Photos: Instagram
Who are the top fitness influencers today? For The Barbell’s first annual list we looked at people who are consistently posting popular content related to weight-training. This eliminated some accounts with many millions of followers, especially “fitness models,” like Pamela Reif and Jen Selter, who, in our opinion, are more “model” than serious “fitness.” On the other hand, Arnold made our list, despite little current workout or diet content, because his Instagram feed is mostly bodybuilding photos and videos.
For The Barbell’s fitness influencer ranking, we totaled each influencer’s Instagram (IG) and YouTube (YT) followers.
These are the world’s 25 top fitness influencers.
25. MARTYN FORD
IG: 4.1 million, YT: 23k
6’8″ bodybuilder, actor
Check out: Tallest Bodybuilders Ever
24. JEFF NIPPARD
IG: 800k, YT: 3.4 million
bodybuilder, powerlifter, online trainer, known for his science-based videos
23. BIG RAMY
IG: 4.3 million, YT: no account
(real name: Mamdouh Elssbiay), pro bodybuilder, 2-time (2020-21) and current Mr. Olympia
Check out: 5 Things to know about Big Ramy
22. KRISSY CELA
IG: 3 million, YT: 1.4 million
fitness model, online trainer
21. SADIK HADZOVIK
IG: 4 million, YT: 360k
pro bodybuilder (men’s physique and classic physique), fitness model, online trainer
20. HAFBOR BJORNSSON
IG: 4.1 million, YT: 630K
6’9″ strongman, 2018 World’s Strongest Man, “The Mountain” on Game of Thrones
19. JAY CUTLER
IG: 4.4 million, YT: 570k
bodybuilding legend, 4-time Mr. Olympia (2006-07, 2009-10)
To learn about Cutler’s training, check out: Volume Training Guide
18. WHITNEY SIMMONS
IG: 3.4 million, YT: 2.1 million
fitness model, online trainer
17. JEFF SEID
IG: 4.3 million, YT: 1.3 million
fitness model, bodybuilder, achieved Instagram fame as a teen
16. SERGI CONSTANCE
IG: 5.5 million, YT: 630k
bodybuilder, online trainer
15. LARRY WHEELS
IG: 3.7 million, YT: 2.5 million
(real name: Larry Williams) strongman, bodybuilder, known for his social media strength feats
14. LAZAR ANGELOV
IG: 6.1 million, YT: 700k
fitness model, online trainer
13. RONNIE COLEMAN
IG: 5.3 million, YT: 1.5 million
bodybuilding legend, 8-time Mr. Olympia (1998-2005)
Check out: How Strong was Ronnie Coleman?
12. BRADLEY MARTYN
IG: 4.1 million, YT: 3 million
bodybuilder, known for his social media strength feats
11. JOE WICKS
IG: 4.5 million, YT: 2.8 million
known as “The Body Coach,” online trainer, author
10. ANDREI DEIU
IG: 5.8 million, YT: 1 million
pro bodybuilder (men’s physique), online coach
9. EVA ANDRESSA
IG: 6.2 million, YT: 48k
fitness model
8. KAI GREENE
IG: 7.3 million, YT: 560k
bodybuilding legend, 2nd place in Mr. Olympia three times (2012-14)
Check out: Kai Greene’s Top 10 Training Tips
7. ULISSES JR.
IG: 8.8 million, YT: 610k
(real name: Ulisses Williams, Jr.) bodybuilder, fitness model
6. SIMEON PANDA
IG: 8.2 million, YT: 2.7 million
bodybuilder, fitness model, online trainer
5. CHRIS BUMSTEAD
IG: 10.6 million, YT: 2.3 million
pro bodybuilder, 3-time (2019-21) and current Classic Physique Mr. Olympia
Check out: Chris Bumstead’s Diet and Chris Bumstead Motivational Quotes
4. MICHELLE LEWIN
IG: 15 million, YT: 410k
fitness model, online trainer
3. KAYLA ITSINES
IG: 15.1 million, YT: 410k
fitness model, online trainer
2. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
IG: 22.5 million, YT: 1.3 million
bodybuilding legend, 7-time Mr. Olympia (1970-75, ’80), actor, former politician
Check out: How Strong was Arnold?
1. DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON
IG: 340 million, YT: 6.2 million
actor, former pro wrestler
Check out: The Rock’s 5 Unique Exercises and The Rock Motivational Quotes
