Sorry boys, but this one here is for the ladies. When seeking some health motivation, I think it's fair to say that females heavily rely upon social media feeds and YouTubers to find some inspo. We dive into a search looking for how we can look better, feel better, and not be bored while working on our new bods. I'd even think it's fair to say that this is beyond relevant for the current season – SUMMER! Don't we all want to be the hottest bikini-clad beach bunny? And this here is the issue….
Society has conditioned us to focus more on looks than on performance and health. Slimming belts, fasting, consuming the latest and greatest diet pill – this is not health. In case you weren't sure, don't follow Devil Wears Prada character Emily Charlton's diet advice.
It's especially important to be wary of these common trends in so-called fitness while hastily searching as many hashtags, accounts, and vloggers as we can. While we may know the difference between what's best for our bodies and what's not, influencers have a way to seep into our minds regardless of the validity of the info they're spewing from our screens.
I might be plenty guilty of falling into these enticing traps to speed up the process, but it's these ladies here that keep me in check and remind me of the importance in being kind to our bodies.
1. Katie Crewe – @katiecrewe – At-Home, On-the-Go, In-Gym Workouts and More
In my own words, I would describe Katie Crewe as a blonde babe sharing her motivating story of achieving and maintaining health. I've followed Crewe for a few years now and am even so inspired that I check my phone for her post notifications. Her fun variety of workouts, cute ass style, occasional grub, and motivating music are what makes me such a big fan. You can even peep her fluffy feline, Bella, in her at-home workouts!
2. Massy Arias – @massy.arias – ‘Do It Because You Love Yourself’ Workout Inspo
I was originally drawn to Massy Arias's account because of her real athleticism – something that hasn't disappointed. As a personal trainer and an entrepreneur in the field, she is inspiring for all of those get-fit-junkies that could one day see themselves in her shoes. I love the workouts because they add fun and exciting elements that wouldn't be found in an online search. All workouts are CrossFit-like, utilizing full body weight, different props, and even TRX bands. Arias has a similar story to Crewe and occasionally reminds followers of the importance of taking care of the body. I love her message to "focus on getting stronger, getting faster, having more endurance, being more flexible, and eating healthier."
3. Tanya Poppett – @tanyapoppett – ‘Don’t Bully Your Body’ Driven Lifestyle and Fitness
Just seeing her Australian lifestyle, why wouldn't you want to follow this account? But besides lusting over the beautiful views and serene beaches, I follow Poppett for her athlete-targeted outdoor workouts. Whether it be on the field in sneakers or in a boat with a paddle, Poppett always looks like she's enjoying her intense workouts! She's also not shy about being real and sharing her passion for protecting our planet. One of my favorite perks? You can train with her Tanya App!
4. Steph Lowe - @thenaturalnutritionist – Virtues to Live by and Food to Satisfy Your Soul
This account is host to some intriguing, healthy recipes that offer a nice switch up from my normal type of meal. I also love that these recipes are almost always keto, a food lifestyle that is high in protein and fats and low in carbs. I can't deny that the aesthetic of Lowe's account is a major drawing point for me. While predictable, I love the pattern of her account – colorful foods, thoughtful quotations, and exuberant personal posts. Have some time on your hands? Make some of Lowe's Raspberry Bounty Bars and a cup of hot cocoa to enjoy while scrolling through this eye-pleasing account.
5. Brittany Mullins – @eatingbirdfood – “Healthy Habits + Balance > Dieting”
While concocting Mullins's recipes in my own kitchen might not result in the same aesthetically pleasing presentations, I can certainly say they meet expectations of yum and satiation. I follow this account because it is REAL food. The best part is that the recipes match the way I like to eat and fit into my schedule. Big oatmeal fan? Her recipes are some of my favorites for a heart-warming bowl of oats! The account isn't only food. There's also some lifestyle tips, tricks, and success stats. Added bonus: there are desserts!
6. Megan Jayne Crabbe – @bodyposipanda – End Body Shaming, Expand Acceptance
Megan Jayne Crabbe reflects what I would like to hope society will be more like in the near future. Crabbe's account radiates self-love, self-acceptance, and conquering negative social norms. She's my constant reminder to have more patience and kindness for myself. What makes her account so enticing and oh-so-popular is in how real it really is. If you're looking to join a journey of self-love, Crabbe's your girl. US pre-order for her best-selling book Body Positive Power is now available!
While these ladies are my constant reminders to embrace and work from self-love, I still have my issues. Whether it be getting caught up in following weakness-inducing diet fads or personally unsuitable workout plans, these ladies are my equivalent to a support community and bring me back to what's good for me. Seeing these influencers pop-up in my feed may always be a beneficial reality check for me, but I think it's important for each lady out there to follow accounts that work for them, their bodies, and their lifestyles. When searching for your next influencer, just remember to come from a place of self-love and a mindset of health and happiness.
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