Instagram can be a great way to find fitness inspiration. We are bombarded with millions of people to look up to who seem almost too perfect to be real, and that’s because often times it is too good to be true. The recent fitness fad and social media has created an unrealistic standard for women. Often the glamorous highlight reel of perfectionism doesn’t show the hard work, dedication and passion these women go through on their fitness journey. Only seeing a quick snapshot of someones perfectly edited and planned out moments perpetuates unrealistic body standards. We find ourselves overlooking the fact that health and fitness is a lifestyle – not just how many likes or followers you have. Take some time to think about the messages people you follow put out there...do they inspire and lift you up? Perhaps its time to you go through and clear out any negative accounts and replace them with some positive and empowering women.
Below are 10 inspiring women who challenge our ideal of a fit women and prove that fitness comes in all shapes, sizes and types of exercise:
1. Cassey Ho
Creator of POP Pilates, shares Pilates videos, images of healthy food and a daily dose of positivity and motivation.
2. Lauren Fisher
Twenty two year old college student, crossfit and powerlifting competitor who motivates us all to embrace our muscle and strength.
3. Yoga Girl aka Rachel Brathen
Yoga Girl posts images of her cute dogs, her travels around the world, her life in Aruba, and most importantly images of her daily yoga practice. Her posts are a uplifting reminder to stay mindful and positive throughout our health and fitness journey.
4. Lita Lewis
As a personal trainer, public speaker and life coach, her instagram boasts messages teaching young women to become the best version of themselves, whether skinny or curvy frames. She also has her own popular hashtag #thickthighssavelives
5. Jen Heward
This fitness diva owns and operates a gym in California as well as running a YouTube channel. Cheerful and positive she sends a message that women should eat, lift heavy and embrace their "Murves" aka muscle curves.
6. Valerie Sagun
Yoga Practitioner and self-love enthusiast, Valerie Sagun posts images of her yoga practice and discusses the importance of body acceptance, positivity and showing the world that women with bigger bodies can participate in yoga too.
7. Emily Hayden
This IFBB Bikini Pro promotes self love, dedication, hard work and truly encourages her followers to embrace the fitness lifestyle.
8. Krissy Mae Cagney
This gym owner and creator of Doughnuts & Deadlifts posts images of power lifting, barbells, hiking, tattoos and heathy food.
9. Massy Arias
10. Katy Hearn
Katy Hearn's Instagram has a little bit of everything: workout videos, motivational quotes, healthy food, and pictures with her french bulldog puppies.
