Some people really love working out. Others — not so much. One of the biggest turn-offs and challenges to keeping a consistent workout schedule is finding a trainer who can motivate you to do your best without making you feel worse than you did before you started.
For some, being yelled at is exactly what they need to keep motivated, push harder, and try going further than what they thought was possible. But for others, it’s a death sentence. Working out is supposed to release endorphins and create an almost drug-like quality that makes you want to come back for more every day. But mix that in with a mental battle for your own self-esteem, and you may never hit the gym again. But thankfully, there are a plethora of online fitness instructors to fit everyone’s personal training needs.
We’ve all heard of a doctor’s bedside manner before, right? Well, these online trainers have a ‘gym-side manner’ that aims to inspire and motivate their clients, without causing mental stress or embarrassment. They meet you at your level and cheer you on. Plus, they’re accessible online for everyone, anytime.
The next time you need a good workout, but are looking for a certified trainer who is inspiring, motivating, and doesn’t leave you feeling like a failure by the end of it, check out these inspiring women instead.
Jen Widerstrom
Jen Widerstrom rose to popularity as one of the trainers on The Biggest Loser. She quickly endeared herself to everyone who has ever had a dream of changing their lifestyle to be healthier with her positive attitude and encouragement throughout the entire process.
Widerstrom’s Instagram is a treasure trove of workouts and inspiration. Recently, she broke her foot and has been giving a lot of tips for dealing with injuries. But what we love the most about her is her carb-cycle lifestyle. It’s not a diet. It’s a lifestyle that teaches you how to eat healthier, but to also enjoy foods that most trainers frown upon. Because, she says, you only live once.
Katie Crewe
For all of the mothers out there, Katie Crewe is just the reality dose we needed. Before having her first daughter in September, we loved Katie’s videos because they were filled with real talk, body positivity, workout inspiration, and form tips to correct the most common mistakes you see at the gym. Now, post Baby Amelia, we love how honest and open she is about her changing body. Plus, her funny sense of humor brings smiles to our faces and reminds us that we are just as beautiful pre-kids as we are now post-kids.
Jen Esquer
You could spend hours looking at Jen Esquer do amazing acro stunts and moves, because they are feats of human capabilities. But you can also follow her tips and tricks for modern problems like “text neck trap,” “rounded shoulders,” and pretty much any focused area of pain. We love her can-do attitude and real-life applications for her work. She is a self-proclaimed ‘mover,’ Pilates instructor, physical therapist, and creator of the Mobility Method. She loves to urge her viewers to take their own fitness goals in their hands, not talk themselves out of a goal they think is unattainable, and to ultimately be grateful for the bodies they are given.
Lauren Leavell
Lauren Leavell makes a mark in the fitness world that has been missing for a long time. As a “black, body-positive, female trainer in an industry that is thin and white,” Leavell has been the champion for women everywhere who don’t feel they fit into the stereotypical mold and are trepidatious about setting foot in a gym.
Her upbeat and positive classes, anti-diet stance, inclusivity, and body-positive messages are being heard loud and clear and bringing people back with smiles on their faces. She is a certified HIIT and Barre instructor and uses her platform to inspire anyone and everyone towards their personal fitness goals. We can’t say enough great things about her.
Jeanette Jenkins
Jeanette Jenkins is The Hollywood Trainer. She trains superstars like Alicia Keys, Amber Rose, and oh yeah, remember that Pink aerial stunt that completely shocked and awed the audience at the 2017 AMAs? Yeah. That was Jenkins. She has over 18 international certifications in training and fitness to back up her A-list clientele, but she is also everyone’s number one cheerleader. She will cheer you on whether you do three workouts a day or you just barely made it to your mat this morning. Her Instagram feed is full of great tips for getting a quick and targeted workout in. She also posts motivational quotes that will keep you inspired on your fitness journey, allow yourself some grace, and motivate you to get back up again.
Kira Stokes
Kira Stokes is another celebrity trainer, most popularly Candace Cameron Bure and Ashley Graham‘s personal trainer. She is a never-ending well of knowledge and inspiration to work out anywhere. Literally. Anywhere. She posts great videos with zero equipment, and she trains all of her clients in her own method – ‘The Stoked Method’ – based on her numerous certifications and well, science. She is a huge fan of wellness and fitness and does not muck about with either. If you need a good, positive, and joyful kick in the pants to push you to try harder without you even realizing it, she is your girl.
