We think we can all agree functional fitness athletes are pretty badass. We wake up early and stay up late to get training sessions in. We prioritize our diets and plan ahead to stay on track. We’re always willing to try something new and push our own boundaries. There’s a certain group of athletes, though, who is just one step ahead of the rest of us when it comes to the badass scale: fitness moms.

These women pushed through training sessions for nine months while carrying another human. They wake up at the crack of dawn to get a training session in after minimal sleep the night before. They make sure they have time to work out, meal prep, and do whatever else they have to do to be successful while caring for another human, who they will always put before themselves.

Athlete moms continue to inspire and motivate us, and yes, we want to be exactly like them when we grow up. These women are setting the best example for their kids of how to be both physically and mentally strong and never let anything stop them. In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re giving a shout-out to a few moms who inspire us.

5 Fitness Moms We Love

This list is by no means exhaustive, and we tip our hats to all mamas out there!

1. Annie Thorisdottir

Can we please just take a moment to talk about how inspiring Annie is? She’s openly and candidly spoken about both her pregnancy (which wasn’t exactly smooth sailing) and getting back to fitness after giving birth. And we love her for always keeping it real. From post-partum depression to learning to love her body after childbirth, Annie has shined a light on topics women so often feel ashamed to discuss.

It doesn’t hurt that she came back to the 2021 CrossFit Games, less than a year after giving birth, and placed third.

Women can do anything they set their minds to.

2. Camille Leblanc-Bazinet

CLB is synonymous with functional fitness, and as she and her husband Dave celebrated their pregnancy, so did we. Their sweet daughter ended up arriving early — undoubtedly a traumatic experience for all. But Camille has always demonstrated bravery and grit in the face of great challenges, and this was no exception. They finally got to take their little girl home, and you can’t argue that they’re the perfect family.

While she hung up her competition shoes, it didn’t last long. Camille ended up trying her hand at bodybuilding and, well, we’d say she’s done a pretty good job.

She also keeps busy with her company, Feroce Fitness, continuing to prove that apparently, she has superpowers.

3. Miranda Alcaraz

An OG to the competitive functional fitness world, Miranda has been inspiring us for years. From her fast recovery after being in a serious car accident, to tearing her ACL during an event at the 2014 Games, we’ve always known Miranda is as tough as they come. She went to Regionals twice as an individual in 2012 and 2013, falling just short of making it to the Games.

Now, Miranda is still a fierce athlete but also manages online programming for garage gyms around the world (Street Parking) and most importantly, is a mom to three. And true to her Instagram handle, she’s not scared to talk about anything.

This is what women need: fewer social media filters and more honesty. You can always count on her to be a source of motivation, through the good and the challenging. Don’t tell Miranda she can’t, because she’ll prove you wrong.

Importantly, Miranda reminds all moms that it’s not selfish to prioritize their mental and physical health. In fact, it’s absolutely necessary if you want to be able to care for your family.

4. Dr. Anna Hulda Olafsdottir

Dr. Olafsdottir’s list of accomplishments is nothing short of incredible. According to her Instagram, she’s the head of the climate change service and adaption office at the Icelandic Met office. She’s also got her Ph.D. in engineering, she’s been to Regionals three times as a team member and twice as an individual, she’s been to the Games twice with her team, she has held multiple records in Icelandic weightlifting as both a 58kg and 63kg lifter, and last but certainly not least, she is a mom to two children.

One thing we appreciate most about Anna (it’s hard to pick just one) is that she doesn’t seem to obsess over how she moves her body. She just makes time to move. Whether it’s a WOD, cycling, or yoga, she always keeps her body guessing.

5. Kristin Pope

Weightlifter. IFBB Fitness Pro. Nutrition Coach. YouTuber. Mom. These are just some of Kristin Pope’s titles. Her journey has been no less than remarkable. She’s not a woman you want to underestimate, because she could destroy most of us both in the gym and up on stage.

As a coach and trainer herself, she’s always seemed to know what it takes — but motherhood can throw anyone a curveball. So, how did she figure it out? Trial and error. Research. Being her own guinea pig. Pope’s never shied away from a challenge, and through her evolution of becoming a mom and progressing through her fitness career, she’s always found her way.

While these women are certainly enough to light a fire under all of us, we want to leave you with an important reminder: You do you. Some days, you might have barely enough energy to flop down on the couch with a bowl of popcorn. And that’s totally okay. Listen to your body and mind, and everything else will fall into place.

Thank you to these moms, and all the moms across the world, for always motivating us, inspiring us, and taking care of us. We wouldn’t be where we are without you.

Featured image: Camille Leblance-Bazinet/Instagram

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