9 women of color who are leading the fitness game on Instagram
It’s safe to say that the most popular things you see on Instagram these days usually have something to do with food or fitness (and sometimes both). There seems to be an endless number of yoga teachers, personal trainers, and fitness enthusiasts that flood our news feeds. Even though it’s great to witness so many posts that encourage self-acceptance and wellness, it’s no secret that the fitness community is dominated by white people.
When you really think about it, there aren’t really that many women of color who are well-known fitness figures.
Sure, there’s Serena Williams and Misty Copeland, but when it comes to Instagram stars, we’re used to seeing women who look like Kayla Itsines and Rachel Brathen, aka Yoga Girl. So we’ve rounded up some influential fitness personalities on Instagram who are women of color, because we think they deserve just as big a platform as anyone else.
Here are nine women of color who are leading the fitness game on Instagram.
1Lita Lewis (@FollowtheLita)
All it takes is one look at Lita Lewis and it’s clear that she can do just about anything with that strong body of hers. She’s a triathlete who founded the brand Thick Athletics Apparel, and she also started the hashtag #ThickThighsSaveLives. Follow her if you need some extra motivation on your way to the gym.
2Massy Arias (@massy.arias)
From challenging core work to weight lifting to advanced yoga, Massy Arias does it all. She’s also a devoted mom who posts the most adorable pics of her baby. More than anything else, it seems like Massy thoroughly enjoys working out, which only motivates all of us to get our butts to the gym pronto.
3Jeanette Jenkins (@msjeanettejenkins)
She’s part of the Hollywood Training Club for a good reason. Jeanette Jenkins is a fighting machine, and she’s worked with stars like P!nk and Queen Latifah. She’s always posting short ab videos that you can follow along with no matter where you are. Plus, she’s a fun-loving mom who always has a positive message to share.
4Diksha Gautham (@squats_and_samosas)
You’ll find all the fitness tips you need when it comes to weight lifting and strength training. Diksha Gautham’s physical transformation has been pretty incredible to watch, and she makes every single Instagram post an informative tool for anyone, no matter their fitness level.
“Growing up I never had any South Asian role models in the health and fitness space, so I really want to show other women that a healthy lifestyle IS possible,” Diksha tells HelloGiggles. “I started this page to educate women with the info they need to actually get started with weight training.”
Her dream is to see a weight room that’s 50/50 men and women. Amen to that!
5Cassey Ho (@blogilates)
Cassie Ho is the ultimate fitspo to *all* women. She teaches incredible Pilates classes online and you don’t need any prior experience to join her. She’s super fit and all-natural, which basically makes her a body positive beacon of light.
6Sumeet Sanhi (@sumeetsanhi)
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who posts fitness videos on the regular and also offers one-on-one guidance, Sumeet Sanhi is the girl for you. She’s a badass Indian fitness model who has a B.S. in Kinesiology, so there’s plenty to learn from her.
7Lyzabeth Lopez (@lyzabethlopez)
With more than 2 million followers, Lyzabeth Lopez ranks as one of the most influential women of color in the fitness game. She helps people meet their physical goals, and she’s always posting moves you can replicate at the gym to get a strong, toned body.
8Jessamyn Stanley (@mynameisjessamyn)
If you thought you had to be thin and white to do yoga, Jessamyn Stanley is here to prove you wrong. She’s an outspoken, bold woman who can do just about any advanced yoga pose that exists. You’ll love her refreshing take on health and wellness.
9Keisy Myumi (@keisymyumi)
Having worked with fit stars like Gabrielle Union, Keisy Myumi is the kind of conditioning and strength-training expert you want to keep your eyes on. She can teach you how to “build a booty,” and you’ll always find a unique mix of exercises that will keep you from being bored at the gym.
All of these women have something special to offer to the fitness world, so hopefully we’ll see them gain more and more followers in the near future. Because all women deserve to be represented when it comes to working out and keeping a healthy lifestyle.
