Inside Brooke Ence’s Transformation From CrossFit Rookie to Fitness Influencer Inspiring Millions

 Written by 

Julien Raby

 Last updated on 


Brooke Ence went from an unknown athlete to a CrossFit superstar, but her story doesn’t end there.

She’s now a businesswoman, actress, and fitness icon with millions of fans. In this article, we’ll dive into her journey, from her early days in sports to her rise in Hollywood and the fitness industry.

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Want to know how she built a brand, overcame injuries, and inspired a generation of women?

Keep reading to discover Brooke’s unique path to success and how her story can motivate you to push through your own challenges.

1. Early Life and Background

Childhood and Family

Born in California, Brooke grew up in a family that encouraged physical activity. Her early life fostered the kind of determination and grit that would later define her career. Supported by her parents, she dived into athletics at a young age, laying the groundwork for her future as a professional athlete.

Athletic Background

Brooke’s early involvement in sports was diverse. She trained in gymnastics, dance, and swimming, excelling in all three. Each of these disciplines contributed to her well-rounded athletic abilities. The strength and agility gained through gymnastics, the endurance from swimming, and the discipline from dance were instrumental in shaping the athlete she became.

Initial Introduction to CrossFit

Brooke was introduced to CrossFit in her early twenties, drawn by its focus on strength and endurance. She quickly realized it combined everything she loved about fitness. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion. Within a short time, Brooke entered competitive CrossFit, making a name for herself among elite athletes.

2. CrossFit Career and Achievements

Debut in CrossFit

Brooke’s major breakthrough came in 2015 when she qualified for the CrossFit Games. In her first year, she secured a top-10 finish, an extraordinary feat for a rookie. Her combination of raw strength and precision made her one of the rising stars in the sport.

CrossFit Games 2015

The 2015 CrossFit Games proved pivotal for Brooke. She finished 14th overall, but her impressive individual event performances, including winning the Snatch Speed Ladder event, put her in the spotlight. Fans admired her for her competitive spirit and unique athletic prowess.

Training Philosophy

Brooke stood out due to her focused training philosophy, which emphasized mobility, strength, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Her approach also included a strong mental component, which she has credited for her success in such a competitive arena.

Injury Struggles

In 2017, Brooke faced a significant setback—a shoulder injury that required surgery. This injury threatened to end her career. However, she fought through the physical and emotional challenges, returning to training with renewed determination. Her ability to recover both mentally and physically became an inspiration to many.

Later Competitions

While Brooke didn’t return to the CrossFit Games after 2017, she remained active in the CrossFit community. Her evolving role as a mentor and figurehead for aspiring athletes has kept her involved in the sport, even as her focus shifted toward other ventures.

3. Transition to Entertainment and Acting

Landing Roles in Blockbuster Films

Brooke Ence’s incredibly fit and athletic physique caught the attention of Hollywood casting directors, leading her to land roles as an Amazon warrior in Wonder Woman (2017) and Justice League (2017). She also appeared in the TV series Black Lightning as an Amazon warrior-style character.

For these roles, she joined an elite group of top-level athletes, stunt performers, and martial artists selected to portray the fierce, battle-ready Amazons of Themyscira. The casting team sought women with strength, endurance, and athleticism, and Brooke’s background in CrossFit made her a natural fit.

Brutal Training for Wonder Woman

Preparing to play an Amazon warrior was no easy feat. Although Brooke was already in phenomenal shape from years of CrossFit training, the Hollywood-style training regimen required a new approach. The goal was not just to look powerful but to move and fight like a warrior in high-intensity battle sequences.

Her training included:
Weapons Training: Learning how to wield swords, shields, and spears in combat choreography.
Horseback Riding: Mastering horseback combat techniques to perform realistic battle sequences.
Explosive Strength & Mobility Work: To maintain the powerful, agile movements needed for action scenes.
Endurance & Cardio Conditioning: Long days of filming demanded stamina, so she adapted her CrossFit training to include longer-duration endurance workouts.
Fight Choreography & Stunt Work: Practicing hand-to-hand combat sequences to make her movements look sharp, precise, and deadly on screen.

According to Brooke, the biggest challenge was combining the physical demands of training with long hours on set while wearing heavy armor and performing take after take under intense conditions.

How CrossFit Helped Her On-Screen Performance

Her background in CrossFit gave her an edge over many other actresses who had to build strength from scratch.
💪 Strength & Power → CrossFit made her strong enough to lift and swing heavy weapons with ease.
Explosive Speed → CrossFit workouts trained her body for short bursts of high-intensity movement, perfect for action scenes.
🛡️ Mental Toughness → Years of pushing through grueling WODs (Workouts of the Day) helped her stay focused and perform under pressure on set.

However, one major adjustment she had to make was learning how to control her movements for the camera. Unlike CrossFit, where maximum efficiency and speed are key, film fights need to look dramatic and exaggerated, requiring precise choreography and the ability to slow down movements for cinematic effect.

Brooke’s Thoughts on Acting & Future in Hollywood

Despite her success in Wonder Woman and Justice League, Brooke doesn’t consider herself a full-time actress. However, she has enjoyed stepping into the entertainment world and is open to taking on more roles in the future—especially if they align with her fitness and action background.

She has mentioned that working on these films was an amazing experience, not only for the physical challenge but also for the opportunity to work alongside Gal Gadot, Robin Wright, and other elite athletes turned actresses.

