5 Fitness gurus with important messages you need to read

Hands up if you’re guilty for spending too much time on social media? We all scroll through Instagram and Facebook, lapping up content on a daily basis. But are you keeping up-to-date with the right kind of influences? Do they keep you inspired? Do you feel motivated by what they share?

It’s easy to feel inadequate on many different levels when mindlessly scrolling your social media. They can kick up many insecurities you may have and give you extreme FOMO. It can be poisonous… but it also has many perks!

Use social media to keep yourself improving and inspired. We all want to feel motivated, so be sure to check-out these top 5 fitness gurus who all have important and inspiring messages to share. Keep these people top of your list and have a browse anytime you need a spark of ‘go get it!’.

5 Fitness gurus with important messages you have to read

1. Carly Rowena

This fitness blogger is both a PT and a social media superstar. Across her channels, she shares inspiring and useful content that can keep you both positive and educated. She celebrates different body shapes and empowers you to own your flaws.

 

S H A P E S ▪️What body-type, shape or size are you? Rectangle, Pear, Straight, Spoon, Curvy Hourglass, Oval. Skinny, Athletic, Coke bottle, Apple, 36, 24, 36 Size 10 Plus Size, There is nothing wrong with any of the shapes or sizes i’ve mentioned, one is not better than the other & does not determine health or happiness. Be your own shape & take care of it, there’s only one you in the world. I’d love you to join @womenshealthuk in sharing your #INSHAPEMYSHAPE picture! Wearing @asos http://liketk.it/2w1hS #liketkit @liketoknow.it #asseenonme #fitnessmotivation

A post shared by C A R L Y R O W E N A (@carlyrowena) on Jun 4, 2018 at 11:36pm PDT

 

S I Z E 🤷🏻‍♀️ #transformation let’s make them less about appearance & more about emotions. Forget strong, skinny or curvy, let’s make happy a size! Say hello to my first ever #transformation picture - you see i’ve been lots of different weights but more importantly lots of different emotions. I’ve been too ‘skinny,’ Too ‘muscly’ My husband must be gay, because i look like a man. Too athletic, Too Boney, Overweight for my BMI But the most important factor is that regardless of what anyone had to say about my body, was I happy or not? At my lowest i was heartbroken and travelling with girlfriends, too much vodka and too little nutrition. At my happiest emotionally I was just over 11 stone, feeling badass at #crossfit and loving food yet EVERYONE told me i look like a dude. Right now i have no idea what weight I am, i’ll admit I don’t feel my most confident as most of the time I just look bloated but i so excited to rock my ever changing shape. Let me help you to like you, we can do it together! Head to my IG story and swipe up to read my full body blog post! . . . #bodypositivity #15weekspregnant #happiness

A post shared by C A R L Y R O W E N A (@carlyrowena) on Jun 15, 2018 at 11:14pm PDT

 

N A T U R A L 🌊 (SWIPE RIGHT!) Beauty to me has nothing to do with the clothes you wear, the colour of your hair or the shape of your body, it’s something you can’t create, it just shines out of you like sunshine and captivates the people around you. That feeling of #beauty has taken me a long time to grasp but i think i’ve found my version. It comes from taking no bullshit, avoiding negativity and never apologising for who you are. I have cellulite, tiger stripes and varicose veins (SWIPE RIGHT on the picture) my lips don’t cover my teeth and i have a grey flick forever growing at the front of my hairline but if you’ll take me for who I am, i’ll take you for you. . . Wearing @asos (seen in my latest YouTube Video!) @coco_resorts #happiness #love #bodypositivity #cellulite #stretchmarks

A post shared by C A R L Y R O W E N A (@carlyrowena) on Jun 20, 2018 at 11:20pm PDT

2. Kim Ngo

This London-based PT and fitness instructor has been making waves in the fitness industry. Well educated in all things strong, Kim shares her workouts as well as the explanation behind why the movements are so beneficial to your body. Watch her videos to get some home workout inspo and top calisthenics workouts which don’t require a gym or equipment.

