New year, new mind and body
Instagram trainers and other fitness options.
If you’re guilty of aimlessly scrolling through multiple Instagram fitness accounts promising yourself that you’ll start your new “healthy routine” tomorrow, say aye.
Yeah, we’ve all been there. Finding the motivation to change your life around can be difficult for some of us couch potatoes, and for non-couch potatoes, trying to maintain that drive can become exhausting too – it’s just hard all around. So the next time you’re scrolling through Instagram either creeping on your ex’s best friend’s cousin’s stepsister’s page or looking for the latest celebrity tea, follow these six trainers for a boost of inspiration.
Massy Arias
How long she’s been training: Eight years Specialties: Full body (your mind included)
Forget about the workouts and her physique; Arias’ life journey is enough to encourage you and let you know that you can do anything you set your mind to. She’s not just going to get your body right but your mind as well.
“Many people think they have to have the perfect scenario, the perfect situation to reach their goals,” says Arias, who first started out hosting fitness classes at Central Park in New York where only one or two people would show up. She now has 2.5 million followers on Instagram and a whole community of Massy Arias Warriors.
As an Afro-Latina, Arias is dedicated to transforming her community’s health. She says the black community has the highest ratio of diabetes and hypertension and has some unhealthy habits. She wants to change that by changing the way we perceive fitness.
“I don’t believe in restrictions. I’m teaching you how to cook healthier. I’m teaching you how food can be medicine and it can be poison.”
When you follow Arias, you’re getting more than just a physical transformation; you’re going to change your life.
Gerald Washington
How long he’s been training: Eight years
Specialties: Women’s fitness, enhancing body shape, building glutes
A quick scan through Washington’s Instagram page will show you why you should hit that follow button – his clients are the ultimate body goals. And it’s no wonder once you see the type of workouts he puts them through.
His approach to fitness is realistic. “There’s no chance to lose anything with all the squats you’re doing,” Washington says. “There’s no downgrade; you’re always getting better by incorporating full-body movements, cardio, burpees, jump ropes – the more you get your body off the ground, the more you can burn more calories.”
He encourages followers to commit four weeks to a consistent regimen. Washington says that once you get over that 30-day hurdle, it will put you in the right mindset to continue.
Osamoje Imoohi
How long he’s been training: Seven years
Specialties: Fat loss and muscle building and toning
Michael B. Jordan’s trainer is his mentor. That’s not enough for a follow?
Imoohi first started working out at 14 years old with a group of friends in their garage when he was challenged to lift a weight. The weight overpowered him, and he was humiliated in front of his friends. He promised himself one thing:
“I’m never going to be the weakest person in the room,” Imoohi says.
Now, he’s a certified personal trainer who works with MusclePharm and has been featured in Bodybuilding.com and facilitated workouts with Nike.
“What’s more important is aside from the physical changes I can deliver for my clients, it’s also the mental transformation. I want to make sure that not only is your body healthy, I want the mind, body and spirit to be healthy.”
Ca’Shawn Sims
How long she’s been training: Four years
Specialties: Weight gain, weight loss and toning/building
Everyone say this with me: “booty goals.” Sims, who also goes by the name “The Booty Doctor,” will not only help you grow those glutes, but she’ll also make you feel beautiful and confident.
“I love helping empower people to love themselves in a society that constantly tells you you aren’t good enough,” Sims says.
She has one piece of advice for staying motivated: Fix your fitness goals on something other than just wanting a nice body. She says you’re more likely to stick to your goals if they’re related to something that’s not fleeting.
Austin Dotson
How long he’s been training: Three years Specialties: Core strength, weight loss and dynamic strength training How many people do you know with an eight-pack? It’s no wonder Dotson has trained aspiring NFL athletes, celebrities and regular degular shmegular people wanting to transform their lives.
“There is nothing that can’t be done. I preach positivity and having the right mindset,” he says. “Anything you want is possible if you put in the effort to get it. ... If my message gives just one of my followers the push or the drive they need to make a change or even turn their drive up a notch, then I feel I am doing my job.”
Adrianne Nina
How long she’s been training: Four years
Specialties: Core strength and glutes Warning: Before you head to Nina’s Instagram page, make sure you’ve cleared your schedule for the day. Her movements are so hypnotizing that you’ll probably be stuck watching her videos for a long minute, then thinking to yourself, “I can probably do that,” then trying it out in your living room before coming to the realization that you shouldn’t have done that, but wow this woman is strong.
Nina specializes in core strength through body awareness and controlled breathing and building stronger, fuller and more defined backsides, which work hand in hand. Since she’s an expert in body movement, you can expect to see a lot of creative, fun and unique exercises on her page.
Whether you choose to be her client or just follow on Instagram, you can rest assured you will feel inspired through her own self-discipline: “In order to hold someone accountable for their goals, I must hold myself to the same standard – or higher.”