Are you in search of inspiration? Look no further, we have compiled a list of five inspirational and famous personal trainers that we could all learn a thing or two from – let’s take a look at how they got started and why we find them inspiring- just in time for the new year!
Rising Fitness Star & Personal Trainer: Kayla Itsines
If you’re on Instagram, chances are you have come across this fitness star and social media sensation, Kayla Itsines. Kayla is renowned and most famous for her digital Bikini Body Guide, aimed towards women who want to achieve a healthy and happy lifestyle in the most ‘efficient and effective’ way possible.
Kayla’s training journey began in 2008 with a personal training course in Australia. Once Kayla successfully completed the course, she worked as a personal trainer at a women’s only center, but soon found that her clients were disappointed with the results. Kayla used this as an opportunity to continue her research and develop a set of exercises that targeted common trouble zones – from there, she left the training facility to begin her own venture.
Kayla’s clients started to see results in 12 weeks or less so naturally, word-of-mouth and referrals helped her program really take off. From there, she decided to build her personal training presence on Instagram and Facebook to inspire her followers to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Kayla now has over 1 million followers on Instagram, three guides and just launched her first recovery product – a body foam roller.
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Fitness & Wellness Entrepreneur: Tracy Anderson
What do Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kristen Dunst all have in common besides fame and fortune? They all have the same famous personal trainer, Tracy Anderson. Tracy is most famous for the Tracy Anderson Method: “My method is consistently and strategically opening up new conversations between your brain and your body. By pushing boundaries of what we think is possible, we can find new ways to tap into your vitality making sure that you are highly functioning, healthy, and feeling your best at any age” (Tracy Anderson).
Before Tracy became an A-list fitness trainer, she set out to become a professional dancer in New York City. After moving to the city, Tracy decided to focus on working towards a career in weight-loss and fitness training. She now has studio locations in New York City, The Hamptons, London, Studio City, Los Angeles and now online! To kick off the New Year, Tracy now offers a streaming version of her masterclass for anyone who wants to achieve an A-list body at a more affordable rate.
Supermodel Trainer: Justin Gelband
Justin Gelband is best known for training an impressive list of Victoria’s Secret angels and Sports’ Illustrated Models (think Candice Swanepoel, Kate Upton, Miranda Kerr and many more.) While always active and competitive, Justin didn’t build his fitness venture overnight. After graduating from Rutgers where he studied exercise science and sports management, he move to Los Angeles where he worked as a trainer for 24 Hour Fitness.
Justin didn’t start by training models, he started with everyday women looking to lose weight and feel confident again. After putting in a lot of hard work and dedication, Justin had the opportunity to work with model Miranda Kerr, and success soon followed. According to The New York Times, After training Kerr, Justin “relocated to New York, where he met his eventual business partner, Vanessa Packer. A fashion stylist who was frustrated with her workout, Ms. Packer took to Google for new exercise methods and stumbled on Mr. Gelband’s website.” From there, they created ModelFIT a Manhattan gym designed for everyday women and models who want to get in shape for life and the runway.
Wellness Visionary: David Kirsch
With over two decades of professional experience, David Kirsch set out to deliver impressive results through a holistic approach to wellness. “Throughout his years as a sought-after trainer, David has transformed the bodies—and lives—of countless devotees through his signature combination of mind-body conditioning, multi-tasking workouts and smart nutrition. From founding New York’s award-winning Madison Square Club to developing unprecedented supplements, classes and techniques designed to maximize workouts, David has been a pioneer in the wellness field throughout his long career” (David Kirsch Wellness.)
David’s career doesn’t stop there, he also has a natural line of wellness products – as well as authoring five books, including bestseller, The Ultimate New York Diet.
Personal Trainer & Strength Coach: Joe Dowdell
Joe Dowdell is often referred to as ‘one of the most highly sought-after fitness experts in the world‘ – and with over ten professional certifications, evolving expertise and an impressive resume, it’s certainly not a reach. Joe is best known for training a long list of television and film actors, musicians, pro athletes, CEO’s and supermodels. Joe is also renowned as the founder and co-owner of Peak Performance, a premier training facility set in the west side of Manhattan – if that’s not impressive enough, his gym was also voted the #3 gym in America by Men’s Health Magazine.
For over 18 years, Joe’s focus has been on transforming lives through health and fitness – “his ability to articulate that knowledge has made him a regular expert contributor to national publications as diverse as Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, Allure, Muscle & Fitness and Fitness Magazine, on whose advisory board he serves” (Joe Dowdell). Joe has also contributed to a number of different health and fitness books.
Ready to get started on your own journey? Find a fitness certification program that is right for you! Who knows, you could even be the next fitness sensation to make our list!