 

Strength training for runners with @nikelondon x @sportsshoes – tag a mate who has been running loads with our recent great weather but doesn’t spend enough time slowing down and getting their body stronger. . As runners we spend a lot of time balancing on one leg at a time, transferring our weight from one foot to the other. Our bodies need to be strong enough to manage and react to this impact which is why unilateral strength training (training one side of your body at a time) is important for runners as well as bilateral strength training (training both sides of your body at the same time). . The main focus of the workout below is on unilateral strength training. This helps isolate one leg at a time and helps get rid of any strength imbalances that your bilateral strength training may be encouraging (your stronger side will tend to try and compensate for your weaker side). This will help your weaker side catch up with your stronger side and help avoid potential injuries that any imbalances in strength can potentially cause. . This workout requires a great amount of stability as your body will be challenged to balance on one side at a time. This will help build your core strength too which is essential to runners. . More details in the link in my bio! . Three sets (add some weights for more of a challenge) . 💪🏼Heel walks x 30 💪🏽Hip thruster x 15 💪🏿Split squat x 8 (each leg) 💪🏻Single leg deadlift x 8 (each leg) 💪🏾Curtsy lunge x 8 (each leg) 💪🏼Side plank 45sec hold . #nike #nikelondon #nikerunning #sportsshoes #pegasus35 #nofunstandingstill

Apost shared by Kim Ngo #FoodandLycra 🇬🇧🇻🇳 (@kimmayco) on Jul 1, 2018 at 11:56am PDT

 

💪🏼PRESS UPS- tag someone who wants to improve their press ups! . It’s a great bodyweight exercise that is often done wrong! Mainly because a lot of people don’t yet have the strength to do it properly- if that’s you, I gotchu boo! . The press up is a compound exercise that works your chest, front of shoulder and tricep muscles. If you can’t yet do a press up, these exercises will help you! . 💥 Dumbbell chest press (mimics the press up movement but in reverse- you can choose the weight you press with rather than using your body weight in a press up position) 💥 Negative press ups (lower down slowly from the full press up position and then press up from modified press up position, the lowering down is the negative- it keeps your muscles under tension for longer helping make them stronger) 💥 Incline press ups (like a regular press up except now most of your body weight is distributed to your feet) 💥 Tricep extension (helps strengthen your triceps- if you struggle with tricep/yoga press ups this is for you) 💥 Tricep Dips (same as above, legs out for more of a challenge) . TIP: For a regular press up remember your hands are slightly wider than shoulder width apart and you bend your elbows so they go back- close to your sides. You’re aiming for a 45 degree angle at your arm pits. Make sure you squeeze your abs and butt too so your press up is nice and solid! . #foodandlycra #pressups #whstrong #strengthtraining

A post shared by Kim Ngo #FoodandLycra 🇬🇧🇻🇳 (@kimmayco) on Feb 6, 2018 at 12:18pm PST

 

My response to anyone who says women shouldn't train upper body.... 💅🏼 . Get out of the 60s mate! So many gains from training upper body: - Better posture - Less risk of injury - Makes all your workouts more effective - Protects your bones making them stronger and building their density - You can hold your own on the tube as people barge past you - More arm wrestle wins to add to your title - General feeling of super power . So when the boys at @jrelzmedia asked me to feature in their #GainsOnly video series I just had to take them to the bar and show them one of my favourite ways to train. . Go check these guys out, this is their side project while they're at uni but they're already doing big things- I'm excited for their future! 🙌🏼 . #foodandlycra #jrelzmedia #strengthtraining #bodyweighttraining #calisthenics #calisthenicsgirls #whstrong #stopexercisingstarttraining #traintuesday

A post shared by Kim Ngo #FoodandLycra 🇬🇧🇻🇳 (@kimmayco) on Sep 26, 2017 at 12:05pm PDT

3. Chessie King

This fitness blogger is all about body positivity. She empowers women to embrace their bodies and never tries to hide reality from her online presence! Her instagram vs reality posts are honest and inspiring, plus her motivation is off the chart. Follow her stories and videos to catch sweaty intense workouts that will make you GLOW afterwards.

