What if you’ve never seen anyone like yourself reach the proverbial “summit” before? If you’re desperate for a little fitness inspo.
Back in the day (pre-social media) when you wanted to get into shape, you may have turned to a trained expert at your local gym or read fitness articles. In today’s digital age millions of followers turn to “fit-fluencers” on TikTok (or “FitTok”), Instagram, YouTube and other social media platforms as their go-to source for fitness advice.
You don’t need to look a certain way to have a fit and healthy body, nor do you need to possess any particular aesthetic characteristics to engage in physical activity of any form. What you do need is to feel energised, whole, and empowered. Enter fitness influencers.
Fitness influencers are gaining momentum and their followers continue to grow. But what lies behind the perfectly curated Instagram posts and motivational YouTube videos? First of all, fitness influencers come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from professional athletes and trainers to everyday individuals on personal fitness journeys. For example, Emily Skye is a great influencer for moms that need a little inspiration when wanting to get back into shape after pregnancy. She sets realistic goals and promotes mindfulness, stress release, and body positivity.
These influencers are real people who have achieved real results through hard work and dedication. They challenge traditional stereotypes by promoting body positivity and diversity in the fitness space. By sharing their own stories and struggles, they create a sense of relatability and authenticity that resonates with their audience. The content often includes before-and-after photos, progress updates and personal anecdotes which help their followers to feel connected and encouraged.
Their influence extends beyond just fitness and spills over into other aspects of their followers’ lives. Many fitness influencers promote a holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing the importance of self-care and self-love.
Popular well-known fitness influencers include Uleen Fourie, Ruan Griessel, Buhle K Maluleke, Madi Annestia Steyn, Kayla Itsines, Jen Selter, and so many more. They all have a large following on social media platforms and have the ability to inspire and motivate others to lead a healthy lifestyle.
However, make informed choices about the influencers you follow. Where to start?
- Choose an influencer who focuses on the same goals as you. Are you looking to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your overall health?
- Make sure that the influencer shares your interest. Do you prefer running, yoga, or weights?
- Choose an influencer whose personality meshes with yours. Do you prefer a more serious or lighthearted approach to fitness?
- If you don’t want to spend money, choose an influencer who offers free content.
Someone once said: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great”.
Remember, the stories that fitness influencers share are a source of motivation, not comparison. So, embrace the positivity, adopt healthy habits, and allow their stories to propel you towards a life of happiness, health, and inspiration.
Source: womenshealthmag.com, shape.com, linkedin.com, piplum.com, usebiolink.com, soundme.medium.com, officialsocialstar.com, bannerhealth.com, grin.com
