- Curating your Instagram feed can be a game-changer in helping you find the motivation to get fitter.
- Following people who inspire you to live a healthier lifestyle and teach you new skills (rather than make you feel bad about your body or promote questionable fad diets) can have a huge effect.
- Whether you want to improve your mobility, take up ballet, or get into weight-lifting for the first time, there are influencers out there who will help you reach your goals.
- Here are the 50 best to follow this year.
- Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.
Living an active, healthy lifestyle has never been cooler, and a lot of that is down to the rise of the fitness influencer.
Social media – and Instagram in particular – has made it easier than ever to find workout ideas and training tips, but for every influencer sharing genuinely good advice, there are tons more who don’t know what they’re talking about and simply grew their following because they have a banging body.
There’s a real difference between someone with a peachy booty, abs of steel, and popping biceps who simply posts selfies from the gym, and someone who actually shares science-backed evidence, genuinely good workouts, and motivational advice.
Here are the 50 best fitness influencers to follow in 2020.
Luke Worthington
http://instagr.am/p/B6Vh1oxH7XQ
Instagram: @lukewtraining
Followers: 56.7K
Former international athlete Worthington is a Nike master trainer, sports scientist, and personal trainer to A-list celebrities, models, and elite athletes. He's one of the most knowledgeable and respected people in the industry, and anything he doesn't know about how the human body moves probably isn't worth knowing.
Tally Rye
http://instagr.am/p/B6QwFwmg8Hn
Instagram: @tallyrye
Followers: 88.5K
Personal and group trainer Rye is a staunch advocate for the myriad benefits unrelated to the aesthetic change that exercise brings, and highlighted in a recent Instagram post that she is "an anti-diet weight inclusive PT, who focuses on the mental and physical benefits of exercise." She's a firm believer in moving your body because you love it, rather than as a form of punishment.
Laura Hoggins
http://instagr.am/p/B5C--QGHfzE
Instagram: @laurabiceps
Followers: 24.5K
London-based trainer Hoggins is a champion of strength-training, particularly for women. Her enthusiastic and fun approach to working out will have even the most committed cardio bunnies reaching for a heavy barbell.
Jordan Syatt
http://instagr.am/p/B6B95VCJg2c
Instagram: @syattfitness
Followers: 573K
Jordan Syatt is not only one of the most knowledgeable trainers in the fitness industry, but he's also one of the kindest and most encouraging. Syatt takes the time to reply to all his followers' questions, regularly reminds people that if you're still trying you can't mess up, and dispels myths to help people achieve their goals without overcomplicating matters.
Sohee Lee
http://instagr.am/p/B6IErdvH3rQ
Instagram: @soheefit
Followers: 261K
Lee shares a mixture of incredibly helpful fitness content on her Instagram feed, including science-backed diet tips, training technique demonstrations, and advice to help her followers develop a healthier relationship with food, the gym, and their bodies.
Rich Tidmarsh
http://instagr.am/p/Bx0TfwTFoBf
Instagram: @richtidmarsh
Followers: 17.7K
With celebrities and elite athletes amongst his clients, Tidmarsh is an expert in training techniques but places as much emphasis on mobility and recovery as strength.
Massy Arias
http://instagr.am/p/B6lpOF6gLh4
Instagram: @massy.arias
Followers: 2.6M
Arias is one of the biggest names in fitness and has built her huge following from inspiring people to persevere, work hard, and not give up when they face obstacles. She's also a huge advocate for not focusing on aesthetics.
Amy Lane
http://instagr.am/p/B6Z_vpPj2Dn
Instagram: @wellness_ed
Followers: 53.8K
As Digital Editor of Women's Health UK, Amy Lane champions all aspects of fitness and all-round health. She encourages her followers to make fitness a part of their lives, not their whole lives.
Bret Contreras
http://instagr.am/p/B6WkWa_B80d
Instagram: @bretcontreras1
Followers: 870K
Bret Contreras is the glute guy. With a PhD in sports science, he's a hive of knowledge when it comes to fitness, with a focus on one area in particular: the glutes. If you're after a booty to rival Kim K's, this is the guy to follow.