Although she remains primarily focused on fitness, her unique combination of strength, athleticism, and camera presence makes her a strong candidate for future action roles, whether in superhero movies, stunt work, or more combat-heavy projects.

4. Entrepreneurial Ventures and Business

NOBULL and Other Sponsorships

Brooke’s success in CrossFit led to sponsorship deals, including partnerships with brands like NOBULL, a popular fitness apparel company. These sponsorships elevated her brand, helping her reach even more fitness enthusiasts.

Encewear

In 2019, Brooke launched Encewear, her own line of fitness apparel. The brand focuses on functional yet stylish athletic wear. By aligning the clothing with her personal brand, Brooke expanded her influence into the business world, becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Nutritional Supplements

Brooke also partnered with supplement brands, promoting holistic fitness through products designed to enhance recovery, strength, and overall wellness. Her emphasis on nutrition and self-care resonated with her followers, who saw her as a role model for living a balanced lifestyle.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Brooke diversified her career early on, understanding that her athletic career wouldn’t last forever. Her entrepreneurial mindset has ensured that her success continues, even as she steps away from competitive CrossFit.

Business vs. Competition

Over time, Brooke has chosen to focus more on her business ventures than competing in CrossFit. This shift was partly due to her injury but also a natural evolution as she began to build her personal brand in fitness and wellness.

5. Brooke Ence as a Fitness Influencer

Social Media Presence

Brooke’s following on Instagram and YouTube skyrocketed as she began sharing her journey more openly. From workout routines and diet tips to personal insights, she uses these platforms to connect with fans on a deeper level, garnering millions of followers in the process.

Brooke Ence’s Training Programs

Her fitness programs, like Naked Training, cater to people of all fitness levels. These programs are designed to make training accessible, offering workouts that anyone can follow, regardless of their experience in the gym.

Motivational Speaking and Workshops

In addition to her online presence, Brooke speaks at fitness summits and workshops. Her motivational speaking engagements focus on resilience, mental toughness, and the importance of balance in fitness and life.

6. Fitness Philosophy and Training Regimen

Unique Training Approach

Brooke’s workouts combine strength training, mobility, and cardio, often incorporating CrossFit elements. She believes in training for both functional fitness and aesthetics, which appeals to a wide audience.

Mindset in Fitness

Brooke emphasizes the mental side of fitness. According to her, mental resilience is key to pushing through difficult workouts and challenges in life. Her positive mindset has inspired countless followers to keep going, even when progress seems slow.

Recovery and Wellness

In addition to her intense workout regimen, Brooke prioritizes recovery. She incorporates stretching, mobility exercises, and mental health practices like meditation into her routine. Her focus on overall wellness has helped her sustain long-term success.

Personal Fitness Routine

A typical week for Brooke includes 3-4 strength training sessions, 2-3 cardio or HIIT sessions, and a focus on mobility every day. Recovery days often include light stretching or yoga.

7. Brooke’s Role as a Female Fitness Icon

Empowering Women

Brooke has inspired thousands of women to embrace strength training and fitness. She encourages her followers to challenge traditional gender norms and pursue their fitness goals unapologetically.

Breaking Stereotypes

Brooke challenges stereotypes about women in fitness, showing that women can be strong, athletic, and feminine. She promotes body positivity and helps break down the notion that strength and beauty are mutually exclusive.

Influence in the CrossFit Community

In the CrossFit world, Brooke has become a mentor to younger female athletes. Her presence has inspired a new generation of women to take up the sport and push their limits.

Brooke’s Message of Resilience

Brooke’s message centers on resilience—both in fitness and in life. She often speaks about pushing through setbacks, such as injuries or personal struggles, and using them as fuel to achieve greatness.

8. Challenges and Controversies

Injury and Recovery

Brooke’s 2017 shoulder injury was a major hurdle. It tested her resilience, but her comeback inspired her fans and solidified her as a symbol of perseverance.

Social Media Criticism

Like many public figures, Brooke has faced criticism on social media, especially following her recovery. However, she handles negativity with grace, focusing on her loyal followers and continuing to share her journey.

Balancing Multiple Roles

Managing her roles as an athlete, entrepreneur, and public figure has been a challenge for Brooke. However, her ability to balance these roles has only further cemented her status as a successful businesswoman and fitness icon.

9. Future Plans and Legacy

Post-Competition Career

While Brooke may not return to competitive CrossFit, she has expressed interest in coaching and continuing her entrepreneurial ventures. Fans can expect to see more of her in the fitness world, whether through new training programs or motivational speaking.

Expanding Her Brand

Brooke plans to expand Encewear and her fitness programs, reaching new audiences. She continues to innovate in the fitness industry, constantly finding new ways to connect with her followers.

Building a Lasting Legacy

Brooke Ence’s legacy will go beyond CrossFit. Her influence as a businesswoman, fitness mentor, and icon ensures that she will be remembered as a powerful force in the fitness and wellness industries.

Impact on Future Athletes

Brooke has already inspired a new generation of athletes and entrepreneurs. Her influence will likely shape the careers of many young fitness enthusiasts who look up to her as a role model.

Conclusion

Brooke Ence’s journey from CrossFit competitor to fitness icon is a testament to her perseverance, talent, and ability to adapt. Her influence reaches beyond fitness, encompassing business, entertainment, and personal empowerment.

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