8 Instagram Mamas to Follow for Big Time Fitspo

Instagram is a great place to find fitness inspiration. Of course there’s a lot of people showing off their bodies, meal plans and how much they can lift, but there’s also a lot of valuable fitness tips and advice. 

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Particularly, there’s so many mamas that are trainers, athletes and influencers who share the good, the bad and the ugly of balancing health and motherhood. Staying on top of your fitness can be even more challenging as a mom, but of course anything is possible.

Check out these Instagram mamas for some serious fitness inspiration:

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Shining bright with my little star. @fabletics Bringing it with the bright prints and supportive bras for all the summer workouts we are about to do outside. This is one of my favorite collections and I’m obsessed with the colors. Tribe check my story to check out some of my favorite pieces. I’m wearing the Mila capris with pockets and the high support Ella bra. I wear a xs bottom and small top. #fableticsambassador www.fabletics.com/massyarias _________________________________________________ Brillando con mi estrellita. Ya llego el 1rp de julio y este mes verán muchos atuendos de Fabletics con colores neones y sostenes de alto soporte para todos los entrenamientos que haremos este verano. Miren mi historia para ver mis piezas favoritas. A ponerle el tono a la semana, dale mi tribu que hoy es Lunes!

A post shared by WWW.MASSYARIAS.COM (@massy.arias) on Jul 1, 2019 at 9:09am PDT

Massy Arias (@massy.arias)

Personal trainer, model and mom to daughter Indi, Massy Arias keeps it all the way real on the lengths she is willing to go to prioritize fitness into her crazy busy life. On her Instagram, she’ll even feature workouts that incorporate her baby girl whenever Indi needs to tag along to the gym.  

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This is how I trained #prepregnancy!! I trained legs (like in this video) once a week. I would also include some leg exercises in my full body sessions but mostly body weight only! This session would be one of 3 – 4 per week, plus 6 cardio sessions ( aka me walking on a treadmill watching tv shows on my phone 😂). Pre-pregnancy I was following my #bbgstronger program! Post-pregnancy I will be working my way SLOWLY back into this style of training. I am seriously in NO rush. My focus will be on listening to my body and taking it one day at a time. www.kaylaitsines.com/app

A post shared by KAYLA ITSINES (@kayla_itsines) on May 31, 2019 at 4:43am PDT

Kayla Itsines (@kayla_itsines)

Kayla Itsines is known as a personal trainer, co-creator of the Bikini Body Guides (BBG) and the Sweat with Kayla workout app. Itsines recently had beautiful baby girl Arna with her partner Tobi Pearce. Her most recent posts have focused on postpartum recovery and building back up strength while also relearning to listen to the needs of her body. 

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A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Oct 26, 2018 at 7:29am PDT

Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)

Serena Williams is the world’s greatest athlete and mom to Olympia, so of course she’s on this list. It’s no secret that Williams works extra hard to stay on top of her tennis game. While her Instagram is not workout focused, it’s still nice to take a peek into her life and dream. 

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Real friends have your back @jvn 👫🌈💪🏻 swipe for a surprise 💞 📷 @johnnysibilly

A post shared by T E S S H🍒L L I D A Y (@tessholliday) on May 19, 2019 at 2:34pm PDT

Tess Holliday (@tessholliday)

Model Tess Holliday has made it her mission to challenge standard ideas of beauty. Founder of the body positive movement #effyourbeautystandards, Holliday encourages women to embrace their body as it is. In addition to glamorous photos, Holliday’s Instagram features workouts with her trainer (Massy Arias) and photos of her son, Bowie. 

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@enews @botchedtv oh my God time has flown I can’t believe I’m a partial paraplegic now and I used to be a full-time fitness model but now I’m happier than ever because I’m disabled fitness model and I can inspire anyone who wants to be inspired! #neverstopexploring #weaknot #squadgoals #strongwomen #independentwoman #wifey #nevergiveup #beautifulgirl #believeinyourself #botched #drdubrow #disabled #partialparalysis #idontquit #spinalcordinjury

A post shared by MeganNicole Torio (@meganfitness) on Dec 22, 2017 at 11:40pm PST

Megan Torio (@meganfitness)

Mom and aspiring fitness model Megan Torio’s story is truly one of immense inspiration. In 2010, Torio was thrown from a moving truck by her ex, and suffered very serious injuries. Doctors told Torio she would never walk again as a paraplegic, but she’s beat the odds. Her Instagram is full of workout inspiration while she continues on her journey to becoming a fitness model. Torio also beat the odds when she gave birth to her baby girl last year right before Christmas.  