 

Oh how deceiving an angle & a high waisted number can be... 💁🏼‍♀️ It’s not about looking perfect in your bikini, it’s about feeling confident in it when your sitting down, standing up, having a little wiggle, having a little jiggle. I used to be so embarrassed of my body when I sat down, I would grab something to cover up my tummy & my legs. But as I’ve grown up I’ve become so much more comfortable & nonchalant about it. I still have moments where I have to give myself a lil pep talk. The more photos you see like the right, the more normal it becomes ❤️🧡💛 I’m giving YOU the permission to become bestfriends with your body. We’ve got this 💃🏼🕺🏼

A post shared by C H E S S I E K I N G (@chessiekingg) on Jun 5, 2018 at 12:42pm PDT

 

ME NOW 🙋🏼‍♀️ || ME NEVER 💁🏼‍♀️ No matter how hard I workout, how well I eat, how much time I give to changing my body... I will never look like the right photo. It’s just unachievable for me & maybe some of you. It’s realistic for others but not for my body ❤️🧡💛 I’ve spent way too much time in my younger years wanting to look like someone else, but over the years I’ve realised that was wasted time, I just want to help you see you weren’t born to look like the girls you might comparing yourself to. - I’ve absolutely loved seeing your #dearbodythankyou posts & stories, it is so incredible reading them so please keep on sharing them. I love the quote “No one is you & that’s your superpower” 💜 So here’s to loving being YOU now, not wishing you‘re someone you’ll never be 💃🏼

A post shared by C H E S S I E K I N G (@chessiekingg) on Jun 12, 2018 at 12:35pm PDT

 

What you didn’t see in my last post... 💁🏼‍♀️ My tummy’s been like the right for the past few months. You don’t see it when I’m wearing high waisted thangs so I’m just showing you how it really is. I’m not going to lie, I thought I was pregnant (I’m not @mathewlcarter I promise!) but that’s ruled out... I haven’t stopped eating or moved into the gym for 24/7 sessions on the treadmill like I used to do 🙅🏼‍♀️ I’ve just been super accepting of it, it’s my body & if that’s what it wants to do, I’ll let it. There are so many other things going on in my life that are way more important than worrying about my tummy not being flat. Who else feels a bit puffy but isn’t wasting time being sad about it? ❤️🧡💛

A post shared by C H E S S I E K I N G (@chessiekingg) on Jun 19, 2018 at 1:00pm PDT

4. Raeesa Solwa

Raeesa knows her stuff! With Spots Science and Biokinetics qualifications under her belt, she share running tips, workout vids, and debunks fitness myths for pregnancy. She continues to workout throughout her pregnancy and shares all her thoughts and knowledge. Have a scroll through and get the lowdown on pregnancy fitness. 

 

ACTIVE FOR 2💦 Not long ago, pregnancy was a time to put up your feet and not lace up your running shoes. But these days, a lot of women are benefiting from staying active during pregnancy. Running and brisk walking gives me the time and headspace to reconnect with my body and process the physical changes that take place during pregnancy. Whether you walk, run, go to the gym or practice pilates/yoga, knowing that you have helped give your baby a healthy start in life is the biggest high of all. #pregnancyshoot #preggyactive #pregnancyfitness #fitpregnancy #healthymotivation #motivation #30weeks #asicssfrontrunner #adidas #imoveme #momtobe 📷 @elanaschilz

A post shared by Raeesa Solwa Mehtar (@runitwithraeesa) on Mar 24, 2018 at 9:08am PDT

 

Pregnancy Myths🤰🤰🤰 Myth: if you weren't exercising before you fell pregnant, now is not the time to start. Reality: Pregnancy is the ideal time to start moving. If you are inactive, it can cause weight gain, high BP, and high risk for gestational diabetes. If you have no prenatal medical conditions walking for 30 mins a day is ideal. Myth: strength training during pregnancy can cause injury. Reality: Strength training helps with stability. A proper planned program will help decrease aches and pains and keep posture in alignment provided you work with a trainer who can help you with technique and progress you appropriately. Myth: running is unsafe in pregnancy. Reality: Your baby is safe swimming around in its amniotic fluid while you take a jog provided you were a runner before you fell pregnant. Eventually discomfort will force you to switch to lower impact activities. Myth: you shouldn't work your abs. Reality: True, women should not do any ab exercises lying on their backs. It can cause dizziness or nausea. However, there are many other core exercises that can be adapted to suit you.

