From modeling athletic wear to teaching bootcamps, this Philly-born powerhouse is showing the world that strength—inside and out—is the ultimate flex.

When you scroll past Tyra Wood’s winning photo, you can’t help but pause. She’s mid-air, rocking a fierce set from Hometown Activewear, looking like she could leap straight out of your feed. But behind that shot is a story about resilience, confidence, and a whole lot of self-love. At just 28, this Physical Therapist Assistant and Certified Personal Trainer is proof that when you stop letting fear hold you back, you can quite literally soar.

The viral-worthy jump pose? That wasn’t a happy accident. Earlier this year, Tyra became an affiliate for Hometown Activewear, a Virginia-based athletic clothing brand. Not long after, she was invited to model for their “Momentum Collection.” During her second shoot in March, she challenged herself: “Let’s go bigger.” She asked the photographer to capture her in mid-leap, and nailed it on the first try. “Much love to Ben & LJ, Zaria at @thezcheristudio, and my Hometown family,” she says, encouraging everyone to shop the buttery-soft halter tops, bodysuits, and more at hometownworldwide.com.

But Tyra’s journey didn’t start on a photoshoot set—it began on her grandmother’s patio. Armed with a pair of Amazon dumbbells and a determination to protect her mental health, she committed to working out 3–4 times a week when the pandemic shut gyms down. What started as a way to fight anxiety and depression quickly turned into a passion for fitness that’s transformed her mind, body, and career. “Looking back, I never imagined my journey leading me to who I am today, but I’m grateful it has,” she says.

Now, she’s teaching bootcamps and HIIT classes, inspiring others to push past their limits. Her workout vibe? “Bootcamps or dance classes—dancing has been my thing since I was 3. Nothing beats sharing that creative energy with other people.” She fuels her hustle with oatmeal, sunflower butter, and blueberries pre-workout, and bounces back post-sweat with baked chicken, sweet potatoes, and asparagus. And yes—her headphones are always in her gym bag (“a good playlist makes weightlifting 10x more fun!”).

When she’s not getting inspiration from her favorite fitness influencers (@kiaratheleader, @crysifitness, and @crunchedbycait), you might catch her watching a thriller—Nope, From, and Stranger Things top her list. Her bigger picture? Staying grounded in her faith, building a wellness community for women and seniors, and traveling the world.

For Tyra, PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT is more than a name—it’s a mantra: “It means being a woman who shows up for herself every day, putting in the work for not just what she wants, but who she wants to be.” And judging by her leap into both the air and her purpose, she’s just getting started.

Follow Tyra on Instagram at @ty.thewarrior and TikTok at @lifeof.tyra.

And for more empowering content from women who sweat with purpose, check out @prettygirlssweat on Instagram!

Want to be a future photo contest winner. Tag @prettygirlssweat in your favorite fitness photos on instagram for a chance to win PGS merch and a feature on prettygirlssweat.com.