1. Fionnula McHale
Proving that brains, beauty and brawn are not mutually exclusive, this powerlifting champion from Dublin is also a doctor and lecturer. The clips of Fionnula repping double her bodyweight and Lycra-clad gym selfies on her Instagram account show off a rock-hard six-pack and display a relentless dedication to fitness. If this lady can find the time to train, run her own medical clinic and teach, what’s stopping you?
2. Michelle Lewin
A former Playboy cover model with over six million followers, this Venezuelan beauty has taken Instagram by storm. It’s not difficult to see why Michelle’s account is so popular. From “hamstring blasters” and “shoulder smashers” to “booty blasters”, her account is packed full of useful demonstration videos and tips. Plenty of underwear and bikini shots reveal just how effective her gruelling workouts are.
3. Pauline Nordin
Follow Pauline if you’re looking for motivation and advice. Having led Sweden to victory in the Nordic version of Biggest Loser and released a DVD, The Butt Bible, her Instagram is full of inspirational memes and “before and after” pics. The results make it clear: this trainer and diet coach really knows her stuff. Pauline’s own chiselled abs feature regularly in posts – as does her cat.
4. Paige Hathaway
Paige is a poster girl for the “strong is the new skinny” wave. Just a few years ago, she was super-skinny with little muscle mass. Her candid mirror selfies and more professional photo shots today showcase the 26-year-old’s enviably strong body. Pics and clips on her Instagram account show the work that’s gone into it and that, gosh, this woman really can lift.
5. Carly Rowena
As well as killer abs, the personal trainer and fitness blogger has a real eye for a picture. Making full use of the app’s filters, her photos’ bright colours will make you want to join her running by the Thames, kayaking in Vietnam or hiking up a glacier… or just walking her incredibly cute dog.
6. Anastasia Papoutsaki
Anastasia’s incredibly muscular physique is nothing less than we’d expect from a professional bodybuilder. The “Greek Goddess” posts a mix of pics and videos of her working out, as well as shots of her competing and showing off her muscles with the help of a little (read: gallons) of oil and tan.
7. Andreia Brasier
Andreia’s philosophy of “train hard or go home” is clearly working for her. She has some of the best-defined abs we’ve ever seen on Instagram – and isn’t shy about showing them off. Her videos prove she doesn’t shirk in the gym, and she’s also partial to opening up about her hard work in a long, motivational caption, if that’s your thing.
