The 20 Fitness Instagram Accounts You Should Follow If You Want To Build Muscle And Get In Shape

What are the best fitness accounts on Instagram?

So you want to build muscle and get in-shape. But Instagram is a minefield of information you’re struggling to navigate. Because every jacked-up gym bro or lycra-clad gym bunny has an opinion, right?

And with this social media mindfuck, how do you sift through the shit and get to the gold?

Luckily for you, here’s the Top 20 Fitness Instagram accounts you can follow for reliable training advice that will help you achieve your goals.

And if you’d prefer to listen to the audio version of “Top 20 Fitness Instagram Accounts You Should Follow To Build Muscle”, click the play button below.

The Best 20 Fitness Instagram Accounts

As the saying goes, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” And there’s more than one way to get you lean, jacked, or busting through your Lululemon leggings.

But you want the best, most efficient method. Am I right? Of course I am.

And so enters this list of fitness Instagram accounts. Think of it as a guide on how to source the best possible training information and achieve your goals. Ultimately, helping you become the best version of you, however you define that.

And once you’ve followed all the accounts in the list, check out the Top 20 Evidence-Based Nutrition Instagram Accounts. Then you’ll have 40 of the most valuable sources of fitness information on Instagram.

So here’s the list, in no particular order (except for number 1).

1. Michael Goulden (@integra.education)

Michael Goulden is a resistance-training wizard. And he’s number 1 on the list of Instagram Fitness Accounts for good reason.

If you want to delve deep into the mechanics of exercise, there’s no better man for the job. Having trained, taught, and mentored some of the best in the business, Mike is a fountain of knowledge. Whatever your skill or experience level, you’ll find Integra Education a treasure-trove of training knowledge.

And if you’re a coach looking to provide your clients with an unrivalled training experience, the RTS (Resistance Training Specialist) course is worth checking out. By the end of the final day, you’ll feel like Neo after the Matrix finally becomes clear.

And as Mike says, “Nothing is automatic.” And welcome to the real world (p.s. Laurence Fishburne said that, not Mike).

2. Iron Paradise Fitness (@iron_paradise_fitness)

Ok, so this shameless self-promotion. And yes, I appeared on the evidence-based nutrition list too. But hey, it’s my list.

Although, I’m here for more than an ego boost.

My goal is to bring you the most simple and effective fitness advice possible. Taking the knowledge learned from the likes of Mike Goulden, and presenting it to you in a unique way. A way that allows you practically apply effective techniques into your training, without needing a degree in biomechanics.

So if you want to take your training to the next level, regardless of current experience, this is one fitness account you need in your Instagram feed.

3. The Muscle Mentors (@themusclementors)

The Muscle Mentors are Luke Hoffman, Calum Raistrick, James Sutton, and Ryan Hook. And together, they’ve become masters in creating phenomenal physiques. If your goal is to build muscle, and potentially hit the stage, look no further.

Combining decades of experience, The Muscle Mentors have quickly established themselves as a group of the most knowledgeable trainers you’ll find. Not only is their Instagram account worthy of your attention, their YouTube library is overflowing with detailed training tips. Boasting dozens of form videos, all with expert executions tips.

So if building the most amount of muscle possible is your thing, these guys have the information you need.

4. Joe Bennett (@hypertrophycoach)

If you want to maximise hypertrophy, it stands to reason you should follow The Hypertrophy Coach. After all, that’s his thing.

With a mix of humour, muscle, and heavy metal (both sonically and literally), Joe Bennett will light up your Instagram feed with high quality content on a daily basis. Exercise execution tips, workout finishers, and motivational quotes like no other, this fitness account has it all.

Beyond Instagram, Joe’s website, hypertrophycoach.com delves deeper into his principles and training philosophies. Full workouts, execution breakdowns, hypertrophy theory, and even specific content for Mum’s (check out the MILF maker series).

Hit that follow button to inject some life into your Instagram feed (and your gym playlist).

And you can get an insight into Joe’s training philosophies by checking out this interview from a previous episode of the podcast.

