Kayla Simmons, the former volleyball star turned social media sensation, continues to captivate her audience with her dedication to fitness. Recently, the “world’s sexiest volleyball player” shared glimpses of her pilates workout, showcasing her commitment to maintaining a strong and healthy physique. This comes after the athlete has been very open about her fitness journey, and fans have been able to follow along as she shares her life on various social media platforms.
From Volleyball Court to Social Media Star
Before becoming a prominent influencer, Kayla Simmons was a force to be reckoned with on the volleyball court. She played for Marshall University in the NCAA Division I, where she set records. In her debut, she achieved a career-high 17 assists and further solidified her presence by leading her squad with 1,112 assists the following season. Her athletic background also includes being an AAU All-American and a member of the USA Volleyball Women’s Junior A1 Team. Simmons comes from an athletic family; her father played baseball at the University of Florida and her great-grandfather was a pitcher in MLB for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
However, her journey took a turn when she began to garner attention for her social media presence. Despite being told to delete her Instagram during her high school years, Simmons persisted and built a massive online following. Her popularity soared, and she transitioned into the world of influencing, where she shares fitness routines, fashion inspiration, and snippets of her daily life. As of December 2024, she boasts over one million followers on Instagram and close to 900,000 on TikTok.
Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing Body Positivity
Kayla’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. She has openly discussed the body shaming remarks she received as a curvy athlete. At one point, college administrators asked her to delete her Instagram due to “inappropriate” photos. She was also the subject of rumors about having a boob job, which she has vehemently denied, stating that she is “all natural”. Simmons has also shared her struggles with having a large chest as an athlete and wished to have smaller breasts at one time. However, these experiences have fueled her commitment to body positivity and self-acceptance. She emphasizes that self-confidence should not be determined by the opinions of others. She stresses that it’s important to embrace who you are.
Pilates: A Key Component of Kayla’s Fitness Regimen
In her recent social media posts, Kayla Simmons has been seen practicing Pilates, a low-impact exercise that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and body awareness. This choice aligns with her commitment to holistic fitness, combining strength training with flexibility and mind-body connection. Pilates is known for its ability to improve posture, balance, and coordination, all of which are essential for an athlete’s well-being.
Resilience Amidst ACL Recovery
Notably, her dedication to Pilates has continued even after sustaining an ACL injury in March. This demonstrates her resilience and commitment to fitness despite setbacks. In her posts, she’s been seen doing mat pilates while wearing a plunging crop top and form fitting leggings. She is incorporating a unique method of recovery using a cold beer as part of her routine to alleviate discomfort. Her transparency in sharing her journey, including her reaction to the injury and the steps she’s taking to recover, resonates with her audience.
How Pilates Helps
Pilates offers a wide range of benefits and is often used by athletes during their recovery process. It helps to:
- Improve core strength and stability
- Enhance flexibility and range of motion
- Promote better posture and body alignment
- Aid in muscle rehabilitation after injuries
Kayla Simmons’s approach to fitness is not just about looking good but also about feeling good and taking care of her body, which is why Pilates fits in so perfectly with her goals. She is demonstrating to her followers that even when faced with an injury, it is important to continue to focus on overall health.
Kayla’s Social Media Presence and Influence
Kayla Simmons has successfully leveraged her athletic background and engaging personality to build a powerful brand on social media. Her content, ranging from workout videos to modeling photos, resonates with a broad audience, particularly young adults in their late teens to early 30s. Her fashion-forward modeling photos often take place outdoors, highlighting her fashion sense and contributing to her large following. On TikTok she shares dance videos, showcasing her energetic and engaging personality.
Brand Collaborations and Business Ventures
Beyond her social media presence, Kayla has also ventured into brand collaborations, working with companies like FaZe Clan. She promotes their energy drink, Ghost, through her social media channels. She has also appeared on the red carpet at Super Bowl events, further solidifying her position as a popular influencer and media personality. Her business acumen is also evident in her modeling program, “Perfectly Imperfect Model Therapy,” where she provides coaching and mentorship to aspiring models, as well as providing a therapy program to help them build confidence and resilience.
Inspiring a New Generation of Athlete Influencers
Kayla Simmons stands as a prime example of how athletes can transition into successful social media influencers. Her ability to connect with her audience through authenticity and vulnerability, combined with her dedication to fitness, has made her a role model for many. She has also emphasized the importance of not allowing others to influence how you feel about yourself. Simmons’ approach is a refreshing contrast to the often-criticized world of online influencers.
Continuing the Fitness Journey
Kayla Simmons’s recent pilates workout showcases her ongoing commitment to fitness and well-being. Her journey from volleyball star to social media influencer is a testament to her versatility and dedication. She continues to inspire her followers to prioritize health, body positivity, and resilience, even when faced with injuries or setbacks. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that one can embrace their authentic self while pursuing personal and professional goals.
