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⁠Ian Walsh’s fitness routine has nutrition & mental health

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⁠Ian Walsh’s fitness routine has nutrition & mental health

Some chase storms, others chase waves.

For surfer Ian Walsh, there’s no bigger thrill than finding, riding, and documenting the biggest waves the ocean has to offer.

Ian Walsh surfs huge waves at Jaws

© Fred Pompermayer / Red Bull Content Pool

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But to track and surf enormous waves around the globe, one must be physically and mentally tough— qualities that Walsh, who at 19 was the runner up at the Billabong XXL Awards, works on each day.

There are two parts to Walsh’s training: in-water activities and out-of-water activities.

”What happens in the water—along with surfing—is working on breathing and other stuff in a controlled, well-supervised pool environment,” Walsh said. “Out of the water [training] is a lot of time in the gym, specifically working on endurance and building strength.”

“It’s about keeping everything moving independently through your spine. For the shoulders, they get a lot of miles on them when you’re paddling session after session. When you fall, oftentimes your shoulders are the first point of entry into the water, so they get ripped around.”

Ian Walsh training in Los Angeles

Ian Walsh training in Los Angeles

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© Maria Jose Govea / The Red Bulletin

That’s why Walsh emphasizes the importance of shoulder care to prevent injury and maintain a healthy surfing career.

The key, Walsh said, is to work on movements that open your shoulders, back and hip flexors like lunges, bear crawls, stretching and mobility exercises.

But it’s not just physical exercises that Walsh incorporates into his fitness routine. Taking care of his mental health is also a big part of his overall surfing preparation, and he recommends note taking and visualization as two tools that can help surfers strengthen their mental game.

“When you’re competing, sometimes jotting down a quick note on what you learned and some positive takeaways can be helpful,” Walsh said. “If you got caught inside [a wave], broke your board, and got washed all the way through the entire lineup, a positive takeaway is that you now understand what that feels like for the next time it might happen.”

Ian Walsh during a training session

Ian Walsh during a training session

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© Nicole Sweet

Walsh recommends taking time to pause and think about where you want to go and what you want to achieve with whatever you’re about to do. “If you actually take a minute to stop and think about what you’re doing, it really opens up a positive outlook on everything that we get to do and are fortunate to be able to do as athletes,” he said.

In terms of being fortunate, Walsh gets to train in Hawaii, which he said provides a great balance of indoor and outdoor training.

“I live on Maui, where we have beautiful weather the entire year,” he said. “If the waves are good, I’m outside more, but if the waves are bad, then it’s a little bit outside and a little bit inside. I spend a lot of time in the gym toward the evening so I can use all of the daylight in the ocean.”

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Ian Walsh during a training session

Ian Walsh during a training session

© Maria Jose Govea / The Red Bulletin

But recently, Walsh and his partner—fellow surfer Olivia Jenkins—left Maui for Los Angeles, where he’s had to adapt his training routine to a different environment.

“My girlfriend Olivia is going through a six-month chemo treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,” Walsh said. “We uprooted and moved to Los Angeles to take care of the treatment process, which changed my approach to summer. There’s a much different cadence and intensity to some of the surfing here in Los Angeles, but it gave me a chance to really hone in on some different things I like to work on at the gym.”

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During the winter, Walsh is focused on building strength, improving his cardio, and gaining muscle—training alongside Jenkins.

“For Olivia and I, training is really important to both of us,” Walsh said. “We spend a ton of time in the gym together, and when we go on the road, we create our own little circuit workouts. Olivia’s heart rate is much higher going through this taxing chemo process, so it’s balancing creating things that work for her while also finding things that work for me.”

Whether he’s training with Jenkins or training solo, Walsh likes to incorporate Red Bull into his fitness routine.

Ian Walsh during a training session

Ian Walsh during a training session

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© Nicole Sweet

“I use Red Bull in my training sessions, either right before or in the middle of my endurance days,” he said. “And I’ll have a Red Bull when I’m surfing to help fuel my big surfing days.”

Beyond the waves, Walsh is a huge fan of cooking, particularly when it comes to fueling his body with nutritious meals. The food that fuels Walsh the most is something from the Mediterranean diet which he’ll pair with berries.

“Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries—basically any berry or fruit that can stain your shirt,” he said. “I’ll use a handful of those and eat them with every single meal.”

It’s all part of Walsh’s desire to find healthier snacks to pair with his fitness routine.

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Ian Walsh during a training session

Ian Walsh during a training session

© Maria Jose Govea / The Red Bulletin

“If I haven’t eaten properly throughout the day, I’ll find a bowl of greek yogurt, some honey and some berries instead of sliding into that bag of chips I want to have,” he said.

