Achieving online fame is a really common dream today. However, as the competition grows with more people aiming to make a living creating content, grabbing the attention of even a small group of followers has become tougher than ever.

Still, some fitness influencers have found a way to stand out from the crowd and be the go-to resource for millions of people all over the world.

This isn’t new, though. Fitness influencers have been around for a while, starting with blogs and forums before social media took over. Back then, a few fitness magazines and DVDs were all you had.

Fast forward to today, the fitness industry has grown in ways it’s hard to wrap your head around.  It’s moved from simple workout plans and follow-along cardio routines to full lifestyle empires that cover everything from meal prep to mental health.

Fitness influencers are no longer just people who work out; they’re coaches, entrepreneurs, scientists, fashion gurus, professional athletes, and your biggest inspiration all in one.

Let’s take a closer look at 18 fitness influencers making their mark in 2024.

YouTube

1. Jeff Nippard (@JeffNippard): 4.41M subscribers

Jeff Nippard is a highly respected figure in the fitness industry, known for his evidence-based approach to natural bodybuilding, strength training, and nutrition.

Nippard is best known for his YouTube channel, where he shares in-depth videos on various aspects of fitness and bodybuilding. These videos often feature literature reviews, expert interviews, and detailed explanations of complex topics, making scientific research accessible to a general audience.

Nippard has also developed several training programs and nutrition guides, as well as a macro tracker and nutrition coaching app called MacroFactor.

2. Chloe Ting (@ChloeTing): 25.1M subscribers

Chloe Ting is a fitness influencer known for her approachable workout programs that have garnered a vast global following.

During COVID-19, Ting gained significant popularity through her YouTube channel, particularly with her “Two Weeks Shred Challenge.” Her most popular video, “Get Abs in 2 WEEKS | Abs Workout Challenge,” has attracted over 538 million views since its release four years ago.

Her success lies in her ability to simplify fitness routines, making them approachable for beginners and those with busy schedules. Chloe Ting emphasizes a balanced approach to health and wellness, encouraging consistency and self-care.

3. Jesse James West (@JesseJamesWest): 3.98M subscribers

Jesse James West is a rising star in the fitness and social media world, known for his engaging content that combines humor, lifestyle, and rigorous workout routines. His content primarily targets a younger audience, offering a fresh and entertaining perspective on fitness and health.

A hallmark of Jesse’s content is his ability to infuse humor and relatability into the fitness content, making the pursuit of health and wellness seem more attainable and enjoyable for his followers. He often experiments with trendy fitness and dietary challenges, providing his audience with insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how to navigate the vast world of fitness with a positive attitude.

4. Sam Sulek (@sam_sulek): 3.26M subscribers

Sam Sulek has (really) quickly become a standout figure in the fitness industry, captivating millions with his unique approach to content creation and fitness. What sets Sam apart is not just his impressive physique and intense workout routines (what he proudly calls “ego-lifting”) but also his approachable personality and distinctive video format.

In a landscape often dominated by high-production videos, Sam’s content stands out for its simplicity and authenticity. His videos typically feature Sam talking directly to the camera, sharing his thoughts and plans as he drives to the gym before diving into his workout session.

In just one year of posting on YouTube, Sam Sulek has amassed an impressive following of 3.26 million subscribers, a testament to his influence and popularity in the fitness community. His success highlights a shift in audience preferences toward content that feels more genuine and personal, without the need for elaborate production.

5. Will Tennyson (@WillTennyson): 2.51M subscribers

Will Tennyson has carved out a unique niche in the fitness world, blending his passion for fitness with a genuine, light-hearted approach to health and wellness.

Known for his playful personality, iconic one-liners, and engaging content on YouTube, Will has garnered a substantial following by sharing his fitness journey, workout routines, nutritional advice, and entertainment videos, like “I Spent 24 Hours in The World’s Most Realistic Fat Suit”.

Recently, Will expanded his influence beyond digital content by launching a Be Good Bakery. As someone with a well-known sweet tooth, Will’s Be Good Bakery offers a delicious twist on traditional fitness foods with their signature product, “hole-somes” protein donut holes.

This venture is a natural extension of Will’s brand, which has always been about making fitness accessible, enjoyable, and integrated into a well-rounded lifestyle.

6. Renaissance Periodization (@RenaissancePeriodization): 1.5M subscribers

Renaissance Periodization (RP), founded by Dr. Mike Israetel, Nick Shaw, and Dr. James Hoffmann, is a fitness and nutrition company that has significantly impacted the way athletes and fitness enthusiasts approach their training and diet.

What sets Renaissance Periodization apart is their commitment to evidence-based methodology, ensuring that their recommendations are grounded in scientific research and practical experience.

Their contribution to the fitness industry is widely recognized for demystifying complex training and nutrition concepts, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Also, Dr. Mike’s offbeat sense of humor makes their educational videos really entertaining to watch, making their follower count skyrocket in the last year.

TikTok

1. Leanbeefpatty (@leanbeefpatty): 8.1M followers

Leanbeefpatty, known off social media as Patty, is a notable figure within the fitness and bodybuilding community on TikTok and Instagram (6M followers).