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Today’s Legs & Butt workout run by the cutest little PT Mia! 😍 Don’t forget the stretches Mia at the end! – I think the last one is for biceps or chest maybe? Not sure exactly but it’s Mia session so I’ll just do what she says! 🤣 Whenever Mia thinks I’m slacking off she pours water on my head (as seen while doing the single leg glute bridge) 💦😝 She does allow for a quick drink break so I can guzzle down my @womensbest aminos though! 🙌🏼💕 Declan has been away so it’s just us 2 at the moment & it’s impossible to workout without her being somehow involved. We both have fun so it’s completely fine by me! ☺️🙌🏼 . Complete 30 seconds of each of the following exercises: . 1. Air squat . 2. Plank leg lift . 3. Reverse lunge knee lift (15 secs each leg) . 4. Single leg glute bridge (15 secs each leg) . Aim for no rest in-between exercises – Rest for 30 seconds at the end of each round. Complete 6-10 rounds of this circuit (depending on fitness level). . . #womensbest #emilyskye #15monthsold #fitfam #workout #bootyworkout

A post shared by ᗴᗰIᒪY ᔕKYᗴ | 𝘍𝘪𝘵𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌 + 𝖧𝖾𝖺𝗅𝗍𝗁 (@emilyskyefit) on Apr 14, 2019 at 7:37am PDT

Emily Skye (@emilyskyefit)

If you are looking for an extra dose of cuteness, turn to Emily Skye’s Instagram account. In addition to short clips featuring workouts that can be purchased through her FIT program, Skye often shares pictures of her and baby girl Mia in adorable matching outfits. Even more important though, Skye is realistic about the hard work that goes into finding balance. 

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TGIF everyone !!! I hope you all felt extra special yesterday and perhaps it’s extending into this weekend!!! 💙⠀ ⠀ I’ll be a little MIA for the next few days. So much to do so I want to stay very focused on lots of new things (and you know i love to read and respond to your comments) so here’s an AMAZING core workout to last you a few days!! 🔥🤭⠀ ⠀ Perform each clip for 30 second intervals and 15 seconds rest. If you’re experienced, you can knock out 30 second intervals with minimal rest breaks until you complete one entire round. ✋🏼 rounds!! ⠀ You can omit the Bosu Ball in the first clip if necessary but it was more fun and added extra bounce so hey why not! ⠀ ⠀ Enjoy your weekend, friends !! ⠀ ⠀ Outfit is by @ptulaactive. Next stop ARNOLD EXPO in Columbus Ohio 3/1-3/3 😎💙 Ptula Booth is #1759 !! More details coming veryyy soon!!! #abs #abvideos #core #corework #gymmotivation #fitnessmotivation #ptulaactive #ptulalove #homeworkout #homeexercises

A post shared by Sami B (@leanmachine21) on Feb 15, 2019 at 5:24pm PST

Samantha Bossert (@leanmachine21)

Known as Sami B, the mom-to-be has been very open about her pregnancy journey on Instagram. A personal trainer and founder of Ptula activewear, Bossert is very honest with her followers about modifications and changes in her workout routine, as well as the days she’s just not feeling up to it. Follow her for workout inspiration and updates on her growing baby bump. 