Samantha Gwazdauskas
http://instagr.am/p/B5vbfAVhhyH
Instagram: @thesamplan
Followers: 78.1K
Personal trainer Sam Gwazdauskas has documented her changing weight and journey to where she is today: healthy, strong, and fit, with a balanced relationship with both food and her body. She helps her followers get to the same place and also shares workouts.
Samantha Briggs
http://instagr.am/p/B5iTHs4FsX2
Instagram: @bicepslikebriggs
Followers: 635K
Professional Crossfit athlete Samantha Briggs is one of the strongest and fittest people on the planet. Her Instagram and approach is all about pushing yourself to achieve more and be the best version of yourself.
Susan Niebergall
http://instagr.am/p/B52-wdJhuhQ
Instagram: @susanniebergallfitness
Followers: 95.2K
Unlike the majority of fitness influencers, Niebergall is actually over the age of 30. But she proves there's no age limit to being fit, healthy, and strong. The online trainer share no-nonsense advice and workout tips to help people of all ages develop healthier lifestyles.
James Stirling
http://instagr.am/p/B5swqC5nn2P
Instagram: @london_fitness_guy
Followers: 171K
Whether you're at home without any equipment, have a couple of dumbbells to work with, or access to a full gym, James Stirling has workout inspiration for you.
Nesrine Dally
http://instagr.am/p/BylaJ6zFvJx
Instagram: @nez__healthhub
Followers: 21.1K
Dally is a Nike master trainer, weight-lifter, and Muay Thai expert. She posts workout ideas and updates on her own fitness journey, fitting workouts into her busy lifestyle.
Meghan Callaway
http://instagr.am/p/B5s3TFxndUU
Instagram: @meghancallaway
Followers: 30.7K
Callaway is all about the pull-ups. If you want to learn to do them, she's the person to follow. However, the strength coach also shares videos showcasing the correct technique for various other movements.
Tom Kemp
http://instagr.am/p/B6BEPtyFDpU
Instagram: @tomkempfitness
Followers: 19.8K
Kemp is the founder of Farm Fitness, an outdoor gym in the English countryside which teaches people how to get strong and fit using hay bales, barrels, ropes, and more. He's a huge proponent of exercising in the fresh air, and posts plenty of images and videos to inspire you to take your workout outside.
Kelsey Wells
http://instagr.am/p/B6YfjLCA4KS
Instagram: @kelseywells
Followers: 2.6m
Kelsey Wells believes the main mistake women make with regard to exercising is focusing on aesthetics, rather than health. She uses her platform to encourage women to empower themselves through fitness.
Max Lowery
http://instagr.am/p/B5qYm65JFxU
Instagram: @max.lowery
Followers: 50.2K
Max Lowery originally made a name for himself as the founder of the 2-Meal Day, which is exactly what it sounds like. Now, however, he also runs retreats in the Pyrenees as well as helping people reach their fitness and fat-loss goals.
Cat Meffan
http://instagr.am/p/B5zjCIqBvsL
Instagram: @catmeffan
Followers: 147K
Yoga instructor and retreat host Meffan posts beautiful yoga images and videos encouraging her followers to find their flow and move their bodies in whatever way feels good.
Niko Algieri
http://instagr.am/p/B43BEX8pKkh
Instagram: @nikoalgieri
Followers: 18.1K
Algieri is a trainer who isn't afraid to talk about having aesthetic goals - or to point out when a particularly shredded photo of him has benefited from excellent lighting and professional editing. He posts workout ideas particularly focusing on the underused piece of equipment that is the TRX.
Emily Ricketts
http://instagr.am/p/B5tImwgDfrF
Instagram: @emrickettz
Followers: 156K
Personal trainer and vlogger Ricketts shares workouts, motivation, and helpful tips on developing a positive mindset around working out.
Kelsey Heenan
http://instagr.am/p/B6Ws3R9Di5D
Instagram: @thedailykelsey
Followers: 306K
Having worked with Olympic athletes and celebrities, Heenan has her own workouts and fitness brands. She posts motivational images and captions, as well as videos demonstrating correct training form.
Eric Helms
http://instagr.am/p/B5HHW5JgnLw
Instagram: @helms3dmj
Followers: 112K
Weight-lifter Helms is an author with a PhD in strength and conditioning, and he's considered an authority in natural body-building.
