First, for personal trainers and other fitness pros, cultivating an online presence has become essential for growing your client base.
Next, you don’t need millions of followers to be influential. By delivering high-quality, personalized programming paired with a solid social media strategy, you can build an engaged community AND a sustainable business.
The influencers featured here provide inspiration for using the power of social media to positively impact others through health and fitness. And you can do it, too—even if your goal isn’t to be a top trending influencer.
Plus, with a platform like ABC Trainerize, you can easily launch your own fitness training app or online program to monetize your expertise!
So, let’s explore this round-up of top fitness influencers so you can learn from the best.
The Heavy Hitters: Fitness Influencers Who Dominate the Fitness Scene
Now, are you looking for the ultimate inspo? Start with these big names in US health and fitness. 👇
Jen Selter
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First, Jen Selter is the OG Instagram fitness influencer. Known for her killer curves—which made news headlines in 2014. She has turned online attention into a health and fitness empire.
But Jen is more than just a pretty face. With a background in dance, her passion for fitness is clear in every post. She uses social media to regularly share motivational and lifestyle content, including healthy recipes, outfits, travel, and more!
She also talks about the importance of mental health, self-care, and personal growth. We love a multi-faceted queen. 🔥
Kai Green
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Next, Kai Greene is a force of nature in the bodybuilding world. He found solace in the gym after growing up in foster care in Brooklyn. Eventually, his incredible physique and artistic posing style earned him the nickname “The Predator.”
While he’s consistently placed high in major competitions like Mr. Olympia, he’s more than just muscle! Kai is a creative spirit—branching out into acting, painting, and even comic books.
He uses social media to connect with his fans, sharing workout routines, motivational messages, and glimpses into his personal life.
Lauren Drain Kagan
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Next, Lauren Drain Kagan’s story is one of incredible transformation. Once a member of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church, she broke from its toxic influence to begin a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Today, Lauren is a successful fitness model and personal trainer. Her social media platforms are filled with inspiring workout routines, healthy recipes, and motivational messages.
Not one for boxes, Lauren is also a registered nurse, former WBFF Bikini Pro model, podcaster, and New York Times bestselling author! We love to see it. 👏
Simeon Panda
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And, this list wouldn’t be complete with Simeon Panda. While technically from the UK, Simeon has made Los Angeles his home base, so we’ve included him here. 😉
While his shredded physique is undeniable, Simeon’s character and high standards representing the fitness industry make him truly influential. He takes a highly positive and motivational approach to everything he does.
Forbes named him as one of the world’s top ten fitness influencers. Plus, he’s appeared in major fitness publications like MuscleMag, Train Mag, Muscle & Performance to name only a few!
Check Out: 10 Black-Owned Fitness Businesses You Need To Follow On Instagram
For the Trendsetters: Influencers Shaping Fitness Culture
Who’s making waves in the fitness industry and carving their own path? Here are our top picks. 👇
Joey Swoll
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Next, the self-proclaimed CEO of Gym Positivity, Swoll—whose real name is Joseph Sergo—is known across the interest for his no BS approach to health and fitness. He cuts through the noise to deliver valuable, tried-and-true advice to his community of followers.
He’s known for keeping the gym a welcoming and positive space for all. His top posts and videos are about good gym etiquette, being kind to others, and building a positive gym community.
As he says, “You NEVER know what someone is going through, so ALWAYS be kind, in the gym and outside of it.”
MegSquats
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Then, Meg Gallagher has appeared on our lists before—and for good reason! She’s known for providing valuable education and tips on proper form, technique, and workout routines. Her content is informative and easy to follow, even for beginners.
As a successful female powerlifter and influencer, she inspires women to break barriers and challenge stereotypes. Her mission? “[T]o get a barbell in every woman’s hands.” We love seeing such a strong female role model in the fitness industry! 💪
Jason and Lauren Pak
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Next, dynamic duo Jason and Lauren Pak are making waves in the fitness industry. Their mission is to bring more inclusivity and positive vibes to the fitness space so that every body feels welcome.
They’re all about providing realistic and achievable fitness advice—getting in shape doesn’t have to be so intense and complicated, after all! They’re known for high-quality video content with clear explanations, proper form, and evidence-based information.
We also love how Jason and Lauren focus on taking a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle, paying attention to the mental and the physical.
Jessica Beniquez
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Then, Jessica Beniquez has overcome incredible challenges. Overweight her entire life, a switch flicked when she was 20 years old: “I realized all I was doing was working, eating (my snack of choice was crackers and cream cheese), and watching TV.”
Small changes add up over time, and Jessica lost 170 lbs naturally in 17 months. But then she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer (read more about her recovery journey on IG).
Today, Jessica inspires her 870k+ followers with content that embraces the roller coaster of life. She’s all about embracing progress over perfection and helping others become their best, happiest selves through nutrition and exercise.
On the Rise: Emerging Fitness Influencers in USA to Watch
👀 Keep an eye out for these emerging players in the US health and fitness scene:
Jordan Syatt
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Next, A 5x world record powerlifter, Jordan Syatt provides top-notch, evidence-based info about diet, strength training, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and more.
