Paula Leyes: Breaking Barriers in the Grid League

As a bodyweight specialist for the Fort Lauderdale Lions, Paula Leyes has carved out a unique space in the Grid League. Her name became legendary in 2019 when she became the first female athlete to perform the Butterfly Muscle Up technique in competition, the same year she earned MVP honors.

Leyes’ journey in the Grid League spans seven years, starting with the Miami Freaks where she played from 2018 to 2021. Her recent decision to re-sign with the Fort Lauderdale Lions for the 2024 season shows her ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.

Beyond her Grid League success, Leyes maintains a competitive edge in other athletic pursuits. She competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the CompNet Miami Championships, participating in the Female Gi White Adult division at 129 pounds. This versatility has earned her recognition as a true hybrid athlete, combining strength, agility, and technical skill across multiple disciplines.

Family plays a central role in Leyes’ life. She shares a close bond with her parents, Mario and Esperanza (whose name fittingly means “Hope” in Spanish), and her brother Martin. As a mother herself to daughter Sofia, she balances the demands of elite athleticism with family life.

Leyes has also built a thriving business around her passion for fitness. As the founder of Jungla Training and Jungla Movement, she helps others transform their lives through exercise, nutrition, and mindset coaching. Her recent opening of a new fitness facility marks another milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.

Her influence extends into the commercial fitness world through partnerships with C4 Energy and Prozis, where she shares her training methods and philosophy with a wider audience. On social media, Leyes regularly posts about her training, competitions, and life experiences, building a community of followers inspired by her approach to athletics and personal growth.

What sets Leyes apart isn’t just her athletic achievements, but her dedication to innovation in bodyweight training. Her mastery of complex movements like the L-Sit to Handstand and her signature Butterfly Muscle Up technique have inspired a new generation of athletes to push their limits.

With another season ahead with the Fort Lauderdale Lions and a growing business empire, Paula Leyes continues to shape the future of both the Grid League and functional fitness training. Her story shows that with dedication and creativity, it’s possible to excel not just as an athlete, but as a leader, entrepreneur, and pioneer in the sport.