5. Physique Development (@physiquedevelopment_)

More exercise execution mastery comes in the form of Alex Bush, Austin Current, and Sue Bush, aka Physique Development.

In a relatively short period of time, not only have they developed thousands of physiques, they’ve developed a well-respected name in the fitness industry. This Instagram account is awash with high quality training videos. So if you’re stuck trying to nail your form, chances are these guys have a video for that.

And be sure to add their individual accounts too (@alexbush__), (@austincurrent_), and (@sugainz) for more useful information to help you achieve the body you’ve been striving for.

P.S. Here’s two videos from the ‘Complete Guide To Building Muscle’ I recorded with the guys.

6. Sohee Lee (@soheefit)

Sohee Lee’s Instagram account is the perfect mix of training, nutrition, and motivation. Plus, there’s a plenty of cute dog pics too. So what’s not to like?

With a focus on females, Sohee is a shining light when it comes to extolling the benefits of lifting weights. Busting the myth that strength training makes women bulky.

And she replaces it with an empowering message for women the world over to eat, lift, and thrive. If you want to learn how to hip thrust, squat, deadlift, or perform any exercise correctly, Sohee explains everything in the most accessible way.

Whether you’re a female nervous about stepping foot in the gym for the first time, or want to increase strength and build muscle, you need this fitness account in your Instagram feed.

7. Bret Contreras (@bretcontreras1)

When it comes to glute training, one man literally thrusts to the forefront of your mind.

Bret Contreras is a true innovator of exercise. Revolutionising the butts of men and women in gyms across the globe, with the invention of the hip thrust. If you’ve got a set of peachy glutes after working your butt off in the gym, chances are you’ve got Bret to thank.

But Bret didn’t stop at the hip thrust. He’s continued to innovate with equipment and accessories to take your glutes to new levels of pertness.

Praise be to The Glute Guy.

8. Mike Israetel (@rpdrmike)

The father of the volume landmark and proponent of periodised training. Mike Israetel is one of a kind. And his Instagram never ceases to disappoint.

Whether you want to follow his workouts (I don’t suggest you do that, they’re individualised for him), learn about hypertrophy, or bathe in the glory of hilarious fitness memes, then Mike is your man.

Hitting the follow button will shed light on what MRV, MEV, MAV, and all the other TLAs (Three Letter Acronyms) mean. More importantly, you’ll discover how they can help you build a fuck ton of muscle.

And, if you want the detail, right now, watch the video below to see my interview with Mike all about training volume for maximum muscle growth. As one YouTube commenter said, “…Mike is so knowledgable, you asked great questions and picked his noodle well!”

Click the play button and watch my noodle-picking in action.

9. Jordan Syatt (@syattfitness)

Jordan Syatt has an impressive resume. 5 x World Record Power Lifer, Personal trainer to Gary Vaynerchuk, and Nutrition and Strength Wizard. Oh, and don’t forget the 27th Degree Black Belt in chugging coffee.

If you love an infographic, you can thank this man for bringing the format to the masses. And he’s got a bunch of ’em. In fact, there’s one for every question you’ve ever pondered about fitness.

And what’s best about Jordan is the way he delivers information. It’s never boring, overly technical, or designed to impress. His content is created with the singular goal of helping you overcome your challenges. Trust me, if you’re struggling with deadlifts, you’ll never forget the cue of pointing your nipples at the wall.

Seriously, if Jordan isn’t a fitness account you follow on Instagram, change that, right the fuck NOW!

10. Katie Crewe (@katiecrewe)

I’d be surprised if you ever find a post by Katie where she doesn’t have a smile on her face. She’s literally the smiliest person on Instagram.

And when it comes to her content, this will bring a smile to your face too. You’ll find everything from exercise technique videos, to full workouts, and more. There’s truly something for every woman wanting to get in shape.

Every video is professionally filmed too. So no dodgy camera angles where you can barely see what’s going on.

Follow Katie for a little fitness sunshine in your Instagram feed.