Jenny Francis
http://instagr.am/p/B5CchsMHPwP
Instagram: @jennyfrancis23
Followers: 19.2K
British fitness journalist Francis is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. She posts about her workouts, personal journey, and motivational tips.
James Smith
http://instagr.am/p/B6nJyEWAj50
Instagram: @jamessmithpt
Followers: 460K
His style may not be everyone's cup of tea - disclaimer: if you're averse to swear words you may not be a fan - but Smith's message is spot-on. His no-BS approach simplifies fitness and fat-loss and he regularly calls out influencers posting damaging health content.
Kayla Itsines
http://instagr.am/p/B6Xjj3AhQKd
Instagram: @kayla_itsines
Followers: 11.9M
The original Instagram queen of fitness is still worth a follow as she continues to post workout videos, inspirational quotes, and transformation photos from people who've followed her guides.
Kaisa Keranen
http://instagr.am/p/B5rO8ZUJGKb
Instagram: @kaisafit
Followers: 951K
Personal trainer Keranen shares her passion for helping people get fit and was previously involved in Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" digital campaign.
Misty Copeland
http://instagr.am/p/B0_64WVje2x
Instagram: @mistyonpointe
Followers: 1.8M
As principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, Copeland shares stunningly graceful images that showcase the strength required to perform ballet, and will inspire anyone to dig out their old ballet shoes.
Sophie Brace
http://instagr.am/p/B6RB8GyDlWJ
Instagram: @sophiebrace_fit
Followers: 12.4K
Brace is a gymnast whose Instagram feed is devoted to her athletic endeavors swinging round bars, flipping across the floor, and generally being impressively strong and flexible.
Courtney Fearon
http://instagr.am/p/B5n-0w9H2fo
Instagram: @courtneyfearon_
Followers: 9K
Fearon is a Nike master trainer and the head coach at stylish London gym Sweat by BXR. As well as useful fitness content, Fearon posts inspirational messages to help you find the motivation to get moving and achieve your goals.
Shona Vertue
http://instagr.am/p/B5kZqmOh1_E
Instagram: @shona_vertue
Followers: 426K
Sydney-based yoga teacher Vertue is an ex-elite gymnast and is all about mobility and strength, as well as mindfulness and looking after yourself too.
Faisal Abdalla
http://instagr.am/p/B6nJEk-ljvi
Instagram: @faisalpmafitness
Followers: 71.9K
Abdalla is best known as "Mr PMA" - that's Positive Mental Attitude. Indeed, he is all about the positivity and the role it can play in helping you achieve your goals, both fitness and otherwise. He keeps it real on Instagram though, and isn't afraid to show the truth behind rippling six-pack snaps.
Ross Edgley
http://instagr.am/p/B6xgPgLB43p
Instagram: @rossedgley
Followers: 514K
Edgley is without a doubt one of the fittest humans on the planet. He has a penchant for completing ridiculously extreme physical challenges like swimming 1,780 miles around Great Britain, and although most of us wouldn't dream of doing anything like that, he might just inspire you to sign up for a 10K.
Lucy Mountain
http://instagr.am/p/B55p6rcFBuQ
Instagram: @lucymountain
Followers: 309K
Lucy Mountain is on a mission to end the demonisation of carbs, the proliferation of weight-loss teas, and help people develop a healthier relationship with food and exercise. She posts hilarious videos, tasty recipes, and witty infographics to hammer her points home in an amusing fashion.
Ben Carpenter
http://instagr.am/p/B6QT8scDwRj
Instagram: @bdccarpenter
Followers: 83.9K
Carpenter simplifies scientific research to a level that can be understood by the average person scrolling through Instagram. He also dispels fitness myths and provides sassy comments directed at people who promote unhealthy practices.
Jessie Diaz-Herrera
http://instagr.am/p/B1BqC-rHPrW
Instagram: @curveswithmoves
Followers: 18K
Diaz-Herrera is a dancer, yogi, and staunch advocate of exercise being for all body shapes and sizes. She posts inspirational, anti-diet messages and encourages her followers to get moving and have fun.
