All the “New Year, New You” BS started January 1, 2021 (if not before).
I’m calling it BS because you are already pretty dang great, and I don’t want a new one. And so often this sentiment is tied to the negativity surrounding food and body image, and, well, BAH HUMBUG to that ish.
BUUUUT if you are truly wanting to start working on some changes to make your life a bit healthier, a bit fitter, here are my top 10 favorite fitness accounts on Instagram.
@trainwithjoan
I love Joan MacDonald. At age 70 she decided to take control of her health and has done so tremendously with the help of her pro bodybuilder daughter Michelle MacDonald. Joan’s account has motivation, positivity, encouragement, and a few tips and tricks… which are really just healthy recipes and hard work.
@yourhealthyhedonista
Joan’s daughter Michelle MacDonald just won the WBFF 2020 Diva Fitness International title this year at age 50. She drops tips here and there but it is truly inspiring to see just how much work goes into obtaining a title like that, and how drastically different my life is from hers. It encourages me to give myself from grace, but also to keep working toward goals totally unrelated to bodybuilding or fitness.
@trainerkelli
Kelli Bettridge is a favorite account to find quick workouts that pack a huge punch. She also posts recipes and reviews of products. She is a mother to a 1-year-old so I find her super relatable. ALSO, her videos are silent. Bless her. No yelling, no grunting, just a video showing you what to do. And not a live one either. One you can just swipe across to if you don’t understand the written workout.
@fleurish_health
Lacie Jo Lafleur is an RN and health coach who I have personally worked with. Her feed is filled with encouragement and success stories, recipes, and real-life. She is a mother of two so, again, she is super relatable in this balance of womanhood and motherhood.
@hphi.life
Tyler Lafleur is married to Lacie Jo and is an RN and functional medicine specialist. While I haven’t worked with Tyler directly, his insights into the workings of the human body and advocacy for personalized health plans are a different approach to so many wellness accounts you see. Neither he nor Lacie Jo is peddling one single solution to everyone they work with. They truly look at individual needs and develop plans accordingly. His account is the no-nonsense truth bombs that hurt so good.
@yvettequantzrd
Yvette Quantz is a local registered dietician who I am lucky to call a friend. Her whole-body approach to health and wellness has helped me to develop a much healthier relationship with food. Her perspective takes away food’s manipulative power and sends it right back to your mental well-being. She is wise and lovely and wonderful.
@theguthealthmd
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz spills his insight into the importance of plant diversity to gut health. His posts about poop are ALWAYS my favorite because it’s something no one talks about but can be an easy health indicator to follow. I know I’m gross. But you know you wanna go check it out.
@fitniche_lft
This is a cool account. A group of friends wanted to celebrate the life of one of their buddies who lost his life to suicide. They decided to be #BetterTogether and start a once-weekly meet-up to workout together in his honor. This has grown to two sessions/week, one early sunrise workout, and one later on a Saturday morning. All sessions are free of charge and are great ways to move your body.
@circleupfitness
My boo Kristen Gary founded this local community-based fitness group. She has converted most of their classes to virtual. They also post fun challenges to participate in for additional accountability and encouragement.
@hitfitnessandproshop
This is my gym home. It’s my favorite workout in town. You work hard for 45 minutes, then you are done. Their pro shop also carries Lululemon and On Cloud. The founders H.J. and Leah Adams are such good people and often participate in events that give back to the community. The fitness community they have created there is inclusive and encouraging.