But for those who do slide into that bag of chips, Walsh offers some wisdom on how to get your fitness routine back on track.

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“For anyone restarting their fitness journey, take it slow,” he said. “You don’t need to jump into your max effort or what you think your max effort should be. Start the movements slowly and build. It’s better to be consistent than not to do anything. Try to remove expectations and take it one day at a time—and one movement—at a time.”

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Ian Walsh

Ian Walsh is a man who has tackled a variety in the sea and knows that it’s all about keeping things interesting.

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Expert-Approved Workout Gear, Apparel and More Award-Winning Products From the Women’s Health Fitness Awards

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Expert-Approved Workout Gear, Apparel and More Award-Winning Products From the Women’s Health Fitness Awards

The start of a new year always brings with it lofty goals, inspiring resolutions and promises to oneself about prioritizing health and fitness. It’s overwhelming, to be quite honest, with social media feeds swarming about all the “it” gear, apparel and workout classes that promise to elevate your fitness routine.

Luckily, Women’s Health is here to help: Their annual Fitness Awards dropped earlier today, showcasing innovative at-home gear, a clever water bottle (that will truly help you drink more water), sports bras that actually stay in place and more.

Women’s Health Executive Health and Fitness Director Jacqueline Andriakos and her team spent the entire year trying out everything they could get their hands on in the fitness space. Their list of 60 winners promises to level up your routine in the new year.

See their top picks below across multiple fitness categories, starting at just $19.

Women’s Health Fitness Awards 2026 winners seen on TODAY

Level up your at-home gym with these dumbbells that feature an easy-to-grip exterior that’s soft on the palms, helping to prevent calluses or rough skin. Not only are they great for your palms, but Andriakos calls out a feature that offers support for your wrists too.

“The real hero feature is the square heads — they prevent wobbling and rolling, which is so important for wrist protection when you’re in high plank, doing renegade rows, or doing any stability-based training,” says Andriakos.

“We’re seeing a trend away from classic leggings toward slightly flowier gym-to-street pants, and these are such a comfortable, functional version of that,” says Andriakos referring to the Women’s Health pick for ‘Best Straight-Leg Bottom.’ “They hug in all the right places, come in tons of colors, and — bless them — they offer short, regular and long inseams, which I appreciate as a tall girl.”

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Courtesy Jillian Gonzales

This truly versatile shoe can be your new go-to for any activity — no matter if you’re an avid ClassPass user or prefer hot girl walks.

“They look sleek, they’re super bendy and comfortable, and they’re truly a hybrid shoe,” says Andriakos. “While you can tie them like regular sneakers, I love that they’re easy to slip on thanks to the heel loop—perfect for those moments when I’m holding my daughter and don’t have hands free to tie laces.”

This “no-frills” tote bag won for ‘Best Gym Tote,’ and is washable, meaning you can rid it of any gym-related odors alongside your used workout clothes each week. “It has all the functionality and compartments you’d want whether you’re going to and from the gym or just running around town,” says Andriakos, speaking to the bags’ versatility.

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These were named the ‘Best Running Sock’ by the Women’s Health team, for their “lightweight and low-profile yet cushiony” fit.

“The biggest mistake I’ve made in the past with running socks is wearing ankle-cut and ending up with blisters or open wounds on the back of my ankles or heels,” says Andriakos. “The quarter rise on this pair means your ankle stays fully protected no matter your distance.”

“I really believe even the most mundane items can make daily habits — like hydration — feel more enticing,” says Andriakos, adding that the “window” on this water bottle helps give you visual cues on how much you’ve consumed.

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Plus, you can switch out the caps for either a screw-off or straw lid, depending on your preferences. And, while the brand praises the bottles’ durability, if you happen to break it within the first year of ownership, they’ll send you a replacement.

More Women’s Health Fitness Awards 2026 winners to Shop

This super-stretchy, uber-lightweight tee was named the best for workouts, per Women’s Health. It provides a little more coverage compared to your average workout top, yet remains breathable for yoga or HIIT sessions.

“This bra is hands-down the best high-impact sports bra I’ve ever tried,” raves Andriakos, further calling it her holy grail. “I can’t stand dealing with hardware, clasps or removable pads, and this one eliminates all of that — you just slip it on with zero fidgeting. It does have adjustable straps, though, so you still get a bit of customization in the fit. I also love the scoop neckline. It’s flattering and pretty without being too low-cut, and it gives enough coverage that I never feel like I’m spilling out the top when I’m jumping around during workouts. It has supported me through different life stages, too — my chest has changed sizes during pregnancy and postpartum, and it’s fit me perfectly through all of it.”