A post shared by Raeesa Solwa Mehtar (@runitwithraeesa) on Feb 3, 2018 at 2:30am PST

 

Challenge yourself to work harder than you were yesterday. Run a little further, cut out more junk food or push one more rep at the gym. The person you want to become doesn't happen overnight, that person is forged brick by brick over weeks and months. The only person you should compare yourself to, is the person you were yesterday and as long as you can look back and see improvements, you should learn to love yourself. If you continuously become better in some way, then that is progress. Don't strive for perfection but improvement and through daily improvements and consistency we can be happy with the body we have.

A post shared by Raeesa Solwa Mehtar (@runitwithraeesa) on Feb 5, 2018 at 11:51am PST

5. Laura - Mango & Bliss

Laura shares all things yum and strong - find delicious recipes to try and awesome dishes to drool over, and, body positivity that takes into account the importance of mental health. She also shares images that show the reality behind instagram, and also celebrates strong bodies. Size shouldn’t be measured by numbers, only by how good you feel inside and out. 

 

STRONG IS NOT A SIZE 🙅🏽‍♀️ Years and years of crash diets and HIIT workouts 6x a week before summer... is not strong (or clever). Stressing my body further, with PCOS, my mental and physical health were not in a good place. For me, lifting weights was the best I could do and I fell in LOVE with it straight away. . Ignoring the “you will look too bulkly” “too manly” - being strong is ignoring what others think and do what makes you happy. Being strong is deadlifting 70kg, but also going to work every day and deal with patients facing cancer. Being strong is holding a plank, but also battle with anxiety telling you you’re not good enough. Being strong is doing chin-ups, but also saying goodbye to your family every time you leave to London. Strong is not a size. Strong is whatever you want to be! ❤️ . When @bicepsandbronzer invited me to be part of this #StrongIsNotASize campaign it literally made my day. Humbled and honoured to share this with so many powerful strong women today!🙏🏻 @britishwl @womeninsport_uk . What does STRONG mean to you?

A post shared by Fitness | Lifestyle | Travel (@mangoandbliss) on Jun 7, 2018 at 12:28am PDT

 

Today I am THANKING MY BODY. For breathing. For keeping me alive. For treating me so well. Even though I feel frustrated with this hip flexor and oblique mild injury - Is not my body’s fault. Every day our body works nonstop to fight all the stress, injuries, external threats that we put her through. And it’s doing the damn best it can! So I chose LOVE instead of HATE. I have been resting, walking, stretching and I have 3 days in a row of yoga coming🧘🏽‍♀️ **Check stories if you want to join me! 🙋🏽‍♀️** . Now I dare you to thank your body today - what are you thanking her/him for? ❤️

A post shared by Fitness | Lifestyle | Travel (@mangoandbliss) on Jun 20, 2018 at 12:10pm PDT

 

The photo on the left was taken this morning at 7:05am. The photo on the right at 7:06am. . So, in my opinion, peoples le just need to mind their own business what do you think?😎 . You’re too skinny. You should eat more. You’re getting too bulky. You should eat less. Go to the gym. Don’t lift weights. Are you eating all that pasta? Why do you workout so much? Why do you rest so much? . Whatever you do, there is always someone with an opinion about whatever you’re doing. And is not all about aesthetics - what about: How do you feel? How is your mental health now? How does being strong makes you feel? How is your PCOS symptoms? How confident are you? . So start doing things for you and not to please others, do what makes you happy, and not what you think will make others happy. Care more about what you think about yourself. No one knows what’s best for you, but YOU ❤️

A post shared by Fitness | Lifestyle | Travel (@mangoandbliss) on May 30, 2018 at 11:46am PDT

We hope we’ve introduced some great new people to your Instagram! Stay motivated, be inspired and take care of yourself. Those are the lessons for the day.