11. Shona Vertue (@shona_vertue)

Want fitness tips from an Australian bad ass with a good ass? (taken from her own bio by the way).

Shona Vertue is a personal trainer and yoga teacher boasting over 400k followers on Instagram and a hugely successful yoga channel on YouTube. And if you like the sound of combining resistance training, cardio, yoga, and meditation, you need Shona’s unique brand of fitness in your life.

Plus, her posts are pretty damn funny. So this Instagram fitness account has it all!

12. Nick Tumminello (@nick_tumminello)

Nick is the “Trainer of Trainers”. A man who coaches turn to when they want to learn more.

With creative approaches to exercise and a no BS delivery, Nick has built a strong name for himself as a fitness educator. Not only that, he’s written books, been published in over 30 major health and fitness magazines, and delivered seminars all over the world.

And Nick covers all aspects of fitness from injury recovery to hypertrophy. So if you want to know why he’s the go-to person for coaches, hit that follow button.

Definitely a fitness account you won’t regret gracing your Instagram feed.

13. Ross Gilmour / Malin Blomdahl: The Better Body Collective (@betterbodycollective)

The Better Body Collective is a relatively new account (at the time of writing). But Ross and Mal have been forging a name for themselves over the last decade.

Ross is a master of movement, with a wealth of knowledge that will help you get the most out of your training, move more freely, and prevent injury. He has a true passion for all things fitness and has articles published on T Nation and JMax Fitness.

His partner, Mal is equally gifted when it comes to the world of fitness. And she’s a shining light of what women can achieve through hard work and dedication to training. Her Instagram focuses on delivering a positive message for women. Never pandering to the false notion that ladies have to do endless kickbacks to get in shape. If you’re a women who wants to build muscle, Mal will show you how to do it, the RIGHT way.

Start following The Better Body Collective now, so you can say you were there from the beginning.

14. Pauline Nordin (@paulinenordin)

Pauline Nordin is fitness model, author, and entrepreneur who has shown that hard work definitely pays off.

After struggling with her body image from a young age, Pauline became inspired to hit the gym and transform her physique. In three years of training, she became a fitness athlete and successful competitor. Clearly a sign of her ingrained work-ethic.

Now, she inspires women to hit the weights, eat healthily, and transform their own lives through her Fighter Diet programme.

Her Instagram account has daily posts covering all aspects of fitness. Whether you need workout inspiration, nutrition information, or a no BS, truth-slap in the face, Pauline has what you need.

15. Brad Schoenfeld (@bradschoenfeldphd)

The Godfather of evidence-based training.

Brad Schoenfeld may not be someone you’ve heard of. But he’s a researcher, who’s work influences a lot of current training theory. Everything from optimal rep ranges for hypertrophy, to fasted cardio, and training volume. And that’s just the tip of the weight stack.

If you want to be in touch with the latest evidence-based insights in fitness, Brad’s Instagram account should be a permanent fixture in your social media feed.

16. Lift The Bar (@liftthebar)

If you’re a personal trainer new to the industry, or an established coach wanting to continuously improve, the guys at Lift The Bar have something for everybody.

And even if you’re not a coach, the LTB Instagram account deserves a follow.

Hit that blue button and you’ll access a wealth of free information to further your fitness knowledge. Detailed posts on all aspects of exercise and nutrition await you. Not only that, guest posts from some of the best in the business, will provide tips on everything from client retention to standing out online.

For coaches, the depth of content is invaluable. And for the keen enthusiast, it’s a way to fast-track your fitness knowledge.

17. Mounir Azegra (@iwannaburnfat)

The @iwannaburnfat Instagram account fills your feed with evidence-based content on a daily basis. Mounir has answered every question you could possibly think of, citing all of the relevant research along the way. So if you want evidence-based content, you’ll get it by the bucket full.

And this is no trudge through research. These infographics are bold, engaging, and provide practical information you can apply straight away.

