Social Media Fitness Influencers
Social media influencers have dominated the digital space since the dawn of Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. In a health-conscious society, everyone wants to know the fastest ways to get ripped, tips to lose weight, how to create a workout routine, etc.
The health magazines are out, and thanks to the capabilities within social media, it’s easier now than ever for athlete influencers to share their favorite tips, demonstrate workouts, and promote their own businesses.
In this article, we will dive into some of the top social media fitness influencers, and how they are using their platforms to shape the fitness industry.
What is a Fitness Influencer?
Before we dive into the names, first let’s talk about what a fitness influencer is. An influencer is any person or figure that has the ability to affect the behavior of their followers through social networks, blogs, or other digital media.
Each influencer is different, however, in general, fitness influencers use influencer marketing to educate their followers about health and wellness, create workout videos, give nutrition tips, and coach individuals to live healthier lifestyles.
Although most of these influencers have backgrounds and certifications in personal training, nutrition, and fitness, it’s important to be wary of trusting all accounts that call themselves fitness influencers. At the end of the day, this is still a business for these people, and what they promote may not always be the best option for you.
Top Fitness Influencers in 2023
Here are ten of the top fitness influencers in 2023. These individuals influence millions of people daily, through their fitness programs, motivational content, and educational resources. Many of them have even created their own fitness apps, training companies, and nutrition services. Let’s look at these fitness influencers!
Chloe Ting
Followers – 24.7M YouTube, 2.8M Instagram
Chloe Ting has become one of the largest female fitness influencers. Ting launched her YouTube channel in 2011 and since has gained a cult following. You can find weekly workouts, food recipes, and other lifestyle tips on her channel. In 2022, Chloe launched her fitness equipment line in over 3,000 Walmart stores around the US. On her website, you can find her workout programs, equipment, recipes, and more.
Kayla Itsines
Followers 15.4M Instagram, 415K YouTube, 83.5K TikTok
Kayla Itsines started her fitness journey in 2008, as a personal trainer. She specifically trained women, to help build their confidence in themselves and with fitness. In 2012, she launched her YouTube channel, posting a variety of on-demand workouts and exercises. Itsines’ fitness programs have taken off, so much that she created her own fitness app, called Sweat. You can find Sweat on Instagram as well, with an impressive following of 1M.
Michelle Lewin
Followers – 15.7M Instagram, 403K YouTube
After working in a local clinic in Venezuela, Michelle decided to uproot her life in 2012 and move to the United States. As a fitness model and bodybuilder, she became a quick hit in the US and has become the Latina fitness queen. She has been featured in over 30 sports magazines, including Sports & Fitness, and Iron Man. Her content is bilingual, and stays authentic to her, even showing her followers the progress of her pregnancy and motherhood experiences. You can find Michelle’s workout programs on her website.
Jen Selter
Followers – 13.7M Instagram, 2.4M TikTok, 60.1K YouTube
Jen Selter fell in love with fitness in high school, while working the front desk at a local gym. Selter was one of the first fitness influencers and started creating a following on her Instagram right out of high school. She posts content about workout advice, recipes, and healthy lifestyle tips. Selter is also a trainer for the app, Fitplan, one of the largest personal training apps.
Simeon Panda
Followers – 8.2M Instagram, 2.74M YouTube
Simeon Panda is the definition of a fitness entrepreneur. Panda is a British trainer that started blogging in 2013. This has turned into a full-time career, and he now owns his own sportswear line, Just Lift, and fitness program Elimin8. His following goes beyond his muscles. Panda is known for his motivational influence and positive outlook on life.
Joe Wicks
Followers – 4.6M Instagram, 2.82M YouTube
Also known as the Body Coach, Joe Wicks is an influencer for the whole family. Creator of the Body Coach app, host of The Joe Wicks Podcast, and author of family-friendly recipes, he definitely gives his audience what they want. He uses his YouTube channel to offer free resources to his followers. During the pandemic, he created “PE with Joe”, a daily live workout on his YouTube channel for kids and families to stay active.
Kelsey Wells
Followers – 2.9M Instagram, 33.1K TikTok
Kelsey was motivated to start her fitness journey after having her first son. Using her own post-partum experience, she became a certified personal trainer with additional expertise in post-natal training. Wells has launched her own podcast, called reDEFINE FITNESS where she shares her personal learnings, and answers her followers’ questions. You can also find Kelsey on the Sweat app, for her strength-training workouts.
Demi Bagby
Followers – 14.4M TikTok, 2.6M Instagram, 1.09M YouTube
Demi Bagby has always been a fitness lover, even back to her soccer and cheerleading days. However, after a freak accident in 2014, Demi broke her back and was paralyzed for three months. But this didn’t stop Bagby. She proved all doctors wrong when they told her she would never walk again. Today she shares her inspirational story and motivates followers to never give up. She has even built her own app, providing clients with home workout programs, and nutrition guides.
Jeff Cavaliere
Followers – 13.4M YouTube, 2.2M Instagram
Athlean-X is how he appears across social media, Jeff Cavaliere is a pro athlete trainer and physical therapist. He also served as the head physical therapist and assistant strength coach for the New York Mets from 2006-08. Cavaliere’s certifications continue with a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from one of the top 5 universities in physical therapy and sports medicine. Cavaliere has created his own workout, supplement, and nutrition business, called Athlean-X.
Massy Arias
Followers – 2.7M Instagram, 297.4K TikTok, 272K YouTube
At 13 years old, Arias moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic, knowing no English. Massy had to grow up quickly, learning hard lessons in life at a young age. Massy used fitness as a way to cope with her depression. Arias’ story has inspired her followers, and in just a few years has grown a massive following. You can watch her story here, which captures her purpose and mission. She has also launched her own supplements company, called Tru Supplements.
These are just some of the many fitness influencers today on social media. To learn more about other social media influencers, and influencer marketing, make sure to read this guide.
