The Athlete Spotlight: Meet Lexie Learmann
Beauty, charm, humility and kindness. Who says you can’t have it all?!
We caught up with AYBL Athlete, Lexie Learmann, who showed us that you absolutely can.
We’ve been fortunate enough to work with Lexie for a few months now, so it’s likely you will have seen her all over our Instagram and TikTok, especially during our Summer Sale. But, today, we want to show you a side of the TikTok star that you don’t necessarily get to see every day.
During our chat together, we discovered what inspired her to share her fitness journey, her proudest and most challenging moment so far and what’s next on her agenda - and let’s just say, it’s big!
HEY LEXIE! TELL US, WHEN DID YOU START YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SHARE IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
I started my fitness journey in January 2021, when I got my very first gym membership. What inspired me to do so was that I was big into sports, like basketball, soccer and track, but because of Covid, those sports didn’t happen. However, I still wanted to stay in shape and be healthy, so I decided to start going to the gym.
As for sharing it on social media, I basically just started creating TikToks for fun, posting random videos of whatever was trending. I got a lot of comments about what my workout routine was and because, at that point, I was consistently going to the gym, I just started sharing my journey. I was really nervous at first, but I just kept doing it because I thought it was fun and it just went from there.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS OR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO IS LOOKING TO START SHARING THEIR FITNESS JOURNEY ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
My number one thing would be to stay consistent regardless of what other people may think or comment and even if you feel nervous - that’s normal! I really think staying consistent and continuing to create content will pay off and it will eventually reach the audience that you want it to. As long as you’re happy with what you’re posting, it will do well.
I know I was so nervous to start posting, I would think to myself ‘OMG, what are people going to think?’ and people did say stuff, like ‘the wannabe influencer’. But it just shows how hard you’ve worked to come from a place where you’re super vulnerable to your content being a success.
WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL WEEKLY WORKOUT ROUTINE LOOK LIKE?
I workout about five to six times per week - normally five times just because of my schedule and I do love my rest days, so five times is perfect for me.
My week consists of:
- Monday: Lower body (quads and glutes);
- Tuesday: Upper body (back and arms or push day);
- Wednesday: Glutes, including heavy compound lifts;
- Thursday: Rest;
- Friday: Full body session or push;
- Saturday/Sunday: Cardio and abs.
@lexielearmann TIME TO TAP IN😮💨 #fyp #gymtok #beaybl #routine #glutesworkout ♬ She Make It Clap - Soulja Boy
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST AND MOST CHALLENGING MOMENT SO FAR IN REGARDS TO YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY?
My biggest challenge would honestly be just staying consistent, especially with starting my fitness journey during Covid. It was very hard to go out without feeling like you were being judged even if it was to better yourself. Also, mentally, there were a lot of days when I did not have the motivation to go and I felt I wasn’t seeing any progress, so that really demotivated me. It took a lot of discipline to go to the gym and keep going, but once I overcame that, I started seeing the most progress.
I think one of my proudest moments would be when I first looked back at the pictures I started taking of myself at the beginning of my fitness journey. I don’t take a lot, but I took enough to see the difference between what I look like now versus then. But I haven’t just seen a difference physically, mentally, I feel much more confident about where I’m going and what I’m doing and I think that just made me feel really proud of myself and all of the work that I’ve put in.
I really wish I took more photos. You don’t realise until you’re so far into your journey how far you’ve actually come and it’s when you look at those photos or videos, you realise ‘my body really is changing!’ and it can motivate you even more.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOUR SOCIAL CONTENT SO SUCCESSFUL?
It’s all happened really fast. In my head, I think my age has some role in it just because of how young I am - I was still in high school when I first started blowing up. Also, the fact that I have a twin sister, I feel a lot of people have found that super interesting.
I think a massive part is because I’m consistent with posting content and even responding to comments. I’m always reading my comments, as I’m interested in what people want to see from me, whether that’s my fitness routine or what I eat. I’m always willing to create content that my audience wants to see.
I feel like I’m just super real and honest about my journey and what works for me. I also think YouTube and Instagram Stories have really helped, as it’s meant people can see more chatty content from both Ana and I and get to know us on a more personal level. People love seeing the connection we have and how close we are.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING AN AYBL ATHLETE AND WHY?
When I first met Chloe (Sponsorship Executive) and Dan (Sponsorship Manager), they were super approachable, super nice and super welcoming and I just feel like they give off such good vibes. I think that’s really important when it comes to working with people and brands.
When we went to LA and met the other athletes, it just felt like a family. That was my first time meeting them and they were all super nice and we were all hyping each other up and I feel like it’s such a good thing to be a part of.
Also, the clothes make me feel great when lifting and working out.
Having all of this is really hard to find. Being with a brand that wants you to be successful too is another thing I look for in partnerships. You guys just do such a good job and I couldn’t ask to be part of a better community.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN LA FOR OUR SUMMER SALE? WHAT DID YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME THERE?
Oh my gosh, I don’t even know where to start! Ana and I were just stunned by how well you guys treated us. I was so amazed! I’ve never been on a brand trip like that before and it couldn’t have been a better experience for us.
You even thought of little things, like laying out food in the room - it was just so nice and I wasn’t expecting any of that. You guys have honestly set our expectations so high!
When we were at the shoots, you guys were always hyping us up, you had lots of cool ideas and were always giving us something to do. We also got to talk to you on a personal level which was great. It was so fun and you guys honestly made it amazing!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE AYBL COLLECTION OR SET AND WHY?
Ooo that’s a good one!
I think my favourite collection would probably be the Motion Collection or Balance V2 just because I love the colours, especially the new ones (see more here).
I absolutely love the Motion Seamless Cycling Shorts, they’re like the perfect length for me and the colours are just insane, they make me look so good and tanned! I just feel really good when working out in them.
Also, I really love the Evolve Animal Seamless sets, especially in Light Grey. It looks good on everyone, it hugs all the right places and it’s great for all kinds of workouts.
I’ve also just received the new collection of Essential Sports Bras and I absolutely love the Essential Bandeau Sports Bra, it fits so nicely and my followers love them too!
DO YOU HAVE ANY TOP TIPS FOR OUR FEMALE COMMUNITY TO HELP THEM MAINTAIN THEIR FITNESS MOTIVATION AND ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS?
Doing it for yourself is one of my biggest things. Having that motivation to do it for you and no one else will bring you a long way.
Staying consistent is another really big thing - in fact, I think consistency is more important than motivation because motivation will only get you so far.
Take progress pics to see how far you’ve come. When it comes to pushing yourself, looking back at what progress you’ve made can really help give you that extra push.
Finally, push yourself! There’s a lot of things that you might be scared of doing in the gym, whether that’s using different equipment or doing different exercises, but once you start feeling more comfortable in that space, you’ll be confident enough to try something else.
WHAT DOES THE REST OF 2022 LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
I actually have a lot coming up. I just graduated high school, so going to college is a really big step for me - I’m going to major in Nutrition.
I’m also moving into a new apartment soon, which is so crazy! It’s in a different area, so it’s going to be such a big culture and lifestyle shock for me.
In terms of my fitness goals, I really want to work on my squat depth. Being an athlete has put a lot of hardship on my knees and muscles, so I’m really trying to work on that. I have bad knee pain - when I was younger, I had Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease. The doctors used to think I’d grow to over six feet tall because by fifth grade, I was 5 feet 6 inches. My knees took a beating when it came to sport.
I’ve got lots going on and I’m super excited, yet super nervous.
We just love her and we know you do too!
Want to kick back with more of our AYBL Athletes? Catch up with Elena Stavinoha here.