His mission is to give others the knowledge and confidence to incorporate the best possible training and nutrition into their lifestyle. Plus, we love all his Harry Potter references! 🪄
Liz Brody
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With a degree in nutrition and nearly a decade of personal training experience, Liz Brody is an expert at blending strength training and dialed-in nutrition plans.
Based in Miami, her balanced approach helps clients build their ideal physiques through sustainable lifestyle changes. Liz’s mission is to take the guesswork out of fitness to help her clients get great results.
Latoya Shauntay Snell
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Authentically herself, Latoya’s website introduces her as “[y]our favorite athletic Black, fat, queer, chronically ill disruptor serving fitness, food, dope stories and adventure.” She’s all about speaking her truth. And, motivating others, and challenging stereotypes of what an “athlete” should or shouldn’t look like. She’s a 6x ultramarathon runner and inspires people of all shapes and sizes to take up running for physical and mental health.
Hailey Barragan
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Next, Hailey Barragan is a certified personal trainer. She’s a strength and conditioning coach, PPSC, powerlifter, and a mom. After spending most of her 20s feeling uncomfortable in her skin, she dialed in her nutrition, physical activity, and mindset. Then, learned to appreciate what her body does for her, not just what it looks like.
Now, her goal is to reach as many women as possible with her online training biz, including her popular “Get Strong” programs. Go Hailey!
Austin Hendrickson
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As a taller-than-average fitness influencer, Austin Hendrickson understands the importance of making strength training accessible. His enjoyable programming takes the intimidation out of lifting, whether you’re a beginner or advanced lifter.
Read More: 7 Top Plus-Size Fitness Influencers to Follow on Instagram
TikTok vs. Instagram: Choosing the Right Platform to Shine
Frist, as a fitness pro looking to build a personal brand, deciding which social platforms to focus on is crucial. TikTok and Instagram are currently two of the biggest players, but they cater to different styles of content.
TikTok’s short, snappy video format lends itself well to workout clips, exercise tips, or entertaining fitness challenges. The algorithm favors creative, trendy content that gives viewers a laugh or teaches them something new in an engaging way.
Consistency is key on TikTok—posting frequently (even daily) helps build momentum.
📝 Check Out: The Ultimate Guide to TikTok for Fitness Professionals
Instagram still reigns supreme for quality photos and longer videos that allow you to go more in-depth. It’s a great platform for sharing complete workout routines, healthy recipes, behind-the-scenes looks at your training sessions, and inspiring personal stories/transformations.
Building a cohesive aesthetic through edited photos/videos is also important on IG.
📝 Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Instagram Marketing for Fitness Professionals
Instagram vs TikTok Pros and Cons
Both platforms allow you to showcase your expertise while adding a personal touch.
👉 When choosing a platform, consider your strengths—do you vibe more with IG’s refined, curated vibe or TikTok’s rawer, trendier energy? Ideally, having an active presence on both can maximize your reach. But if you’re just starting out, pick one platform to focus your efforts initially. Staying consistent with quality content is more important than spreading yourself thin.
Check Out: The Personal Trainer Social Media Cheat Sheet
Takeaways for Fitness Enthusiasts and Trainers
There’s a reason for these influencers’ success. Keep reading for their secret sauce.
Why these influencers deserve a follow
Every single fitness influencer we’ve covered here—from mega to micro—share some notable qualities that make them worth following:
✅ Authenticity. First, across the board, these influencers keep it real. They openly share their struggles, journeys, and personal stories which resonate with audiences.
✅ Expertise. Then, whether formally educated or self-taught, each influencer is truly an expert in their niche. Their content provides valuable, credible insights.
✅ Positivity. Next, while challenging followers to make healthy changes, all these influencers spread uplifting messages focused on progress and self-improvement.
✅ Inclusivity. Making the fitness community a welcoming space for all is a common thread. These influencers celebrate different body types, ability levels, and identities.
✅ Entertainment value. Finally, let’s face it, fitness content alone can get stale. These influencers keep it fun and engaging through creativity, humor, and personality.
How ABC Trainerize helps you build your own fitness brand
Lastly, with ABC Trainerize’s all-in-one software, trainers and fit pros have everything needed to launch and grow their own fitness brand:
- Build a sleek, professional training app for your services with your unique branding. No coding required!
- Easily create personalized nutrition and workout programming to deliver daily/weekly to clients’ apps using our planner.
- Keep all your clients’ info, progress photos/tracking, documents, and communication organized in one place.
- Sell packaged training plans, nutrition programs, merchandise, and more direct to your audience with our e-commerce features.
So, in short, our platform helps you package your skills into modern training programs to attract and retain clients. With powerful yet easy-to-use tools, any trainer can build their own thriving fitness brand. 💪
Take Your Fitness Business Online with ABC Trainerize
Again, you don’t need millions of followers to become a US fitness influencer or build a successful fitness brand and make a wider impact.
With our powerful tools, any passionate trainer can launch their own custom app. And, deliver top-notch programming, and cultivate an engaged online community around their unique expertise!
Don’t let fear or perfectionism keep you sitting on the sidelines. Sign up for a free 30-day trial to take your first step towards making an impact.
