Because strong women inspire strong women.
We all have those fitness influencers we quietly admire—the ones whose workouts we save, whose mindset shifts stick with us, and whose presence just makes us want to level up. These five women have each shaped the way I approach fitness, strength, and showing up for myself. They’re powerful, real, and full of the kind of energy that motivates you long after the scroll. If you don’t follow them yet, consider this your sign.
1. Melissa Bum – Strength, Style & Pure Fitness Glow-Up
Melissa Bum is all about that confident, sculpted strength—with just the right touch of glam. Her workouts are killer (expect booty bands, dumbbells, and high-energy circuits), but what really sets her apart is how she blends aesthetics with athleticism. She’s proof that you can train hard, lift heavy, and still serve looks. I love how her content feels like a reminder that fitness is supposed to be fun, expressive, and a celebration of your body—not a punishment.
2. Senada Greca – Inventive Moves & That Gentle Strength Energy
Senada Greca, founder of the WeRise app, is the definition of gentle strength—the kind that moves with intention, feels grounded, and still leaves you sore in the best way. She’s constantly coming up with functional movements you haven’t seen before, and they’re not just creative—they’re incredibly effective. Think glute activations with rotation, deep core integration, and mobility work that actually translates to how your body moves in real life. Her workouts are a blend of control, flow, and challenge, with a soft, centered energy that keeps me coming back for more.
3. Lauren Kanski – Strong as Hell, Real as a Mom Can Be
Lauren Kanski isn’t just a performance coach—she’s a real-life mom who shows up in the rawest, most relatable way. She’s known for her smart, intentional programming through platforms like Ladder and her features in Women’s Health Magazine, but what I love most is how she pulls back the curtain on the full picture. From messy bun workouts to days where energy is low and plans shift, Lauren reminds us that even fitness pros face battles, breakthroughs, and everything in between. She makes strength feel accessible and honest, like we’re all figuring it out—and still crushing it—together.
4. Katy Hearn – The OG Who Made “Build-A-Booty” a Brand
Katy Hearn was one of the first influencers I followed—before “fitspo” was even a thing. She’s built a full-on empire, complete with a gym and supplement line, all while keeping her energy grounded and consistent. What I love most is how she stays in her lane, does her thing, and lets her results speak for themselves. She’s living proof that slow and steady wins in fitness and in business.
5. Erica Wald – Pre/Postpartum Pro, Bride Coach & Real-Life Strong Mom Vibes
Erica Wald brings a realness to fitness that feels equal parts expert and best friend. She’s a mom herself and works closely with women in every season—whether that’s pre/postpartum, getting ready for their wedding day, or just navigating strength training through real life. Her coaching style is smart and supportive, and she shares so much of her personal life, from mom moments to mindset shifts, making her content feel incredibly relatable. Erica’s not just training bodies—she’s empowering women through the ebbs, flows, and transitions that come with it.
These women remind me that strength doesn’t look one way—and that there’s more than one path to feeling powerful in your own skin. Whether it’s showing up in the chaos, carving out time for movement, or just learning to enjoy the process again, they each bring something honest and refreshing to the table. If you’re looking for inspiration that goes beyond aesthetics, start here.
