Ilona Maher believes wellness should be simple. In a world that so often conflates health with thinness, the Olympic medalist and professional rugby player advocates for women of all sizes to prioritize their strength — both physical and mental. That
means lifting heavy weights, challenging your body, and not being afraid to put in the hard work. But in Maher's case, it's also making history at the 2024 Olympics, lifting her own damn partner on "Dancing With the Stars," and gracing the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway with complete confidence.
In true Olympian fashion, Maher tells us about her approach to fitness while rowing 80-pound dumbbells. "You can do more than you think you can," she explains mid-workout. "You can lift more than you think you can. You're so much more capable than you realize." Online, Maher stands by this sentiment, resisting antiquated body standards and problematic messaging.
"I have cellulite everywhere," she says in a 2023 TikTok. "It is completely normal, completely natural, it does not take away from your athletic ability or how fast or how fit you are. It's just something that's part of your body." In the comments section, women thank her for sharing with one person writing, "The little girl in me thanks you for using your platform to share this."
As the newest professional athlete partner at Burn Boot Camp, Maher is working to help even more women build confidence, embrace their strength, and feel empowered through strength training. Ahead, Maher shares some of her personal wellness must haves for staying strong and performing at the top of her game. Unsurprisingly, her picks are as no-nonsense as it gets.
Maher is forever showing the world that stronger is better. To that end, this satisfying Muscle Milk High Protein Shake ($23 for 12) is her fitness must have for fueling all her hard work. "I love feeling powerful and seeing what my body is capable of," she tells Popsugar. "For me, working out is about building strength and confidence, not trying to make myself smaller."
Maher says her ideal activewear "makes [her] feel confident, hot, and ready to take on whatever workout is ahead." Her picks include a comfortable Adidas PrimeLift Workout Graphics T-Shirt ($32, originally $40) with plenty of breathability for tough workouts and squat-proof Adidas Optimé Short Leggings ($60) with sweat-wicking fabric. "If I feel good in what I'm wearing, I'm already starting the workout on a high," Maher says. Honestly, same.
Maher doesn't play about her sunscreen. She calls this Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Spray ($9) a nonnegotiable with SPF 50 to keep her protected from the sun during long outdoor training sessions. This particular bottle is also easy for her to throw in a gym bag and super affordable. "Plus, the bottle has my face on it, so obviously I'm a little biased," she says.
Sometimes the best form of self-care is just a nice, long bath. Maher makes hers feel extra special with Sauboon Lavender Bath Salts ($13) sourced from a local woman-owned company. "After training, traveling, or just a long day, there's something about getting into a hot bath and doing absolutely nothing that feels luxurious," Maher says. Although they're currently sold out, the lavender essential oil, organic coconut milk powder, and magnesium makes these salts worth the wait. In the meantime, you can hold yourself over with the Dr Teal's Lavendar Scented Epsom Salt ($6) as an alternative.
Dark chocolate lovers, rise up. Maher says her ideal sweet treat is dark, dark chocolate (the darker the better). So this San Diego Chocolate Co. 85% Dark, Ecuador (Nine Sharable Bars) ($16) is the perfect choice. "San Diego Chocolate Co. makes their chocolate from scratch right in North Park, San Diego, so I love that I can get my chocolate fix while supporting local," she says. "A few pieces of really good dark chocolate at the end of the day always hits the spot."
Chandler Plante (she/her) is a staff writer and PS Fit Producer. She has over six years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.