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It's amazing to read about yourself – or other self identifying fat people – online who happen to do extreme sports or anything that people THINK you cannot do. People speculate how you get into a headstand as you're trying to do some spiritual work in your yoga practice. Or when y'all see a plus size person doing ballet then drop it low to do a split. Maybe even when fat folks like me have enough energy to run races, go to the gym and deadlift your fragility in 110 degree weather. It's interesting indeed. Granted, I'm an open book and probably enough to make most people blush or get nervous but I never desire to scapegoat a thing going on with me. When I read the comment section about folks who are shaped like me. People assume we're fat because of an illness, lack discipline in our diets, an imbalance or somehow I sleepwalk to a Wendy's 4 for 4 (even though I low key loved that shady little joke). This woman has a lot of health issues over here but I also managed to lose 100 lbs in both a healthy and unhealthy way once upon a time. This isn't the case for some people. Some of us are walking around with autoimmune conditions 👋🏾; some are limited in motion. Some people aren't completely able bodied. There's people celebrating being fat because eating disorders stole years of their lives. And then there's people who don't care about being fat and fabulous honey– another category that I fall into as well. I don't have skinny thoughts because I know what both worlds hold. And frankly, shady statements comes at every size, shape and ability. You're too small, fat, broken, too much and too lively for someone. But who you are to you is priceless. My reflection looks like a superhero. I love looking like a plus size gym bro with the rotisserie golden legs because I love what I can do with this body and mind. I have some hurdles and hiccups with my body that aren't ideal but do yourselves a favor, stop searching for reasons why fat and disabled athletes can do the same thing that any athlete can do. The oppression Olympics are not auditioning for slots; I don't want no parts of that team. Not all of us have tragic stories nor need one. 📷 @esnelldesign

A post shared by Latoya Shauntay Snell (@iamlshauntay) on Jun 17, 2019 at 8:58pm PDT

Latoya Shauntay Snell (@iamlshauntay)

Latoya Shauntay Snell calls herself the running fat chef on her personal blog. Her health journey brought her to both ends of the spectrum — from more than 250 pounds with various health issues to down about 170 pounds with an alcohol problem and in the hospital. Snell said these experiences helped her realize weight does not equal happiness and it is the message this mama constantly shares in her Instagram posts.

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The other day, I had posted a photo of myself in this very same bikini and was told to cover up… because I am a mother. Cue the mom-shaming. Since when were moms supposed to hide their bodies? Since when were mothers no longer allowed to feel sexy? How do you think babies even got here in the first place? She went on to say that I should think about what my kids will think of my behind someday. You know what? I want my kids to see a mother who’s body positive. I want my kids to see a mother who’s confident in her own skin. Plus, they love my butt and use it as a bongo when I’m cooking dinner or awkwardly standing in line at the grocery store. 😂 Anyone else, no? There is no rule out there that states you can’t rock a bikini just because you pushed a baby out of your vagina at some point in your life. In fact, that should make you worthy of one and so much more. I grew up with a mom who hated her body. In fact, she also made me hate mine by nitpicking it apart and pointing out every time it had looked like I had gained weight as a teenager. I fought like hell to finally love myself and it wasn’t until a few years ago that I started wearing shorts again in public. I would’ve given anything to have a body positive mama and I make sure that my kids see and feel this positivity everyday-not just with looks but with it all. Sometimes, all a mother needs is to truly FEEL herself. Let’s face it: motherhood can make us feel less than sexy. It leaves us drained, depressed, exhausted, and staring into a mirror, looking at a former shell of ourselves that we barely recognize anymore. And don’t get me started on our postpartum bodies.. it can be harder to celebrate our bodies when they’re covered with stretches marks and loose skin. So mamas, put on your bikinis. You’ve earned it. Every woman deserves to feel comfortable in her own skin without society’s judgy opinions. Let the mom-judging stop. Motherhood is already tough as it is. We are damned if we do, damned if we don’t so stay true to yourself. ✌🏽

A post shared by 𝗦𝗜𝗔 | FITNESS & WORKOUTS (@diaryofafitmommyofficial) on Nov 6, 2019 at 11:03am PST

Sia Cooper (@diaryofafitmommyofficial)

A “Home Workout Queen,” fitness guru and influencer, Sia Cooper offers tips on nutrition and targeted workouts designed with moms in mind (including pregnancy-approved workouts). Citing her own difficult relationship with food and fitness growing up, including struggling with an eating disorder, Cooper promotes body positivity and tries to help her followers feel strong, love themselves and be more thoughtful with their own words when it comes to talking about their bodies. Most recently, she’s come up against commenters attempting to shame her for showing off her body while being a mom, but remaining on-brand and thoughtful, she explains how wonderful and beneficial it can be to “truly Feel yourself” as a mom and a woman in your own skin: “I would’ve given anything to have a body positive mama and I make sure that my kids see and feel this positivity everyday — not just with looks but with it all.”