Through consistent, high-quality content, the @iwannaburnfat account has amassed an impressive Instagram following. So don’t miss out on this gem of an account. Hit the follow button now.

18. Ben Pakulski (@bpakfitness / @mi40_gym)

Increasing your knowledge of exercise execution is a must. For me, this started by learning from Ben Pakulski and the trainers at Mi40. They opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about exercise, which kickstarted a never-ending journey to master the craft.

And these Instagram accounts remain a great source of training information.

So if you want to understand more about squat mechanics, master your bench press form, and maximise all aspects of your training, hit the follow button.

19. Jaques Taylor (@myotopia)

The fundamentals of fitness are something you need to spend time mastering. But that doesn’t make nuance an unimportant triviality. And Jacque’s approach to fitness highlights that, like no other.

With a speciality in neuroscience, Jacque’s Instagram account is one for those who want to delve deep into the science of exercise. Be prepared to get lost in the wonderful world of EMG outputs. And put some of the most popular theories to the test.

This is where bro-science ends and science-science starts. So let @myotopia take your mind/body connection to a different level.

20. Eric Helms (@helms3dmj)

Last, but by no means least, we have Eric Helms. When it comes to an Instagram fitness account, Mr. Helms has it all.

As a researcher, powerlifter, and bodybuilding competitor, Eric is in a rare position of being able to offer personal insight on how to take your training to the next level. He’s also the co-author of ‘The Muscle And Strength Pyramid’. In-depth books that provide evidence-based guidance on both training and nutrition.

But even that summary doesn’t do the man justice. So here’s an extract from his own bio.

“Eric has published multiple peer reviewed articles in exercise science and nutrition journals and writes for commercial fitness publications. He’s taught undergraduate and graduate level nutrition and exercise science and speaks internationally at academic and commercial conferences for fitness, nutrition and strength and conditioning. He has a BS in fitness and wellness, an MS in exercise science, a second masters in sports nutrition, a PhD in strength and conditioning, and is a research fellow for AUT at the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand.”

And if you don’t follow him after that, you’re certified crazy!

What To Look For In A Fitness Instagram Account

In reality, it’s difficult to give exact guidelines on decided who (and who not) to follow for training advice. Because there’s often no right or wrong answer. The truth exists in a broad middle-ground where there’s multiple right answers. As usual, it depends on your goals and circumstance.

But the one thing I will say is this…

Make sure the advice you take is fits your circumstance and goal. Because even good advice can turn into bad advice, if it’s not right for YOU.

Here’s What To Do Next If You Want More Help To Achieve Your Fitness Goals

After reading this article, you might feel as though extra support and guidance would help transforming your physique.

Through my online coaching programme, The Lean Life Method, I’ll help you lose fat, build muscle, and achieve the body you’ve been striving for. Ultimately, taking the guesswork out of training and nutrition so you can live a leaner, healthier life for good. 

​With The Lean Life Method, you’ll learn a simple, stress-free way to achieve your fitness goals and feel more confident and healthy than ever before, without torturing yourself in the gym, avoiding wine and pizza, or killing your social life in the process.

And I understand the fact you’re unsure about coaching. After all, you’ve spent thousands on pills, powders, and programmes that delivered nothing. So what’s different about me?

The simple truth is this… I get results. And I’ll teach you everything you need to know, so you can maintain those results.  So answer me this.

• How much precious time are you spending trying to figure out what’s right, instead of making progress?
• Are you sick and tired of never seeing the results your hard effort deserves?
• How much stress and frustration is your lack of progress adding to your life?

A lack of clarity might be holding you back from living the leaner, healthier life you deserve.

Schedule A Consultation Call

Click here find out more about the results, people just like you, are getting with the programme.

And if you feel like my personal 1:1 support and coaching could be just what you’re looking for, schedule a free consultation call. And don’t worry, there’s no hard sell. It’s an opportunity to find out if we’re a good fit to work together.

So, if you’re even the slightest bit interested, click here for more information.

But for now, all I’ll say is, keep living the Lean Life. And I’ll see you soon.