Robert VerronePaul Andrew Hawthorne/WireImage

In an interview with The Daniel Island News, Jenny Thompson revealed why she decided to take up swimming again. “I started swimming again for mental health,” she said. “It was a growing up experience to not only start medical school, but also help my mom who was sick with cancer. It made swimming a lot lighter and put in perspective that there’s a lot more to life than sports. It was interesting to compete with that kind of wisdom.”

14. Maya Moore

The Women's Sports Foundation's 38th Annual Salute To Women In Sports Awards Gala  - ArrivalsNicholas Hunt/Getty Images

In this post on her website, Maya Moore talked about the impact basketball and playing in the WNBA has had on her. “I think being a part of the WNBA, whether that’s as a fan or a player, it’s a better time than ever just because of how good the players have gotten,” Moore said. “We’ve grown in athleticism and the speed of the game – the versatility of the players on the court. The games have really been fun to compete in, so I’m excited about the direction that we’re moving in. I’ve been a fan of the WNBA since I was eight, and I still am to this day.”

15. Missy Franklin

Los,Angeles,-,Nov,14:,Missy,Franklin,At,The,GlamourShutterstock

Missy Franklin does a lot of weight training to stay in shape. She shared this video on Instagram of herself working out in the gym. Franklin captioned it, “Getting creative in weights yesterday! Shout out to @auphillips14 for coming up with such an awesome exercise! Love working with people who are willing to try new things and push boundaries💪🏻 Thanks @lorenlandow for being the best!”

16. Venus Williams

28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - ArrivalsAxelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Venus Williams makes sure to not only workout, but also recover. She shared her tips with CNBC’s Make It. “I do a lot of recovery, as well. Physiotherapy and massage. I like to take a lot of time to stretch … It feels amazing [and] I actually think it produces really great endorphins.”

17. Kerri Walsh-Jennings

Los,Angeles,-,Feb,18:,Kerri,Walsh,Jennings,Arriving,ToShutterstock

Prior to the 2016 Olympics, Kerri Walsh-Jennings talked about her training process with GQ. In it, she talked about the attitude she has when it comes to the sport. “I do have to keep reminding myself that it’s okay to be a work in progress. If I have a bad game it crushes me, but you can learn and grow a lot as long as you don’t stay in that place of devastation.”

18. Shawn Johnson

Shawn,Johnson,At,The,Los,Angeles,Premiere,Of,'star,Trek'Shutterstock

In an interview with Morning Brew, Shawn Johnson talked about how she manages life in the public eye. “It's a challenge every single day. And my husband and I are very, very vocal about it with each other. And we've now hired an incredible team of people that work with us. But we do silly things every single day to protect ourselves from it. For many, many years, I wasn't allowed to read comments until I was able to get to a place where I was strong enough to digest them. Now we always say, ‘If you read something that doesn't sit well, you have to read it aloud,’ and you have to have the group validate or invalidate whatever it is.”

19. Lisa Leslie

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Lisa Leslie tells People that she is all about positivity. "Take three deep breaths. Let's find a positive affirmation that can you help you every single day, something that you can really settle into that makes you smile. Because for me, positive energy is so contagious and I think starting our days off with some sort of mantra or quote that really is inspiring, can really help you get through the moment."

20. Cat Osterman

Los,Angeles,-,Jul,12:,Cat,Osterman,Arrives,For,TheShutterstock

Cat Osterman broke down her typical meals to Us Weekly. “Breakfast can range anywhere from a smoothie to a yogurt parfait, which is yogurt, berries and granola,” she said. “This morning, I had a sweet potato hash that includes sweet potatoes, turkey sausage, peppers onions, and then I put an egg over top of it. Lunch can be anything from a salad to sandwich, occasionally maybe some chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-A. I try to do grilled chicken as much as possible. For dinner, we eat pretty well. We cook for the most part. I will substitute zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti noodles or have potatoes or sweet potatoes instead of bread and rice. I’ll put quinoa in there sometimes, I’m pretty conscious about what I eat.”

