In a powerful episode of the Be Well by Kelly podcast, I sit down with none other than Gabby Reece—former professional beach volleyball player, New York Times bestselling author, and true pioneer in the health and fitness world.
Gabby first rose to fame as a record-setting athlete at Florida State University, but her career has been anything but one-dimensional. Now a respected voice in the wellness space, she co-created XPT (Extreme Performance Training) and HIGHX with her husband, legendary big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton. Together, they’ve built a lifestyle movement that blends breathwork, functional fitness, and recovery to optimize performance and well-being.
In our conversation, Gabby opens up about how she’s navigated the evolution of her identity—from professional athlete to entrepreneur, wellness expert, and mother of three. She shares her insights on balancing ambition with family life and how she’s learned to redefine success in a way that prioritizes health, presence, and integrity. We also dive into the inspiration behind XPT and HIGHX, and how these programs are empowering people of all levels to move, recover, and breathe with purpose. Her perspective on aging, leadership, and staying grounded in a high-performance world is both refreshing and inspiring.
Gabby also breaks down the wellness routines that keep her energized and focused, from daily movement and clean eating to mindset practices that support emotional strength. She believes resilience isn’t just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual. Whether you’re a working parent, fitness enthusiast, or simply looking for ways to live with more intention, this episode is full of practical advice and motivating takeaways. Listen in to learn how Gabby Reece lives with strength and grace—and how you can, too.