She gained prominence for her impressive physique, particularly her muscular build, which she has achieved through dedicated strength training and bodybuilding techniques.

What sets Leanbeefpatty apart in the fitness social media sphere is her commitment to promoting strength and empowerment, particularly among women. She challenges traditional norms regarding femininity and strength, showcasing that muscle and power are both attainable and desirable for women.

Beyond just sharing workout videos, Leanbeefpatty engages with her followers by providing tips on nutrition, recovery, and the mental aspects of fitness. Her approachable demeanor, combined with her expertise in bodybuilding and meme-filled editing style, makes her content both educational and entertaining.

2. Demi Bagby (@demibagby): 14.2M followers

Demi Bagby is an American CrossFit athlete, bodybuilder, and social media influencer known for her remarkable strength, agility, and inspirational backstory. Bagby’s journey into the world of fitness took a dramatic turn following a cheerleading accident in 2014 that left her with a severe back injury.

Facing the possibility of never walking again, Bagby’s resilience and determination fueled her recovery, and she emerged more committed than ever to pursuing a life of physical fitness and adventure.

Bagby’s foray into CrossFit marked the beginning of her rise in the fitness community. Her dedication to the sport, combined with her involvement in other physical disciplines like calisthenics, parkour, and bodybuilding, showcased her versatile athletic ability and sheer willpower.

Her content often features her engaging in extreme workouts, acrobatics, and adventure sports, embodying a spirit of fearlessness and boundless energy. Beyond her athletic prowess, Demi is celebrated for her motivational message, encouraging others to overcome adversity and pursue their passions relentlessly.

3. James Smith (@jamessmithpt): 1.8M followers

James Smith is a prominent figure in the online fitness community, celebrated for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach to fitness and nutrition.

Smith has built a considerable following by demystifying complex fitness concepts and challenging the industry’s pervasive myths and misconceptions.

He is well-known for his no-BS videos about the realities of fitness and weight loss, emphasizing the importance of understanding the basics of calorie balance, strength training, and consistency over perfection.

Beyond his social media presence, James Smith has extended his influence through various channels, including online coaching services and educational seminars. He has also written a few books where he delves deeper into his fitness philosophy.

4. Ulisses Jr. (@ulissesworld): 3M followers

Ulisses Jr., known as UlissesWorld, is a highly celebrated bodybuilder and fitness influencer renowned for his sculpted physique, exceptional muscle definition, and dedication to the sport of bodybuilding. Born in 1976, Ulisses Jr. embarked on his fitness journey at a young age, quickly developing a passion for bodybuilding that would shape his career and life.

With a career spanning over two decades, Ulisses Jr. has achieved numerous accolades in the world of natural bodybuilding, earning titles in various competitions around the globe.

Ulisses Jr. is known for his holistic approach to fitness, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet, rigorous training, and a positive mindset in achieving physical excellence. His programs and workout plans often incorporate a mix of strength training, hypertrophy, and conditioning work, tailored to help individuals at different fitness levels achieve their personal goals.

5. Antonie Lokhorst (@antonielokhorst): 4.1M followers

Antonie Lokhorst is a fitness influencer and social media personality known for his dedication to fitness, particularly within the realm of calisthenics and bodybuilding.

He showcases impressive feats of strength and agility, such as handstands, muscle-ups, and advanced bodyweight exercises, inspiring his audience to explore the potential of calisthenics in their own fitness journeys.

Beyond his calisthenics prowess, Antonie also delves into traditional bodybuilding and fitness training, offering a well-rounded perspective on health and wellness. His approachable style and the transparency of his fitness journey resonate with a broad audience, ranging from beginners to more experienced fitness enthusiasts.

6. Shiv Wilson (@wilsoncoaching): 1.1M followers

Shiv Wilson has made a notable impact as a social media personality and fitness instructor, blending her passion for fitness with her skills on the soccer field. With over 1 million followers on her TikTok account, Wilsoncoaching, Shiv has successfully cultivated a large audience eager for her straightforward weight loss routines and nutritional advice.

In addition, Shiv showcases her athletic prowess as a defender for Birmingham City, a role that underscores her dedication and versatility as an athlete. Her dual career as both a fitness influencer and professional soccer player uniquely positions her to inspire and motivate a broad spectrum of followers, from fitness enthusiasts to sports fans.

Shiv’s ability to merge her super entertaining personality with her professional expertise in fitness has endeared her to a wide audience. She is a great example of how passion, dedication, and a vibrant character can lead to success in multiple arenas, influencing and motivating people across the globe.

Instagram

1. Chris Bumstead (@cbum): 23.6M followers

If you’ve ever been on the fitness side of the Internet, you know that being a bodybuilding legend that he is, Chris doesn’t really need an introduction.

Best known for his remarkable achievements in the Classic Physique division of the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB), Bumstead rose to fame for his aesthetic physique, which perfectly embodies the ideals of the Classic Physique category: a harmonious blend of size, symmetry, and proportion.

Bumstead’s rise in the bodybuilding world was meteoric. He made his mark by winning the Mr. Olympia Classic Physique title multiple times, beginning in 2019 and securing his place as one of the top athletes in the sport.

