Every week it seems, there is a new “it” person in the health and wellness industry. There is always a new workout to try, diet to follow, or cleanse to attempt. These trainers, wellness coaches, and doctors hail from every form of social media whether it’s television, Instagram, or radio. For those trying to get a jump-start on living healthier, all of this information can be a bit overwhelming. To make your job easier, we’ve chosen 10 of the most influential names in health and wellness from a variety of backgrounds to get you started.
Kayla Itsines- Instagram Fitness Queen
When it comes to Instagram fame, Kayla Itsines can’t be beat. Itsines delivers weekly coaching tips, quick workouts, menus that include options for vegans and vegetarians, as well as complete weekly shopping lists through her website. On her Instagram she currently has more than 5 million followers, making her the fitness queen of the largest female fitness community in the world.
Ronda Rousey- MMA Fighter
Including this woman on the list may come as no surprise to most. Rousey was the most searched athlete of 2015 and the fifth most popular Google search overall. When taking a break from fighting she’s been featured in Sport’s Illustrated and in two blockbuster films. In addition to being a fierce fighter in the ring, this MMA star is taking on anyone who decides to “fat-shame” others, and is working to change the narrow mindedness of Hollywood’s definition of beauty by proving that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
Jamie Oliver- Celebrity Chef That Gives Back
Jamie Oliver is not a new name to the gastronomy world but he is quickly making a name for himself in the health and wellness industry. In 2002, Oliver started a foundation to teach kids about healthy eating in order to combat obesity and instill in them healthy life habits. Not only does he have his foundation but he also has published several cookbooks, hosted TV shows, opened restaurants and even appeared in front of the House of Commons last September to lobby a tax on sugar in the UK.
Khloé Kardashian – Reality Star Fitness Diva
There are many who would not agree that the Kardashian sister should be included on this list but this last year Khloé has really gotten into health and fitness even writing a book called Strong Looks Better Naked. With 38 million followers on Instagram, Khloé shares not only photos of her new body but also clips of her workouts, and inspiration to those trying to get healthy as well. Most importantly, the youngest Kardashian is focused on starting an open and honest conversation about using fitness to cope with emotional hardships.
Rich Roll – The Inspiration
Not too long ago, this ultimate fitness inspiration was in his mid-40’s, obese and sedentary when he decided to give his a life a makeover. He is now vegan, and one of the greatest ultra marathoners in the world. In addition to two popular books, he has a blog and podcast, which has received more than 7 million downloads. Through his media outlets, Roll shares his first hand experience on his amazing transformation.
Mary Helen Bowers – Ballerina Workouts
Her name may not be one of the most well known in the health and wellness industry but her workouts are becoming favorites among models like Lily Aldridge and Gigi Hadid. Bringing dance and fitness together seamlessly, it is no wonder her methods are becoming increasingly popular. After being Natalie Portman’s trainer in Black Swan, Bowers now shares her techniques with the rest of us through live streaming classes, custom workouts, as well as a variety of books and DVD’s.
Tony Horton – P90X King
Even if you haven’t heard his name before, it’s almost guaranteed you’ve heard of his program. P90X creator Tony Horton has been involved in the fitness scene for 25 years but finally made it big a short while ago with P90X. He’s now making improvements and variations on the original program to fit everyone’s lifestyles. While the intense workouts may not be for everyone, the no schedule, no gym aspect of his routines have many coming back for more.
Darya Rose – Food Blogger with a Ph.D.
A few years back, Rose was a chronic dieter. She like many other people experienced problems with yo-yo dieting and keeping the weight off. Eventually getting a Ph.D. in neuroscience, she discovered that the answers to her problems didn’t lie in surgery or some magic drug but it was with food itself. She started a blog where she shares recipes and practical advice for the everyday person where she emphasizes healthy lifestyles over dieting. She also came out with a book on the topic.
Adam Bornstein – Health Guru
Bornstein has done it all. Formerly the editorial director at LIVESTRONG.COM, fitness editor at Men’s Health, and the author of six books, Adam is still working hard. With an ultimate goal of sifting through the immense amounts of information available today, he provides reliable and a no-nonsense synopsis on all of the latest fads, workouts, and other information out there all while supporting his clients to transform their bodies in a healthy way.
Jon Kabat-Zinn – The Mindful One
According to The Wall Street Journal Kabat-Zinn has been called the “godfather of the mindfulness movement in the West.” Founding a center at UMass Medical School, he’s been a major player in bringing mindfulness in medicine into the spotlight. His teachings focus on mindfulness and mindfulness based stress reduction where is can be found lecturing in locations around the world. While he may not be a fitness expert, Kabat-Zinn makes the list for emphasizing that emotional health is an extremely important factor in wellness.
