The Instagram influencer wants to encourage expecting mothers to prioritise their health and happiness.
Fitness entrepreneur and activewear mogul Krissy Cela has built an empire on empowering women to embrace strength training and feel confident in their bodies.
Now, as she navigates pregnancy, Krissy shares how her fitness journey has shaped her approach to body confidence, what it means to her to work out while expecting, and her inspiring initiative to help young women find their own strength.
Read more: These are the best (and worst) workouts to do after having a baby
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“Strength training transformed my confidence”
Growing up in an Albanian household where her parents juggled multiple jobs, Krissy learned resilience early.
While pursuing a law degree at university, she stepped into the gym for the first time and was hooked. “I grabbed a set of dumbbells without really knowing what to expect,” she recalls. “It was empowering.”
For Krissy, strength training wasn’t just physical — it was mental.
“It taught me confidence in a way I’d never experienced before. This is crucial because one of the reasons young women often disengage from sport is a lack of confidence.
“Strength training gave me the tools to change that, and I’ve dedicated myself to helping others experience it too.”
This passion led Krissy to create the Krissy Cela Schools Initiative, which aims to inspire young women to embrace strength training during their formative years through a school workshop initiative named Project Power™, which delivers strength training workshops for girls within schools nationwide.
“Every woman deserves the confidence that comes from building not just a strong body, but a strong mind,” she says.
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Facing criticism head-on
With over three million followers on Instagram, Krissy is no stranger to social media trolls, but her pregnancy has brought a new wave of comments.
“I’ve shared my body openly for years, showcasing activewear and being real about fitness,” she says. “But now, because I have a baby bump, people are telling me to ‘put it away.’ It’s inappropriate and sad.”
Baby bump shaming is an all-too-common affair, with recent targets including reality TV star Whitney Leavitt and actresses Margot Robbie and Emily Atack.
Rather than let these comments shake her, Krissy uses them as motivation to champion body positivity. “Women are extraordinary and beautiful at every stage of life,” she says.
This ethos is central to her activewear brand, Oner Active, which she founded to create flattering, functional styles for all shapes and sizes. “We’re the first strength training brand by women, for women. Confidence is at the heart of everything we do.”
Krissy continues to regularly post workout videos proudly boasting her baby bump while wearing her iconic two-pieces, with inspirational captions reminding mums that their bodies are nothing to be ashamed of.
Working out while pregnant
For Krissy, strength training has been a touchstone throughout her pregnancy. “Working out has always been where I feel happiest,” she says.
But she’s quick to emphasise that pregnancy is deeply personal. “What works for me won’t work for everyone. It’s most important for women to make their own choices and do what feels right for them.”
This individualised approach extends to her advice for other expectant mothers: “If you’ve been working out for years, it’s perfectly fine to continue — safely, and with modifications.
“But if you’ve never worked out, pregnancy isn’t the time to start lifting weights. Instead, focus on staying active with walking, light stretching or gentle exercises.”
And what about those who might feel self-conscious working out with a baby bump? “Remember, you are growing a human — it’s incredible!” she says. “People will judge no matter what, so focus on what’s best for you and your baby.”
For Krissy, preparation and mindfulness are key. Here’s her advice for staying active safely during pregnancy:
- Listen to your body: “Modify your workouts as needed and don’t push yourself too hard. I’ve adjusted my own routines, like switching barbell deadlifts to dumbbells.”
- Warm-up and cool-down: “These are non-negotiable. They prepare your muscles and reduce the risk of injury.”
- Core activation: “This is essential for supporting your spine and pelvic area and protecting your uterus during workouts.”
- Rest when you need it: “Your body is doing amazing things. Take time to breathe and recover.”
Krissy’s mission isn’t just about fitness — it’s about fostering confidence and self-belief at every stage of life. Through her work such as the Power Project, part of the Krissy Cela Schools Initiative, and with her unapologetic approach to pregnancy fitness, she’s proving that strength is more than physical. It’s about showing up for yourself, and inspiring others to do the same.
As Krissy says, “Women are strong, beautiful, and extraordinary. Whether you’re lifting weights, growing a baby, or both, your journey is uniquely yours. Own it.”
Project Power™ is part of The Krissy Cela Schools Initiative, which has been established to address the decline in physical activity at school amongst teenage girls. Find out more on Instagram, @projectpowerbykc.
