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Leann Kelly

Images captured at April 2024 IPL Virginia Championship Weekend in South Hill, Virginia.

 

IPL Swimsuit Model Pro & Fashionista

PHOTOS BY BEN YOSEF

Leann Kelly embodies a fusion of strength, elegance, and individuality. From her early days spent in the basement working out alongside her sister, to earning her IPL Swimsuit Model Pro Card, Leann’s journey has been one of passion and dedication to her craft. Leann found her calling in physique competitions as a means to challenge herself, connect with like-minded individuals, and showcase the results of her hard work.
     At 53, Leann stands as a beacon of confidence and self-assurance, exuding a style that is uniquely her own. Embracing her physique with pride, she finds joy in pushing herself to new heights of strength and maintaining a fashion-forward flair that seamlessly blends sporty edge with timeless elegance. With a penchant for swimwear that reflects her vibrant personality and a love for classic pieces that transcend trends, Leann’s style philosophy revolves around authenticity and self-expression. As she continues to inspire others with her journey, Leann remains steadfast in her belief that true beauty knows no age and that confidence is the ultimate accessory in any setting.

"I have always loved fitness from the time I was 12 years old doing workout videos in the basement with my older sister."

SEAM MAGAZINE: What inspired you to pursue physique competition?
LEANN KELLY: I have always loved fitness from the time I was 12 years old doing workout videos in the basement with my older sister. I lettered in high school field hockey and softball, and, from there, I learned to teach yoga when I was in college. Fitness has always been a part of my life.
     The first time I saw 80’s bodybuilding icons, Rachel McLish, Gladys Portugues, and Cory Everson, I was determined to build muscle. Physique competitions are a way to challenge myself, meet like-minded friends, and to showcase my hard work. They also provide a time-oriented goal, and it makes me work even harder to know a show is coming up!
SEAM: What was it like earning your IPL Swimsuit Model Pro Card? And Open Pro Card at that?
LEANN: I was absolutely elated to earn my IPL SWIMSUIT MODEL PRO CARD! There’s something about the vibe at an IPL SHOW that cultivates joy, camaraderie, and authenticity. I honestly felt so happy being on the stage. I’m certainly proud and honored as well! I found my home with the IPL family!

"I have always loved swimwear, but this chapter of my life has brought an affinity for a beautiful evening gown too!"

SEAM: How do you stay motivated to maintain your physique and fashion-forward style at 53?
LEANN: At 53, I feel totally at home in my body. It is a blessing to live another year! I maintain my physique because I find joy in challenging myself to become even stronger. My style is completely and totally ME! I wear sporty clothes, but with a little edge that says I’m unapologetically myself! I have always loved swimwear, but this chapter of my life has brought an affinity for a beautiful evening gown too!
SEAM: Can you share some of your top tips for feeling confident and comfortable in swimwear at any age?
LEANN: Swimwear should feel like an extension of your personality; colorful, fun, sexy, sporty (whatever your vibe is). The key to feeling confident is fully embracing your individual style and being fully present with where you are on your journey (both my fitness journey and my life path). If you pick swimwear that speaks to your style and the colors you love, you will wear it with confidence!

"If you pick swimwear that speaks to your style and the colors you love, you will wear it with confidence!"

SEAM: As a fashionista, what trends are you currently loving in swimwear and beachwear?
LEANN: I absolutely love the tankini. It’s a bit of an 80’s throwback, but it’s back in style. It is essentially a bikini with the top and bottom artfully connected or a one piece with strategic cut outs. I also love a classic black triangle top, side tie bottom bikini. I am a fan of the color red. A red swimsuit (or wearing anything red) spells confidence, dominance, and self-assurance.
SEAM: How do you balance staying on-trend with maintaining a timeless and elegant personal style?
LEANN: I’m not a woman who worries about trends too much! I know who I am, and I know what I like. I do think it always benefits a woman to have a classic black dress though. A classic red lip and nail never goes out of style in my opinion. I also love an athleisure look that can be accessorized or modified to take you from the gym to a meeting then out to dinner. I firmly believe that your sense of fashion should suit your personality and preferences. My favorite era for fashion and one I always return to in photoshoots is 1940’s film noir. Those classic, sultry styles are something I definitely take into consideration when choosing a style for a formal occasion.

"The main challenge I’ve faced in this industry has been a bit of a negative reaction to being plant-based."

SEAM: What challenges have you faced in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
LEANN: The main challenge I’ve faced in this industry has been a bit of a negative reaction to being plant-based. It is more common to meet vegetarian and vegan athletes nowadays, but, when I started competing in 2015, it was not common or maybe not mentioned as much. I was discouraged by many who claimed that I couldn’t grow muscle without meat or I couldn’t be a viable competitor without eating fish or chicken. Today, I train vegan competitors and have proudly earned an IPL Pro Card without meat and without ever having compromised my principles.
SEAM: In what ways do you think the perception of beauty and aging has evolved over the years?
LEANN: I see this fabulous shift in our approach to aging now. It’s become less about looking younger and more about living optimally (becoming stronger, having vibrant health). I watched my mom struggle with every trendy diet, and the goal was to be thin. I love that women are showing examples of strong bodies now!

"I love that women are showing examples of strong bodies now!"

SEAM: What advice would you give to women who may feel self-conscious about their bodies as they age?
LEANN: I would tell women of any age to cultivate her own personal style. Lean into what you like and make getting to know yourself a priority! Embrace living in the moment! Move your body! Breathe! Do the things you love to do! When you approach life from this mindset, you will love yourself effortlessly!
SEAM: How important is diversity and inclusivity in the swimwear and fashion industry from your perspective?
LEANN: Inclusivity is so important! We are all on a journey, and we are at different stages and steps on that journey! The end goal is not the win! The steps and the moments in between are where we live our lives and find happiness. I love the trend in swimwear and fashion in general where every body type is embraced and celebrated. There is a beautiful trend of sisterhood!

"Embrace living in the moment! Move your body! Breathe! Do the things you love to do! When you approach life from this mindset, you will love yourself effortlessly!"

SEAM: What exciting projects or collaborations can we expect from you in the near future?
LEANN: I am currently modeling, attending speaking engagements to empower women at venues around the country, prepping for my next IPL show, training my fabulous clients (many are plant-based), prepping competitors for the stage, working on promoting an IPL show here in my home state of CT for early next spring, and always counting my blessings and open to new opportunities. [smiles] SEAM

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