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While this bra can double as a workout tank in some ways, Women’s Health awarded it ‘Best Crop.’ It offers medium-support, that the brand says will aid you in any run, rep and even during recovery.

Bala prioritizes “comfort and convenience” in this mat, that they created to be a one-and-done solution for when you need a basic mat for floor workouts, or an assist during planks, lunges, step-ups and more.

“It is genuinely beautiful — and I know that sounds funny when talking about workout equipment, but you really do use the gear that appeals to you,” says Andriakos. “I love aesthetically pleasing equipment, and this mat has those chic curved edges and comes in that trendy foldable style.”

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Vuori is a viral brand — with searches for store locations spiking 180% over the past month alone. These leggings are designed with recycled materials, but that doesn’t mean they compromise on moisture-wicking and multi-stretch features.

“They’re incredibly comfortable (and flattering) with the perfect mid- to high-rise waist, and there are no uncomfortable elastics or drawstrings,” says Andriakos.

Want a versatile pair of leggings that will carry you through any and all workouts? Women’s Health recommends this now award-winning pair, for its moisture-wicking fabric, range of sizes and comfortable, high-rise fit.

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“I get a comment every single time I wear this fleece,” says Andriakos. “I’ve washed it dozens of times now, and it still feels just as soft, even after going through the washer and the dryer. I also love the elastic at the waist because you can cinch it for a more flattering, cozy look while keeping in extra heat. It’s stylish, eye-catching and helps me feel put-together in my activewear life.”

Chirp is also a Shop TODAY-favorite brand (their roller was a Gift We Love in 2025!), so its safe to say we weren’t surprised to see it earn another award, this time for their miniature massage gun.

“The Chirp Mini massager blends the percussion of a massage gun with the rolling motion of a foam roller,” says Andriakos. “It provides targeted relief to sore body parts and with three adjustable speeds, it’s gentler than other techy massage tools but still allows you to get meaningful relief.”

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“The Power Pilates Kit from BetterMe is a bit an investment, but it is a worthwhile one — you get so much bang for your buck!” exclaims Andriakos. “The kit includes mini loop bands in both fabric and rubber, hand weights, grip socks, a Pilates ball, a Pilates ring and a weighted power ring. Basically everything you’d need for a traditional strength-focused resistance workout or a Pilates-sculpt session. It’s all compact equipment too, so if you’re traveling or packing a few things for on-the-go workouts, this bundle is incredibly versatile, so you never need to miss a workout.”

Women’s Health Fitness Awards 2025 previously seen on TODAY

Does sweat drip into your eyes or your hair get disheveled while working out? The Gymwrap 2.0 Headband promises to wick away sweat as you exercise. That way, you don’t have to worry about sweat getting into your eyes or your hair falling loose. The headband also has Evapocool fabric to keep it breathable, cool and ventilating while you wear it.

If you’re like us and have a growing collection of water bottles, you might want to add this Bala Bottle to your round up. Not only will it keep your drink cool, the booster ring on the cap can be used to mount your phone.

Remain hands-free during your runs with the SPI Running Belt. According to the brand, it’s a favorite amongst marathoners. And unlike some running belts on the market, the belt offers ample space and no bounce as you run.

According to the brand, this sandal absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear. Meaning, you should experience less stress on the knees, ankles and other joints as you recover. There’s also sizing for men, too, here.

Rhone’s Revive Pocket Leggings promise movement with ease. From its stretchy fabric, anti-odor technology, supportive waistband and oh, the phone pocket (of course!), these leggings should help you move about confidently during your workouts. Choose from this bright plum color above or one of their 15 shades, including black and navy from their core line.

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Although the brand doesn’t have an option for men, they have some workout joggers available.

Meet the experts

Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. These items were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Jacqueline Andriakos and the Women’s Health team.

  • Jacqueline Andriakos, NASM-CPT, is the Executive Health and Fitness Director at Women’s Health, certified personal trainer and former group fitness class instructor.

How do you add Shop TODAY as a Preferred Source on Google?

Google’s new Preferred Sources feature allows users to manually select their favorite publishers and news outlets for a more customizable experience tailored directly to the reader. Once you’ve opted to receive our content, you’ll begin seeing more of our recent and trending articles displayed within your Top Stories news feed.

The easiest way to add us as a preferred source is to click here and type in “TODAY.com.” Once the box is checked and you’ve refreshed the page, Shop TODAY content will start appearing in your feed.

