The wellness industry is an exciting place to follow right now. With new workouts, streaming services, fancy at-home equipment, and constantly evolving trends, there are many options to explore if you’re ready to live a more active lifestyle. Historically, however, fitness and wellness spaces haven’t always been the most accessible, often presenting a disparity in representation, diversity, and inclusion. Luckily, many instructors are working to change that. Because let’s be real, we all deserve to feel empowered within the health and wellness world.
Whether you’re exploring meditation or jumpstarting a new fitness routine, here are eight instructors to follow who are working to make wellness accessible in 2021. From creating safe spaces for women of color to beginner-friendly fitness education, these leaders are making sure that all feel welcomed in their classes. Trust me, you’ll want to check them out ASAP.
- Candy Calderon
-
As a Dominican woman, Candy Calderon noticed a serious lack of diversity and inclusion in the wellness space and decided to act. In 2017, she founded the Glow Wellness Tour, an event series to help decolonize health and wellness for BIPOC women (psst: the tour is now virtual — join me at the next one!). Following her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis, Candy also became certified as a holistic health coach and began educating women around the world on illness prevention and healthy living. Today, she helps women reclaim their health and master well-being while advocating for diversity in wellness.
- Quazzy Herd
-
Have you ever wanted to feel calm, safe, and affirmed in someone’s presence all at once? If so, meet Quazzy, whose virtual classes have totally transformed my wellness routine. Quazzy is the founder of Running River Collective (RRC), a community dedicated to making yoga, meditation, and healing accessible for “marginalized but powerful” communities’ including BIPOC, those from the African diaspora, and the LGBTQ community. What I love most about Quazzy and RRC: they strive to make all people feel safe and secure in their bodies while empowering others toward a stronger sense of purpose. Check out Quazzy on Instagram and get ready to feel inspired — their meditation videos are *chef’s kiss.*
- Rebby Kern
-
Rebby Kern is a yoga instructor, activist, and co-founder of the Trans Yoga Project, which offers supportive wellness content by and for trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and gender-expansive people. As the first non-binary person of color to be a Lululemon Ambassador in their home region, Rebby works to uplift voices of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC people who often don’t find themselves represented in wellness. Today, Rebby leads workshops about race, gender, bias, anti-racism work, addiction recovery, and yoga as a tool for self-care and social justice. TBH, Rebby’s personal mission to seek justice and empower others couldn’t be more epic.
- India Morse
-
India Morse, a UK-based fitness and health influencer who was born deaf, knows a thing or two about overcoming obstacles and defying expectations. After discovering a major lack of accessibility in many studio classes and gyms, she became a nutritional coach and fitness blogger focused on supporting those who are deaf and hard of hearing. She’s now a virtual coach, Under Armour UK athlete, and content creator dedicated to demanding inclusion in the fitness world. “When you work with me, it means finding the meaning of ‘no barriers,’” India shares on her website. Chills — isn’t that what fitness is all about, after all?
- Regina
-
Regina is low key one of the coolest wellness instructors I know. She’s a formally trained dancer, yoga teacher, and Ayurveda expert, plus, she leads accessible breathwork sessions on IGTV for anyone who needs a moment to reset and recharge (and don’t be fooled, sometimes breathwork can get intense!). I’ve tuned in during the middle of my workday for a quick break, and I can’t tell you how refreshed and focused I feel afterward. Regina leads ongoing group breathwork events that encourage the exploration of inclusivity, anti-racism, and systems of oppression — plus regularly offers scholarships for members of the queer, trans, and BIPOC community.
- Steph Winsor
-
With an infectious laugh and inclusive approach to fitness, Steph Winsor is one of my all-time faves. Steph is a master teacher who works to make wellness accessible for survivors of traumatic brain injury, providing empowering experiences that build community, resilience, and athleticism. She has 500+ hours of experience teaching yoga, meditation, dance, and movement along with expertise in neuroanatomy and biology. So, her workshops and classes are a blast and super informative! As someone who’s attended her classes both virtually and in-person, I can say you will learn a *ton* from Steph (from scientific research to stress relief) and you’ll feel energized to explore your personal wellness journey with confidence.
- Emily Abbate
-
Emily Abbate is a 9x marathoner, certified personal trainer, and the host of Hurdle, a wellness-focused podcast that has become a staple in my weekly routine. As a journalist and the former fitness editor at SELF, Emily does an incredible job making wellness topics accessible for her audience, from fitness and nutrition to mindfulness and everything in between. Through her inspiring Hurdle Sessions, you can learn about marathon training, setting wellness goals, and even media strategy for fitness professionals. Above all, Emily is down to earth and is a great person to follow for that extra boost of wellness inspo.
- Alexis Fischer
-
I can’t imagine where my fitness routine would be without Alexis Fischer’s virtual pilates classes! Her energy-filled workout videos on IGTV are the definition of empowering, motivating, and judgment-free. The 15-minute workouts may seem bite-sized at first glance, but trust me, you will 100% feel the burn in every class (I just did one of her core strength workouts and…I’ll be sore tomorrow). Attending pilates in-person at a trendy studio can feel intimidating and isn’t always accessible. Alexis’s fun playlists, motivating attitude and overall positivity are sure to lift your spirits and make you feel strong, even if you’re tuning in from your living room.
At the end of the day, your fitness and wellness routine should feel fun and empowering. Regardless of your background, identity, or experience level, wellness is for everyone and it’s all about finding workouts and activities that align with you. The next time you’re looking to shake up your routine, check out these instructors who are sure to make your experience welcoming, affirming, and inspiring.