Ana Zelu is pictured at an open-air market.
Ana Zelu/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Ana Zelu is a professional model and social media influencer. She is known for her content in nature. Zelu recently shared a post on Instagram of herself on a surfboard in the ocean. She captioned it, “Yesterday was such a fun shoot, I just had to share these with you 🤍 🛥️But picture number #4?? That photobomb totally got me 😂 Which picture is your favorite ?🌊”

She Swims

As you can see from her post, Zelu likes to swim. The Mayo Clinic states that swimming has a lot of benefits. “Swimming is often touted as a great workout for all ages, offering benefits not only for the body, but also for the mind. As a form of exercise, swimming keeps your heart rate up and builds muscle strength. It also can be a great form of stress relief.”

She Doesn't Compare Herself to Others

Zelu shares a lot of her thoughts on Instagram. In this post, she talked about no longer comparing herself to others. “Dear Diary 💭📝, Today’s contemplation led me to a profound understanding of the detrimental impact comparison has on our lives. It’s like a silent intruder, subtly creeping into our thoughts and poisoning our perception of ourselves and others. It’s a universal struggle, one that weighs heavily on the hearts of many. I’ve come to realize that comparison is the ultimate thief of joy. It robs us of our ability to appreciate our own journey and achievements, as we constantly measure ourselves against an idealized version of others. I’ve resolved to break free from its grasp. We should choose to celebrate our own unique path, recognizing that each step forward is a triumph in itself. Rather than fixating on external benchmarks set by others, I’m focusing on personal growth and development. Whether it’s through learning new skills, cultivating gratitude, or simply practicing self-compassion, every effort counts.”

She Hikes

Zelu is seen on a hike in the previous Instagram post. Harvard Health states that hiking is very beneficial. “Like brisk walking, hiking is a good way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, particularly if your route includes some hills, which will force your heart to work harder. Taking a hike on the slightly uneven surface of a trail also provides a natural way to engage the core muscles in your torso and to hone your balance skills.”

She’s Resilient

Resilience is another important thing to Zelu. She talked about this in the caption of this Instagram post. “Dear Diary 💭📝, I witnessed something truly remarkable that touched my heart deeply. It’s amazing how people can go through the toughest storms in life and yet remain gentle, patient, and kind. I saw someone who faced challenges that would break most people, yet they chose to respond with grace and humility. Their ability to stay calm and compassionate in the face of adversity is nothing short of admirable. It made me realize the beauty of resilience – the strength to keep going even when life throws its hardest punches. These individuals not only endure the storms but also emerge from them with a spirit that shines brighter than before. Their example reminds me of the power of kindness and the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the darkest of times. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there is beauty to be found 💕🫶”

She’s Accepted Herself

Zelu talked about the importance of acceptance in this Instagram post’s caption. “Dear Diary 💭📝, Today has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but amidst it all, I feel like I’ve taken a step closer to the right direction. Letting go of the past is like shedding a heavy coat I’ve been carrying for far too long. It’s not easy to release the memories, the pain, the regrets, but today, I made a choice to loosen the grip they had on me. It’s like taking a deep breath after being underwater for too long—refreshing and liberating. Forgiving myself has been a journey filled with tears and moments of self-doubt. But today, I finally understood that I deserve the same forgiveness and understanding I give to others. It’s like giving myself a warm hug, wrapping myself in kindness and acceptance.”

Beauty

Ludovica Pagani Swears By These 5 Habits

Here’s how she stays in shape.

Ludovica Pagani at the "Maldoror" red carpet during the 81st Venice International Film Festival
Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Italian influencer and TV host Ludovica Pagani isn’t just known for her stunning looks—she’s also admired for her dedication to fitness and healthy living. Whether she’s sharing workout routines or showing off nutritious meals on Instagram, Pagani’s followers can’t get enough of her beach-ready physique. But how does she maintain such an enviable figure? It turns out, Pagani has a few go-to habits that keep her in top shape year-round. From her favorite workouts to her clean eating choices, here are the five habits Ludovica Pagani swears by for her beach body.

She Does Pilates

Ludovica Pagani poses in a bikini

Ludovica Pagani/Instagram

Pagani likes to do Pilates to keep herself in shape. She is seen doing exercises on a reformer in this Instagram video. According to The Cleveland Clinic, Pilates has a lot of benefits. “There’s quite a bit of stretching in Pilates — which translates to improved flexibility. In addition to expanding the range of activities you can do, flexibility may protect you from injury, help your muscles relax and help you retain both mobility and range of motion as you get older.”