How we chose

The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers. For this particular article, the Women’s Health team submitted a list of their Fitness Awards winners, from which we chose products to feature on the show.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.

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Physical Fitness Movies and Shows to Keep You Motivated Toward Your Goals

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Physical Fitness Movies and Shows to Keep You Motivated Toward Your Goals

The New Year is a time when many of us feel motivated to think more about our physical fitness. Lift heavier weights. Run longer distances. Shave a few seconds off that mile time. Whether you’re looking to hit a new PB or simply incorporate more movement into your daily routine, it’s easier to reach your goals if you surround yourself with positive affirmations about staying consistent and practicing discipline.

Lock in by watching these movies and shows that celebrate a good sweat session. You can stream these titles while climbing the Stairmaster, foam rolling after the gym, or enjoying a well-deserved rest day in a cozy, horizontal position. After all, visualization is one way to gear up to get moving — and it can be done from the comfort of your couch.

Final Draft

It’s never too late to restart a fitness journey. This Japanese series gathers together twenty-five former professional athletes — some of whom had no choice but to walk away from their respective sports, and others who retired on their own terms. They take part in a high-stakes survival competition, and the winner is awarded 30 million yen to kick-start their second-chance career. Among the participants: baseball legend Yoshio Itoi, soccer icon Yoshito Ōkubo, and three-division boxing world champion Hozumi Hasegawa.

Lorena, Light-Footed Woman

The sport of running is hard enough, but tackling a long-distance race without some good sneakers is a whole new kind of challenge. This short documentary introduces Lorena Ramírez, the member of Mexico’s Rarámuri community who earned the world’s attention in 2017 by competing in the Cerro Rojo UltraTrail, an ultramarathon of over 30 miles. She did so while wearing huaraches — traditional Mexican sandals — as well as her trademark long skirt and other customary indigenous garb.

The Other Shore: The Diana Nyad Story

Diana Nyad first gained acclaim in 1975 for swimming around Manhattan in record time. This documentary follows the long-distance swimmer as she pursues a perilous goal — swimming from Cuba to Florida without the use of a protective shark cage — a journey she attempts repeatedly, up until the age of 63. Afterward, queue up Nyadthe dramatic take starring Annette Bening as the athlete and Jodie Foster as her best friend and trainer, Bonnie Stoll.

Physical: 100

This search for the ultimate physique in Korea caught the attention of fitness lovers worldwide — for good reason. In this unique tournament, 100 athletes, bodybuilders, and military professionals take part in daunting challenges that test raw strength, speed, endurance, and technique. They face off in various trials until there’s only one competitor left standing. Want even more rivalry? Queue up Physical: Asia, the continent-wide spin-off in which athletes compete in teams representing their countries of origin.

SPRINT

This docuseries closely follows the world’s fastest athletes as they ready their bodies, minds, and spirits to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Created by the same team behind Formula 1: Drive to Survive, these episodes zoom in on American sprinters Gabby Thomas, Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley, Twanisha ‘TeeTee’ Terry, Kenny Bednarek, and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, as well as runners from the UK, Ivory Coast, Italy, Jamaica, and Kenya. Watching these elite runners prove what the human body is capable of is apt inspiration for athletes at any level. 

Tour de France: Unchained

Go behind the scenes of the world’s most thrilling race on two wheels: the Tour de France, the famed road cycling competition that spans approximately 2,200 miles over a period of three weeks. In each of its three seasons, the series embeds with multiple teams as they race while dealing with terrain, injury, and other setbacks. These episodes track the annual men’s competition in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Ultimate Beastmaster

After countless hours of training, contestants take on the supersized obstacle course called “The Beast.” Produced by and featuring Sylvester Stallone, the international competition made history when it debuted with six localized versions in various countries, all featuring different competitors, hosts, and languages of origin. (The U.S. edition is hosted by Terry Crews and Charissa Thompson.) Also available to stream: Ultimate Beastmaster Mexico, hosted by Inés Sainz and Luis Ernesto Franco.

 

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Brazilian jiu-jitsu helped me find joy in movement again—here are three of my favorite solo moves you can do at home

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Brazilian jiu-jitsu helped me find joy in movement again—here are three of my favorite solo moves you can do at home

If you’re looking for a way to move your body that builds strength, boosts your mobility and improves your mental agility, you need to try Brazilian jiu-jitsu (also known as BJJ).

Many people assume martial arts aren’t for them. I certainly never thought it was something I would enjoy. Working as a fitness writer, I’ve tried countless forms of exercise over the years, but grappling on the floor with a stranger had never appealed to me.

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