I spend a boatload of my time on social media. There’s no way I’m alone in that either! I mean, with the way our world operates these days, it’s nearly impossible to escape social media platforms unless you actively try to.
But alas, I work within the social media marketing industry so avoiding social media is not quite an option available to me. Nor do I want it to be, quite frankly.
I enjoy social media quite a bit. Many of my friendships have been formed through online platforms, and I do believe that social media can be a very inspirational place to co-exist. It’s a crowded and highly oversaturated place, but an inspiring space nonetheless.
However, in order to keep your online spaces uplifting and encouraging, you need to be mindful and intentional about the people you choose to follow on socials. Otherwise, the place you go to for motivation and encouragement can transpire into a sour environment with ease.
If you’re looking to curate a fitness-related social media environment but you don’t know where to start, allow me to help you with that! Here are 5 fitness influences you need to follow in 2021. I swear by them all. And if you decide to follow them, you’ll see precisely why that is ◡̈
1. Sophie from Gains by Brains
I spent forever thinking Gains by Brains’ real name was Bailey hahah but alas, it is not! This is Sophie, a major smartypants when it comes to all-things fitness and nutrition. She amazes me on the daily due to her undying commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
She’s tough as nails and her workouts will certainly whip you into shape. I like her personality a lot as well. She presents herself as being really laidback and kindhearted, like a super duper genuine sweetheart.
2. Ryan Read
I discovered Ryan Read on TikTok and I was instantly hooked on his content. It’s not common for me to feel comfortable around men, particularly in spaces where bodies are a topic of discussion, which is to say men in the gym make me wildly nervous because of how they stop and stare.
But Ryan is quite literally the epitome of what I wish every single dude out there was like. He creates a safe space on the internet where women don’t feel objectified or sexualized. He just lays out the basics of fitness without making women feel uncomfortable.
The bar is pretty low, but Ryan gives me hope that the bar will be raised over time and we’ll be able to expect common decency instead of praising it. Until then, at least we have Ryan treating women in fitness the way they deserve — as equals.
3. Bailey Turner of BodyFitBalance
Brains by Gains might not be named Bailey, but BodyFitBalance is! I purchased Bailey’s Glute Guide 1.0 a couple of years ago and it changed the entire game for me.
If you’re ever seeking out a program that’ll grow your lower body like nobody’s business, give Bailey’s Glute Guides a try. She also made some powerlifting guides with her husband if that’s more your style!
4. Natalie Bally
Natalie is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy Instagram day hahah. As you can likely sort out from that statement alone, I follow her on IG and her emphasis on mental wellness is stellar.
She has a more well-rounded and lifestyle-esque approach to her Instagram feed, which is quite lovely. Her IG stories about meditation, manifestation, and the like remind me to stay centered throughout the day. She also recently adopted a puppy. Need I say more ◡̈
5. Ben Francis of Gymshark
The one… The only…
The brainiac behind Gymshark…
It’s none other than Ben Francis!
I like following Ben particularly because he weaves a more business-focused lens into his fitness content. As someone who’s paved the way for herself in terms of a career, I very much take well to people who’ve also created something from nothing.
It’s also neat to follow Ben because, in addition to the gym-related videos and the Gymshark posts, he uploads Colorado content sometimes, too! I live in Colorado myself, so I love that added element immensely.
Who’s Your Favorite Fitness Influencer?
Do you have an all-time favorite fitness influencer these days? If so, I’d love to hear all about them! I’m constantly actively looking for positive people to follow across my socials, so I welcome your input like no other.
As always, feel free to DM me on IG! Can’t wait to hear from you ◡̈