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Since its inception in October 2010, Instagram has grown exponentially. In its second month of existence, it had already garnered an impressive 1 million users. Fast-forward to 2016, and this social media giant has 400 million active users. It has opened a myriad of opportunities for those using it as a networking tool and many have since become ‘Insta-celebs.’
For the world of health fitness, it has meant showcasing numerous offerings to an audience obsessed with the next best thing. Account holders have come up with up with interesting ways to keep audiences coming back for more, and it’s no easy feat for the ever so fickle consumer. We give you a roundup of five of the best fitness accounts in South Africa.
@PopUpGymWho: This brand was founded by fitness junkies Letshego Zulu and Khethiwe Mlangeni.
Great for: If you’re a fan of exercising in pairs, then this one’s for you. This concept promotes the idea that you can exercise anytime, anywhere using whatever is at your disposal.
Why we love it: The Instagram account includes pictures and videos of the duo taking part in various exercise routines, from using park benches to do a series of reps to using each other for pull ups and balancing. They also have pop up sessions in popular Gauteng based venues like MonteCasino in Fourways, so keep a look out for that.
Followers: 13 200
Follow @PopUpGym on Instagram.
@queenfitnassWho: Women’s Health South Africa’s reigning #NextFitStar, Mapule Ndlovu, is definitely one to follow. She is a certified personal trainer at Virgin Active’s Alice Lane branch.
Great for: She focuses on a variety of training codes including functional, high intensity interval training, strength, Pilates, yoga and more.
Why we love it: This superwoman can literally do it all, and we absolutely love her versatility. And who wouldn’t love someone doing elevated splits with a smile on their face? That’s enough motivation for anyone.
Followers: 12 700
Follow @queenfitnass on Instagram.
@wardahhartley Who: Wardah is a fitness and wellness blogger who has also presented sport on television and on radio. She is also a trainer at Switch Playground.
Great for: If you want tips on what to eat, while keeping your skin looking good and your body toned in all the right places, you will find it all here. And you’ll also get a peek into her trying out loads of different fitness regimes like sweat 1000, battle ropes workouts and trail running.
Why we love it: It’s a one stop spot for everything related to fitness and lifestyle. From great advice and insights on super foods to showing what gear to wear for every type of exercise, there is something for everyone.
Followers: 2440
Follow @wardahhartley on Instagram.
@lisaraleigh Who: Lisa Raleigh has been a lifestyle and wellness expert for more than 15 years. She was previously a co-presenter on Doctor’s Orders as well as a team leader on South Africa’s The Biggest Loser. She’s also been a wellness consultant on SABC 3’s Expresso.
Great for: Her account is a collection of exercise and lifestyle tips and tricks. Using images and videos, she guides her followers through a tapestry of lifestyle, health and fitness posts, making sure that you have a guide to not only eating well, but looking good as well.
Why we love it: The images she posts look as though they have been carefully curated and are visually appealing. She also lets you in on her personal life in this feed, which helps keep things real.
Followers: 6016
Follow @lisaraleigh on Instagram.
@sbahle_mpisane Who: Sbahle is a fitness instructor from Durban who is known for her Thursday Warriors Boot camp sessions.
Great for: If you’re someone who wants a bit of variety in their workouts and enjoy group exercises then this one is for you. Sbahle uses Instagram and periscope to post her sessions so you can do them in your own time as well.
Why we love it: No matter what level of exercise you’re at, you will be able to do Sbahle’s workouts. She also includes some healthy eating tips on her feed with recipes as well.
Followers: 271 000
Follow @sbahle_mpisane on Instagram.
So you see, you can find great health and fitness tips right in your pocket if you know where to look. Tell us who some of your favourite fitness Instagram holders are by posting us on Twitter @1lifedirect.
