Let’s hope that 2021 is a much better year than the last, so with that being said and almost seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, we could all do with a bit of a boost and a helping hand to put a pep in our step.
Whether your brand is promoting a ‘new year, new me’ mission, or you simply want to encourage consumers to keep up with their health and fitness routine, then Instagram fitness influencers could be the perfect way to give your campaign that extra kick.
Influencer marketing isn’t just for fashion and beauty, but sports, health and fitness, too. It has been reported that 65% of influencer marketing budgets increased throughout 2020, and we can only expect this to rise during 2021, too. So, if you haven’t already, it might be time to factor this into your yearly budget if you want to see some seriously impressive results.
If you’re a brand looking for that dream-team collaboration, our team of influencer marketing experts suggest following these top UK fitness influencers.
1. Anthony Joshua OBE
Image source: Instagram
The ultimate sporting legend, Anthony Joshua OBE is a professional British boxer, with an impressive global following.
Having fought as part of the GB Boxing Team at the 2012 Olympics and being one of the most successful professional boxers of his time, AJ is a worldwide phenomenon.
As well as being one of the most victorious athletes in the industry, Anthony has worked with some of the biggest sporting brands in the world, including JD Sports, making him one of the most sought-after UK fitness influencers in the industry.
2. Sir Mo Farah
Image source: Instagram
As the most successful British track athlete in modern Olympic Games history, Sir Mo Farah is the 2012 and 2016 Olympic gold medallist in both the 5000m and 10,000m.
With ten global titles, it is no surprise that Mo and his career have seen such success, making him one of the most recognised names within the fitness industry.
After appearing in the twentieth series of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Mo has some found himself an all-new title as a sports influencer. And a worldwide fitness legend, this puts Mo in great stead for future brand collaborations.
3. Nicola Adams OBE
Image source: Instagram
Nicknamed ‘The Lioness’, Nicola Adams OBE is a former professional boxer and Olympic champion and is a sports and fitness phenomenon.
Not only that, but Nicola became the first female boxer to win gold at the 2010 Olympic games, as well as to become a double Olympic champion.
Proving she can do much more than boxing, Nicola took part in the 2020 series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, showing that she is a woman of many talents. Motivational and truly inspirational, Nicola is set to become one of the most popular UK fitness influencers of 2021, and for good reason, too.
4. Tom Daley
Image source: Instagram
Olympic diver Tom Daley is a well-known figure in the health and fitness industry and has been since 2008. Since then, he has gone on to become an Instagram fitness influencer.
Also a mentor on the celebrity TV show Splash!, Tom used his expertise to mentor celebrity contestants.
With over two million followers on Instagram, Tom takes to his account to share the behind the scenes of his training, as well as giving his fans tips and tricks to help them stay in shape, providing them with some much-needed motivation. As a sporting role model to many, Tom can work alongside brands to deliver fun, informative and educational content to their audiences.
5. Simone Biles
Image source: Instagram
World-famous gymnast, Simone Biles is an Olympian and popular fitness influencer.
Beginning her career in 2011, Simone is now one of the most well-known names among Olympians and within the sports industry.
Now, using her years of knowledge and expertise, Simone has her very own digital training programme, MasterClass, teaching others her famous training techniques. With a wealth of experience within the industry, Simone will act as a great advocate for both brands and businesses looking to work with fitness influencers.
6. James Haskell
Image source: Instagram
James Haskell is best known for having a long and successful career as a rugby union player and is a prominent figure within the sports and fitness industry.
Now awaiting his MMA debut, James is a force to be reckoned with. And with so much knowledge in a variety of industries, James recently launched his first sports biography, What A Flanker, as well as a podcast of the same name.
With a fitness app, training plan and years' worth of sporting knowledge and expertise, James is a true sporting legend, making him the perfect UK fitness influencer for fans to follow and for brands to work with.
7. Liv Cooke
Image source: Instagram
British professional football freestyler Liv Cooke is a four-time world record holder and former world champion.
Now a recognised fitness influencer, Liv uses her knowledge from her career in the sports industry to coach others within the freestyle football space.
With almost one million followers on Instagram, Liv regularly shares videos highlighting her remarkable skills, making her the perfect Instagram fitness influencer to motivate fans and collaborate with brands.
8. Thom Evans
Image source: Instagram
As a former Scottish international rugby player, Thom Evans is a pivotal name within the sports industry and went on to thrive in a career in athletics, too.
Now a keen golfer and fitness enthusiast, Thom is a well-known sports influencer and often takes to Instagram to keep fans up to date with current projects.
With a wealth of industry knowledge and years of experience, Thom is the ideal Instagram fitness influencer for brands to work with if they’re seeking to generate sales or increase brand awareness.
9. Shanaze Reade
Image source: Instagram
Nothing says motivation and inspiration quite like an Olympic athlete, right? And Shanaze Reade is exactly that. After spending years concentrating on BMX racing, Shanaze’s sporting career has been incredibly successful.
Now focusing on fitness coaching and personal training, Shanaze is using her years of experience as a triumphant athlete to help others improve their lifestyle.
As a popular fitness influencer, Shanaze has plenty of detailed posts on Instagram, Shanaze inspires her followers and can help brands increase their online presence.
Those are just some of the top UK fitness influencers that are sure to be centre stage of the health and fitness industry over the next year...
Fitness influencers are going to be sticking around, and not just in its traditional form. Throughout 2021, we expect to see a lot more sports and fitness stars filling up our Instagram feeds, working with their favourite brands and continuing to make their mark on the influencer marketing industry.
And with more people upping the ante with their fitness routines and sporting hobbies, the rise of fitness influencers has been nothing short of significant.
There are a number of innovative and talented individuals out there and if you’d like to work with any of the influencers mentioned in this post, then get in touch with our team of experts today.
Contact us on 0203 9580 427 or email contact@influencermatchmaker.co.uk to find out more.