Beyond his competitive successes, Chris Bumstead has become a significant influence in the fitness community, inspiring a new generation of bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. His social media platforms are filled with insights into his training routines, diet plans, and preparations for competitions, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a top bodybuilder. His approachable personality and willingness to share his knowledge have endeared him to a broad audience.

Chris is also recognized for his openness about the challenges and setbacks he has faced, including health issues, which adds a layer of relatability to his persona. Despite these obstacles, his ability to overcome and continue dominating in his sport has been motivational for many.

In addition to his competitive career, Bumstead has leveraged his popularity to launch fitness-related business ventures, including apparel and supplement lines, further cementing his presence in the industry.

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2. Krissy Cela (@krissycela): 3.3M followers

Krissy Cela is a renowned fitness influencer and entrepreneur who has become a prominent figure in the health and fitness industry. She began her fitness journey while studying for a law degree, aiming to find an outlet for stress relief.

Her commitment to fitness, coupled with her desire to inspire and empower women, led her to share her journey on social media platforms, notably Instagram and YouTube (2.4M subscribers).

Cela’s popularity stems from her relatable personality and approach to fitness, emphasizing sustainable lifestyle changes over quick fixes. She is well-known for her comprehensive workout programs that cater to a wide range of fitness levels, focusing on strength training, flexibility, and mental health.

In addition to her social media success, Krissy Cela is the founder of EvolveYou, a fitness app that offers personalized workout and nutrition plans for women, and Oneractive, a really popular fitness clothing brand for women.

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3. Sophie van Oostenbrugge (@gainsbybrains): 2.4M followers

Sophie Van Oostenbrugge, known widely on social media as Gains by Brains, has made a significant mark in the online fitness community with her evidence-based approach to training and nutrition.

Originally from the Netherlands, Sophie has garnered a substantial following on platforms like Instagram and YouTube (1.46M subscribers), where she shares insightful content ranging from detailed workout routines and nutritional guidance to tips on leading a balanced lifestyle.

As Gains by Brains, Sophie Van Oostenbrugge inspires her followers to pursue their fitness goals intelligently and sustainably, proving that knowledge is just as important as effort in the journey toward personal health and wellness.

She’s also the founder of the GAINSBYBRAINS fitness app.

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4. Simeon Panda (@simeonpanda): 8.1M followers

Simeon Panda is one of the most influential fitness professionals and bodybuilders in the world, renowned for his massive physique, incredible strength, and dedication to fitness. Born in 1986, Panda began his fitness journey at a young age and quickly made a name for himself in the bodybuilding community.

Simeon Panda has competed in various bodybuilding competitions and has consistently placed well, showcasing his impressive physique that epitomizes the blend of size, symmetry, and aesthetics.

Panda is particularly well-known for his social media presence, where he shares workout tips, nutrition advice, and motivational content with millions of followers. His YouTube channel (2.8M subscribers), Instagram account, and other social media platforms have become go-to sources for those interested in bodybuilding, fitness, and leading a healthy lifestyle.

Beyond social media and competitions, Simeon Panda has also ventured into entrepreneurship: He has his own line of fitness apparel and accessories, workout programs, and he frequently collaborates with fitness and nutrition brands.

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5. Kayla Itsines (@kayla_itsines): 15.9M followers

Kayla Itsines is an Australian personal trainer, author, and entrepreneur, best known for her workout programs and the Sweat with Kayla app. Itsines has built a global fitness empire, inspiring millions of women around the world to pursue their health and fitness goals.

Kayla’s journey began after graduating from the Australian Institute of Fitness, where she started working as a personal trainer. She quickly noticed a common theme among her clients: the desire for a more toned and fit bikini body.

In response, Itsines developed the Bikini Body Guides (BBG) program, a series of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, coupled with nutritional advice and guidance. The program gained massive popularity on social media, thanks partly to its accessibility and the visible results shared by its users.

The BBG program evolved into the Sweat with Kayla app, which became a top-grossing fitness app, providing users with workout plans, nutritional guides, and community support. The app was later rebranded to Sweat, expanding its offerings to include workouts from other trainers, catering to a variety of fitness preferences and goals.

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6. Squat University (@squat_university): 3.3M followers

Founded by physical therapist, strength and conditioning coach, and weightlifting enthusiast Dr. Aaron Horschig, Squat University is dedicated to teaching athletes of all levels how to improve their exercise technique, enhance overall performance, and reduce the risk of injury.

Topics covered range from proper squat mechanics and mobility exercises to strength training programs and rehabilitation techniques for common injuries. Squat University is particularly well-regarded for its detailed explanations and practical advice, making complex biomechanical concepts accessible to a broad audience.

Dr. Horschig emphasizes the importance of addressing foundational movement patterns before adding weight and complexity to exercises. This approach has resonated with many in the fitness community, from recreational athletes to competitive weightlifters and powerlifters.

Dr. Horschig’s contributions through Squat University have made it a go-to resource for fitness enthusiasts seeking to improve their strength training practices, rehabilitate injuries, and learn more about the science behind effective training.

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