Have you ever gone online to look for fitness inspiration, or to find health experts to follow, only to discover them perpetuating negative and unhealthy ideals?
If it’s not crazy dietary restrictions, it’s body-shaming – or simply empty promises of getting an impossible-to-reach body in two weeks.
We’ve all been there before, seen it, and you know what? We’re done with all of that. We appreciate health heroes who promote positive messages, well-rounded action plans, and self-love.
These local and international guys know what it takes to get their bodies in top shape, all while maintaining good energy and healthy mindsets every step of the way.
WAYDE VAN NIEKERK
Wayde van Niekerk, Olympic gold medallist and record holder, is a force of nature – and not only on the track.
The South African track and field sprinter’s dedication and perseverance have helped inspire millions of people around the world to go for what they want most, no matter what their background may be, and his humble story is one that epitomises the meaning of quality sportsmanship.
Online, Wayde is careful about what he posts, sharing content about his mindset as a runner and his soul-searching journey. “I think what stuck with me the last few years was trying to find that peace within your chaos,” he says.
“I had to seek that peace to keep myself sane and stick to what I could control.” Whether he’s talking about self-confidence, discipline or his spiritual life, he shares personal insights into how he keeps himself motivated to stay fit and healthy.
SIYA KOLISI
There’s no denying that our boy Siya Kolisi has a powerhouse body. But more than just focusing on aesthetics, his aim is to maintain strength, endurance and overall health. After all, as one of the biggest names in rugby, his health journey is all about sustainability over the long run. Whether he’s on the field or with his friends and family, Siya always stays focused on what matters most.
Speaking about his rugby team workouts and conditioning, Siya says that “Our conditioning team pushed me hard and encouraged me to embrace a new philosophy. Conditioning is not about physical work, it’s about a healthier lifestyle.”
We love how he always shows a glimpse into what a balanced life as a sports star really looks like: exercise, down-time and relaxing with loved ones. Sign us up Siya!
CHRIS HEMSWORTH
There’s no denying that Chris Hemsworth is serious body goals, as we’ve seen from all the Thor and Avengers movies. And while the Aussie admits that it takes a lot of work, he’s also real and raw about his setbacks and vulnerabilities, how he overcomes low motivation and procrastination, and pushes himself to keep going.
Sharing his fitness regimen online, a lot of his workouts are intense and above the standard, he also shares insights into exercises that are straightforward and that everyone can try out, even at home. Chris is quite adamant about striking a healthy balance between his time in the gym, his diet, and the hobbies he takes part in the outdoors, such as surfing and activities that improve mindfulness.
“I do a lot of different things. You’ve got to be an explorer in the world of fitness and exercise and constantly be on the lookout for something fresh,” he enthuses.
HAMPTON LIU
Refreshing, accessible and sensitive to different body types and journeys, Hampton Liu’s Hybrid Calisthenics is the kind of fitness content we can get behind. The mountain home fitness guru from Arkansas, in the United States, creates videos focusing on long-term, sustainable exercises that will help transform your body while keeping your mind positive.
“I chose to use the word ‘calisthenics’ in my brand name because I believe it implies that we already have the power to improve ourselves”, Liu explains. “It feels like a lot of companies try to sell us our fitness through expensive products. Some of these are really cool and useful, but I think calisthenics reminds us that we already have all we need to be healthy, fit, and strong. We have our bodies, the floor and gravity.”
No matter where you are in your health journey, Hampton’s workouts are suitable for beginners, but he addresses pain points you might experience throughout, including stiffness and joint pains with easy hacks to overcome them.
MARK WAHLBERG
Actor, producer and co-creator of Performance Inspired Nutrition, Mark Wahlberg, is legendary. Not only for his films, but for his active lifestyle and commitment to healthy living, too.
He makes sure to be working out in the gym by 4am every morning, does his prayers and then makes time for family and friends, and hobbies such as golf. While there’s no denying that his approach to exercise is intense, he’s also very candid about the ups and downs of staying fit, encouraging his online audience to think beyond appearances and only do what’s best for them, personally.
“Being fit is almost as important to me as my face. And for me, it’s a combination of being spiritually and physically fit,” he says. “There are guys who want to look good, and there are guys who want to perform at their best. Being fit is about being able to perform at your best, not necessarily just looking your best.” He keeps it real, and we like that.
LOW ON MOTIVATION?
Sometimes the best way to get your body in shape is to tackle your mind first. Try these podcasts on Spotify and Apple. They’re created by experts and industry leaders to help build your motivation, confidence and energy and get you going on your health journey. The best part? Most of these podcasts can help improve other areas of your life too, whether it’s work, chores or hobbies.
Fit, Healthy & Happy
Fitness Disrupted with Tom Holland
The One You Feed
Look Good. Move Well.
Photography: Galloigetty Images, Shutterstock, Courtesy Images
