Social media has become a go-to platform for fitness professionals and influencers from around the world to connect with followers. It’s never been easier to find workout videos, training tips and recipe ideas, with Instagram in particular leading the way with fitness content. If you’re looking for workout motivation, healthy living tips or specific fitness advice, Instagram can be a one stop shop to find it all and more.
With so many great qualified professionals sharing their knowledge on social media, there’s always going to be some that think they can do the same without necessarily having the qualifications or experience to back up their claims. It’s important to be aware of these types of accounts and just be mindful of who you are taking advice from.
Without further ado, these are some of our favourite fitness related accounts:
Kelsey Wells
Instagram: @kelseywells
After a transformation photo she posted urging women to “screw the scales” went viral in 2016, Kelsey Wells has grown her Instagram following to an impressive 2.8 million. She is a certified Personal Trainer, mum of one, and most recently has created PWR, the weight-training programs offered on Kayla Itsines’ SWEAT app. Kelsey virtually trains women through gym-sessions and at home workouts and aims to empower women by building their self-confidence.
Best For: Weight Training
James Smith
Instagram: @jamessmithpt
Often described as the Gordon Ramsey of the fitness industry, James Smith certainly isn’t your typical fitness influencer. He tells it how it is and takes no prisoners with who or what he criticises. He is a best-selling author, has his own podcast and tours the country promoting his philosophies.
Best For: Fitness myths, misconceptions, or fads
Don Saladino
Instagram: @donsaladino
Don Saladino is a New York City based fitness trainer who for over 20 years has transformed actors, athletes and celebrities, and is known as the man behind the bodies in a number of superhero blockbusters. He shares workout moves to his account daily to give his followers a chance to suit up for their own superhero bodies, too.
Best For: Workout videos & challenges
Joslyn Thompson Rule
Instagram: @joslynthompsonrule
Joslyn Thompson Rule is a Nike Master Trainer and has been in the fitness industry for twelve years, working as a personal trainer and sports therapist. Joslyn is an educator in the field of health and fitness, lecturing at seminars and running regular training and nutrition workshops. Her Instagram gives a BTS look at the London workout scene, plus an insight into life as a Nike Master Trainer.
Best For: Strength training advice & fitness motivation/inspiration
Annie Thorisdottir
Instagram: @anniethorisdottir
The first woman to ever win the Crossfit Games, Annie Thorisdottir trains for four hours per day, six days per week to perform at her peak physical fitness. Annie is currently pregnant and is still training the house down – she’s an absolute inspiration!
Best For: CrossFit
Bradley Simmonds
Instagram: @bradleysimmonds
Bradley Simmonds is the king of high intensity interval training. He is a young, ambitious fitness influencer on a journey to motivate and inspire people to live a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a nutritious diet. He regularly posts workout videos and gives great variety to his 400,000+ followers.
Best For: Workout ideas & videos
Natacha Oceane
Instagram: natacha.oceane
Natacha Oceane is a former Iron Man competitor and has been an athlete all of her life. She stresses the importance of mental and physical wellness and nutrition. She’s also a biophysicist, so you know what she’s preaching is legitimate and can be backed up by a degree. If you’re someone who is always running out of workout ideas, Oceane is a must follow.
Best For: Workout ideas & fitness challenges
Hazel Wallace
Instagram: @thefoodmedic
Dr Hazel Wallace is the founder of The Food Medic, an NHS medical doctor, registered nutritionist and best-selling author. She works to bridge the gap between traditional medical advice and the latest findings in nutrition and lifestyle – sharing it all with her 480k+ following.
Best For: Informative videos, recipes, workouts
Jay Maryniak
Instagram: @jtm_fit
Jay Maryniak is a trainer and athlete who’s been innovating in the functional wellness space for over a decade. After struggling with addiction issues as a teenager, Maryniak transformed his life and physique and is now committed to being the best version of himself. He is also a Type 1 diabetic, and often shares how he learnt to adapt and train to build up his strength and muscle post diagnosis.
Best For: Workout stunts & challenges
Luke Worthington
Instagram: @lukewtraining
Luke Worthington is a former international athlete, Nike trainer, qualified sports scientist, personal trainer, sports massage therapist, and nutritionist. He’s one of the most knowledgeable and respected people in the industry, posting informative content that shows off his incredible understanding of the human body.
Best For: Fitness knowledge
Kayla Itsines
Instagram: @kayla_itsines
You can’t really have a best fitness account list without including the biggest of them all in Kayla Itsines. She has grown her empire to a following of nearly 13 million and is one of world’s most influential fitness personalities. She is definitely worth a follow as she continues to post workout videos, inspirational quotes, and transformation photos from people who’ve followed her guides.
Best For: Success stories, workout videos, fitness inspo
Ebenezer Samuel
Instagram: @ebenezersamuel23
Ebenezer Samuel is the Men’s Health magazine fitness director and a certified personal trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He posts multiple new workouts a week and really breaks down the movements to ensure you are performing the exercise with correct technique.
Best For: Workout videos
Jeremy Scott
Instagram: @jeremyscottfitness
Jeremy Scott is a writer, coach, athete and trainer who shares his fitness journey with his 360k + followers on Instagram. He shares both what he eats and how he trains, giving great tips and tricks along the way.
Best For: Workout videos
Sharelle Grant
Instagram: @sharellegrant
If you’re looking to be both empowered and educated, check out registered nurse, midwife and personal trainer Sharelle Grant. She posts some really interesting and informative content relating to exercise technique as well as female specific body issues.
Best For: Workout information and inspiration
Chris Nayna
Instagram: @chrisnayna
Chris Nayna is the owner of Train Station Fitness, a certified personal trainer and a critical care nurse. He’s really started to build his Instagram following, with daily workouts and fitness advice the main drawcard of his Instagram feed.
Best For: Workout videos
Amanda Bisk
Instagram: @amandabisk
If you’re looking for fitness workouts, yoga and flexibility sessions and daily inspiration, look no further than Amanda Bisk. The former Australian Pole Vaulter is now an exercise physiologist, yoga teacher and pilates instructor, providing a variety of content to her loyal following of over 700k.
Best For: Yoga and pilates
