The Evolution of Fitness Influencers: Making an Impact Before Social Media
Fitness is a multi-billion-dollar industry today, with millions of people around the world striving to stay fit and healthy. One of the driving forces behind the popularity of fitness is the emergence of fitness influencers who have gained a huge following on social media. These influencers are individuals who have built a brand around their fitness journey and have amassed a loyal following of people who look to them for inspiration, motivation, and advice. But before the rise of social media, how did fitness influencer before make an impact in the industry?
Before Social Media
Before social media, fitness influencers were typically individuals who had already established themselves as experts in the industry. They were personal trainers, athletes, and fitness models who had built a name for themselves through their work in the industry. These individuals were known for their expertise, experience, and success in the field, and people looked to them for advice and guidance on how to achieve their fitness goals.
While traditional media channels such as television, magazines, and newspapers played a role in promoting these individuals, it was largely through word of mouth and personal connections that their influence spread. People who worked with them would recommend them to others, and they would gain a following through their reputation and success in the field.
In the early days of social media, fitness influencers were few and far between. Platforms like MySpace and early versions of Facebook were just starting to gain traction, and Instagram didn’t exist yet. However, those who were early adopters of these platforms quickly realized the potential for building a following and promoting their brand.
Kalya Itsines
One of the earliest examples of a fitness influencer who gained a following through social media is Kayla Itsines. Itsines is an Australian personal trainer who began sharing her workouts and fitness tips on Instagram in 2012. She quickly gained a following, and her popularity skyrocketed when she released her Bikini Body Guide (BBG) program in 2014. The program was a 12-week workout plan that included a comprehensive diet plan and saw enormous success, helping women around the world achieve their fitness goals.
Today, Itsines has over 12 million followers on Instagram and is one of the most well-known and successful fitness influencers in the world. She has created a massive fitness empire, with her own app, fitness equipment, and even her own gym.
Jen Selter
Another early example of a fitness influencer is Jen Selter. Selter gained fame for her “belfies” (butt selfies) on Instagram and has since become a fitness model and social media star. She has used her platform to promote fitness and health, inspiring millions of people around the world to take control of their fitness journey.
Social Media Growth and Its Impact
As social media platforms have continued to grow in popularity, so too have the number of fitness influencers. Today, there are thousands of individuals who have built a following around their fitness journey, from professional athletes and fitness models to everyday people who have achieved incredible transformations.
Social media has allowed these influencers to reach an enormous audience and connect with people around the world. They can share their workouts, recipes, and tips with millions of people in real-time, creating a community of like-minded individuals who are all working towards their fitness goals.
While social media has certainly played a role in the rise of fitness influencers, it is important to note that many of these individuals were successful in the industry before the advent of social media. They had already established themselves as experts in the field and had a reputation for delivering results. Social media simply allowed them to reach a larger audience and build a brand around their expertise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while social media has certainly changed the game when it comes to the fitness industry and the rise of fitness influencers, it is important to remember that these individuals were successful in the industry long before the advent of social media. They had already built a reputation for themselves as experts in the field, and social media simply allowed it to happen.

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