16 Northern fitness influencers you need to know

After indulging in December’s festivities, January doesn’t half seem drab. Detoxing, diets and drizzle all hit hard on the first day of the new year, warning you that it is no longer socially acceptable to eat five mince pies before breakfast or snack on pigs in blankets. As we bid farewell to the Christmas binge, so we must succumb to the dreaded January resolution that goads us into scrimping, scrutinising and saving this year.

If sticking to your NYR is proving all too hard to handle don’t throw in the towel just yet. Try sampling a little fitspiration from some Northern influencers to kick you back on track.

From healthy eaters to wellness gurus and fitness pros, these instagrammers will keep you motivated for 2018. 

The Yogakula

If 2018 is your year to yoga, then you need the Yogakula in your instagram feed. The clean, minimalist account is run by Sarah, Jane and Victor, a group of yogis who have travelled the world to hone their skills. Perfect your poise with posts showcasing flawless yoga positions or embrace a more spiritual lifestyle with their positive mantras. 

That Squat Bot

Not only does health and fitness marketing guru Sarah Harradine head-up social media for Reebok, she’s also the brains behind That Squat Bot, a journey to health, fitness and happiness through CrossFit. Whether she’s weight-lifting, running or whipping up a nourishing treat, Sarah’s down-to-earth attitude is both funny and warming, offering a authentic approach to the world of fitness.  

Claudia Mirallegro

For inspirational yoga with a heady dose of wanderlust, follow Claudia Mirallegro. The yoga-instructor’s feed is a wash of vibrant settings, yoga tips and inspirational advice, all bundled up with Claudia’s down to earth personality. Plus, she has a great workout wardrobe. 

Wedges and weights

If you’re lacking in workout motivation, then Cheshire-based PT Hannah Mills is the instagrammer to kick you into gear.  More than just a fitness guru, Mills promotes body positivity and acceptance, encouraging women to nourish their bodies and soul to achieve their desired results. As well as motivational advice, Mills has founded the #wedgettes, a buzzing digital fitness clan – perfect for those who miss the support of a gym buddy. Positive pep talks are a plenty. 

Hungry Happy Healthy

With over 40K Instagram followers hungry for her latest recipe, food blogger Dannii knows how to whip up a treat for the eyes and stomach. Dannii set up her blog back in 2011 to document her 100lbs weight loss – a journey which made her realise that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. By cooking with quality products and finding a balance in meals, Dannii’s created a cult following of happy, healthy eaters. 

Gemma Atkinson

The Emmerdale actress and Strictly star has carved a name for herself as a fitspiration icon after undergoing a gruelling twelve-week body transformation with Ultimate Performance. Atkinson actively promotes body positivity, stating that a fear of what others thought of her body previously held her back on her fitness journey. Her bespoke training and diet plan helped her drop from 72kg to 68.9kg and cut her body fat down to a lean 11%, not to mention carving those enviable abs. 

Samsays_UK

Ex-gymnast and fitness fanatic Samantha McGowan heads up the social team at MyProtein alongside documenting her fitness journey across her own social media accounts. From workout videos to fitness flashbacks, McGowan’s account is full of fitness tips to keep you on track. 

Nick Daniel

As the Head of Ultimate Performance training camps, Nick Daniel knows how to transform clients’ bodies into lean, fitness machines. The former body builder regularly shares training tips and advice to get the most out of your workout alongside snapshots of clients' progress.  

Lucy Davis Fitness

At just 21, Lucy Davis has made her mark on the fitness scene with over 34k Instagram followers tuning in to see her workouts and fitness tips. The Manchester University student is currently undergoing a BA Honours degree in Management, Leadership and Leisure and has created a guide to grafting the perfect peachy bum in just twelve weeks.  

The west twins 

If you can’t hit the gym without your workout buddy, then follow the west twins. Former cheerleading coaches Jennifer and Lucy West prove that having a gym twin can be crucial to achieving your fitness goals through sharing workout regimes, tips and tricks you can do in pairs. 

Spamela B

Few healthy diets let you have your cake and eat it. But then, there are few diets that let you “indulge innocently” like Pamela Higgins health-focused recipes. A firm believer in healthiness through balanced diets, Higgins crafts scrumptious recipes that are healthy and often vegan and dairy-free. By swapping key ingredients with healthier alternatives, the recipe blogger lets you indulge on your favourite treats without feeling guilty.   

Jennifer Sandra Ginley-Hagan

If you’re in need of extra motivation to see your diet through to the end, then Slimming World’s Miss Slinky 2017 has the real-life results you need to see.  The Liverpool lass won the title of Miss Slinky 2017, making it onto the cover of Slimming World’s magazine, thanks to her incredible weight loss journey - in just over one year she went from 19 stone 4 lb (size 24-26) to 9 stone 9 lb (size 8 – 10). 

J7 Health Javeno

Leading weight loss and conditioning expert Javeno Mclean has worked with some of the world’s finest cricketers before he launched an independent gym in north Manchester. The PT’s Instagram account is full of workout tips and advice to help you reach your fitness goals.

Zoe hale fitness

Motivational quotes, empowering mantras and wholesome health – follow Wellness Coach Zoe Hale for an authentic approach to health and fitness. The co-founder of warrior women – a fitness programme that partners mental and physical health – Zoe’s Instagram celebrates her three-tier approach to a healthy lifestyle; nutrition, physical fitness and mental well-being.   

Positively Jessica

Magnetic colour, spiritual musings, enticing recipes and a travel shot or two. Whether Blackpool-based Jessica Ward is sharing her favourite evening treat or wanderlust hot-spot, the lifestyle blogger brings an infectious positivity that you can’t help but admire.  

Holly Emily Jackson

20-year-old Holly Jackson may be young, but she’s already staked out an impressive Instagram following of over 16k thanks to her no-nonsense approach to fitness. From weights training to workouts with minimal equipment, the young Instagrammer is great for DIY fitness tips and tricks. 

Oh Maria Fiit

Whether you’re looking for workout advice or athleisure looks, follow Personal Trainer and fitness fanatic Maria. The Pure Gym Manchester Personal Trainer regularly shares workout updates alongside stylish gym selfies.