Katie Crewe
http://instagr.am/p/B6b4JE5gRdf
Instagram: @katiecrewe
Followers: 1M
Nutrition and fitness coach Crewe posts her workouts with plenty of videos to demonstrate the correct technique. She's also refreshingly honest about what life is like working in the fitness industry, and isn't afraid to be candid.
Layne Norton
http://instagr.am/p/B6wNGWQJhtI
Instagram: @biolayne
Followers: 352K
Norton is a natural weightlifter and one of the most respected people in the fitness industry. He posts inspirational content of the mammoth weights he's lifting, funny memes about fad diets, and helpful messages to combat health myths.
Sia Cooper
http://instagr.am/p/B6JFkjMJzyI
Instagram: @diaryofafitmommyofficial
Followers: 1.1M
Cooper is a personal trainer who uses Instagram to explain how to train specific body parts, updates her followers on her own journey, and posts reality-checks to show that nothing on Instagram is exactly as it seems.
Carter Good
http://instagr.am/p/B6y8aHzJ5qY
Instagram: @cartergood
Followers: 442K
Good is a fat-loss coach who posts about what he learned on his own weight-loss journey to help his followers make healthy changes, develop more balanced lifestyles, and lose weight sustainably.
Kim French
http://instagr.am/p/B6TYLzlBStu
Instagram: @kimfrench87
Followers: 632K
French posts about her fitness journey from losing weight to building muscle, as well as workout ideas and technique pointers.
Shannon Billows
http://instagr.am/p/B6oZOm0hXik
Instagram: @shannonbillowsfitness
Followers: 15.2K
Weight-loss specialist Billows is on a mission to simplify losing fat. He posts helpful infographics to educate his followers, as well as inspirational transformation photos from his clients.
Kim Schlag
http://instagr.am/p/B6l4Sf7jVR1
Instagram: @kimschlagfitness
Followers: 80.7K
Like many people, Schlag used to try fad diet after fad diet to lose weight but ultimately saw the light and realized losing fat really only comes down to one thing: a calorie deficit. She now helps others see through the fog and reach their health and fitness goals.
Diren Kartal
http://instagr.am/p/B5uOQ6yBDEP
Instagram: @diren.kartal
Followers: 106K
Kartal is on a mission to get people moving more over the course of their day - "Neat Up 24/7" is his mantra, "Neat" standing for "Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis" which means all the movement you do outside of dedicated exercise time. Walking, cleaning, and taking the stairs all count.
Stephanie Joshi
http://instagr.am/p/B6liN4tBQh_
Instagram: @nuttyfoodiefitness
Followers: 180K
Joshi has some of the best abs on Instagram. Anyone would think she's a slave to the gym, but she's actually refreshingly down to earth and normal, loves a donut, and encourages her followers to take time off and rest when they need it.
Bradley Simmonds
http://instagr.am/p/B5M7MP3l1rl
Instagram: @bradleysimmonds
Followers: 331K
Simmonds is a celebrity personal trainer and fitness magazine columnist. He posts workout ideas, inspirational messages to help you get yourself off the sofa, and the odd healthy recipe.
Chontel Duncan
http://instagr.am/p/B6k2yp_Bykb
Instagram: @chontelduncan
Followers: 868K
Sweat trainer Duncan is all about the HIIT (high intensity interval training) and inspiring her followers to dream big, work hard, and achieve their goals.
Britteny Floyd-Mayo
http://instagr.am/p/B2rtVvoJFDQ
Instagram: @trapyogabae
Followers: 53.5K
Not only will Floyd-Mayo's Instagram account encourage you to roll out a yoga mat, but it'll also leave you feeling empowered, confident, and ready to stop putting up with other people's poor behavior.
Melissa Alcantara
http://instagr.am/p/B0Jb7WdAKct
Instagram: @fitgurlmel
Followers: 966K
Trainer to the stars Alcantara didn't get into fitness herself until the age of 28 but worked hard to transform her body, career, and life. She encourages balance though, and is open about the fact that she drinks alcohol a couple of times a week and sometimes can't be bothered to cook for herself.
Mari Llewellyn
http://instagr.am/p/B5iaVeSl5m9
Instagram: @marillewellyn
Followers: 953K
Llewellyn's life changed when she discovered weight-lifting - she transformed both her body and her mental health, and now she helps others to do the same.