She Likes Sweet Potatoes

Ludovica Pagani arrives to a premiere

Vincenzo Lombardo/Getty Images

Pagani makes sure to eat healthy. In the previous Instagram video, she is seen cutting up sweet potatoes. Reid Health states that they are very healthy. “Eating potassium-rich sweet potatoes helps promote a healthy heart. Higher potassium intake allows you to excrete more sodium lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk for heart disease according to the American Heart Association.”

She Does Squats

Ludovica Pagani doing squats

Ludovica Pagani/Instagram

Pagani shared this video on Instagram of herself in the gym. In it, she is seen doing regular squats and split squats with a weight. Piedmont says that squats are very beneficial. “Whether you’re hoping to tone your muscles, strengthen your core or just improve overall health, squats are one of the best exercises you can do.”

She Strength Trains

Ludovica Pagani waves to fans as she arrives in Venice for the Venice Film Festival

Jacopo Raule/FilmMagic

In the previous Instagram video, Pagani is seen doing a lot of strength training exercises. Strength training has a lot of benefits. The Mayo Clinic states, “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.”

She Boxes

Ludovica Pagani is fit in boxing gear

Ludovica Pagani/Instagram

Pagani likes to box to keep herself in shape. She shared these photos on Instagram of herself with boxing gloves. Boxing is an aerobic exercise, which means it has a lot of benefits. Harvard Health states, “Aerobic exercise gets your heart pumping and helps lower the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can strengthen bones and muscles, burn more calories, and lift mood. Aerobics can also boost your endurance, which helps you climb a flight of stairs or walk farther.”

Fitness

Mica Viciconte Gets "a Little Sun"

Here’s how she stays in shape.

Mica Viciconte
Mica Viciconte/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Mica Viciconte is a TV personality. She is known for participating in Combate Argentina. A few weeks ago, Viciconte took a beach vacation in Mexico. She shared some highlights of her trip on Instagram. In them, Viciconte posed in different swimsuits. She captioned the post, “A bit of ☀️ over here 👈”

She's Consistent

Viciconte makes sure to stay consistent with her wellness routine. She talked about this in the caption of this workout video on Instagram. “Eating well and exercising regularly helps you maintain your weight and reduce your risk of disease. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can bring many benefits, including more energy, happiness, health, and even a longer life. It's something we all know but we always make excuses for. So hopefully you can start moving your body little by little and eat a little better and obviously enjoy something delicious on the weekends 😋.”

She Does Squats

Mica Viciconte does squats

Mica Viciconte/Instagram

In the previous Instagram video, Viciconte is seen doing squats. Allina Health reports that squats are very beneficial to do. “The squat is one of the all-around best exercises to do for your lower body. It strengthens and tones muscles in your thighs, butt and calves and improves posture, balance, flexibility and inner core strength. Squatting also improves bone mineral density to keep your bones strong. Include squats in your exercise routine two to three days a week to reap the benefits from this dynamite move.”

She Does Hip Thrusts

Mica Viciconte does hip thrusts

Mica Viciconte/Instagram

Viciconte is also seen doing hip thrusts in her Instagram video. Gymless states that the exercise has a lot of health benefits. “Hip thrusts, as a compound movement, aid in increasing lower body strength and power, enhancing athletic abilities such as running, jumping, and powerlifting. By strengthening the posterior chain muscles, you can enhance your posture and lower the risk of back pain and muscle strain. Strong glutes and hamstrings contribute to hip and knee stability, minimizing injury risks in sports and daily life.”

She Uses A Stationary Bike

Mica Viciconte uses a stationary bike

Mica Viciconte/Instagram

Viciconte is seen using a stationary bike in the previous Instagram video. Doing this can help strengthen your muscles. Penn State PRO Wellness explained, “Riding a stationary bike can help build strength in your legs and lower body, especially if you use a higher resistance. The pedaling action can help strengthen your calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps. Additionally, it can work the muscles in your core, back, and glutes. If you use a bicycle with handles, you’ll also be able to work your upper body muscles, including your biceps, triceps, and shoulders.”

She Runs

Viciconte shared this Instagram video of herself working out. In it, she is seen doing running exercises. Viciconte captioned it, “When we exercise, our body releases endorphin, a natural substance produced by the brain during and after physical activity. The release of endorphin, also known as the 'joy hormone', helps you relax, reduces stress, anxiety and improves your mood. I always say that it's never too late to start moving, so you know that tomorrow you have no excuse 💪🏻”