In 2020, the worldwide gym industry was worth $96.7 billion. Pressures from work, sedentary lifestyles, and increased concerns for physical health are some reasons for this boom. The rising fitness demands of global populations are met with the proliferation of fitness influencers who broadcast content related to health and wellness. To help you navigate the overcrowded world of fitness content creators, we present the top eight online fitness influencers worth following.
- Sommer Ray
A trainer for Fitplan famous for her backside — and the controversy surrounding it — Ray says she isn’t shy about showing off what she has worked hard to achieve. She has become a well-known name, and her massive social media numbers are proof. Her motivations, according to her, aren’t to inspire women to gain muscle mass but confidence in their own skin.
- Kayla Itsines
Well-known for High Intensity with Kayla, the Australian trainer’s program is circuit-based, grouping four different types of exercises in 28-minute sessions each over a weekly period of four to six sessions. The focus is on increasing muscle strength and boosting heart performance through cardio and plyometric exercises.
- Adriene
Adriene’s YouTube channel, Yoga with Adriene, has 11 million subscribers and, in 2015, was listed as Google’s top-searched workout. Adriene also founded the app Find What Feels Good, which offers programming across multiple devices for creative and lifestyle-based yoga content.
- Ulisses Jr.
American fitness model, trainer, and businessman, Ulisses Jr. has amassed 8.7 million followers on Instagram. He has been awarded multiple trophies in global bodybuilding competitions. His content is focused on inspiring others to gain a body like his, while his methods are focused on a mix of complex gym and HIIT exercises to achieve the highest levels of muscle growth.
- Sergi Constance
Valencian Sergi Constance has garnered a following of 5.3 million on Instagram and appeared as Zeus in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. His classic physique, composed of wide deltoid muscles, outspread lats, voluminous quadriceps, and cookie-cutter abs certainly allots him the appeal of a Greek god. If his looks weren’t enough to give him a following, there is plenty of nutritional advice and artful poses in coveted spots like beaches, luxury condos, and gym facilities to seek inspiration for one’s own transformation.
- Cassey Ho
YouTube channel Blogilates (6.33 million subscribers) founder Cassey Ho introduced POP Pilates®, a program focused on gaining strength and flexibility by performing Pilates to pop music.
- Bret Contreras
With a PhD in sports science, Bret Contreras — known as The Glute Guy — is credited for founding the barbell hip thrust movement and is considered an uncontested expert in glutes training.
- Massiel (Massy) Indhira Arias
Massy Arias’ workouts combine resistance training, calisthenics, yoga, HIIT, and sprinting to spice up followers’ exercise routines with variety. Her focus is not just on achieving a toned body but finding the right balance between the mental and physical to bestow health and longevity.
Arslan Ahmed | Contributing Writer
