MMA fighter Tracy Cortez is giving fans a sneak peek at what her exercise routine looks like, and it’s (obviously) hardcore. Cortez, 30, shared a video reel of herself wearing black leggings and a matching sports bra, going through an intense training regimen which included cardio, boxing, and lifting heavy weights. “Cookin’ ⏱️❤️🔥☝🏽🙏🏽 ,” she captioned the post. “My future champion ❤,” a fan commented. Here’s how Cortez stays fit, focused, and always grateful with both each win and each loss.
Cortez lifts heavy weights as part of her training, which is beneficial not only for athletic regimens but for regular workouts too. “A regular and appropriately designed strength training program is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for women of all ages and stages of life,” says Nicole Golden, CES, FNS, BCS, CSCS, via NASM.org. “Resistance training has the power to strengthen our muscles, bones, metabolic systems, and psychological well-being and help us achieve our more aesthetic fitness goals.”
Cortez is grateful and motivated every day for what she has achieved. “People know your name, not your story. They’ve heard what you’ve done but not what you’ve been through- so take their opinions of you with a grain of salt. I know who I am 💕A woman of integrity, of class, and most of all, a woman of heart. My intentions will always be pure, and that is all the peace of mind I need! In the end, it’s what you think about yourself that counts🩷🌸😊🫶🏽 keep your intentions pure & watch how the blessing start to rise,” she captioned an Instagram post.
Cortez is happiest out in the sunshine, relaxing on the beach. “The color blue has a calming effect on people and can put our minds in a meditative state,” says UPMC HealthBeat. “The ocean and its surroundings can change our brain waves to a more calm, relaxed mindset. The health benefits of sea water and ocean air also calm our brains by providing negative ions — oxygen ions with extra attached electrons. The sound of the waves crashing on the beach also contributes to the strengthening and healing of the brain.”
Cortez jumps rope as part of her training, a great cardio exercise that burns lots of calories and builds strength. “Strength-training workouts that alternate between different muscle groups can increase heart rate and provide a cardiorespiratory benefit,” says Pete McCall, MS, CSCS, for Ace Fitness. “Adding one or more jump-rope stations to a circuit is an easy way to increase the intensity of the overall workout.”
Cortez has struggled through grief and setbacks throughout her life, and says it makes her even stronger. “I’m not scared of anything,” she told Live Fit Apparel. “The only thing I’m scared of is failing in life, and even then I know for me to be happy with my success I have to fail. I question everything, I overthink everything, but something that always keeps me grounded is I already went through the worst moments of my life. Five minutes of pain? It’s good. That’s what keeps me going.”