17 POC To Follow For Wellness Inspiration

    These workouts are DIY, FUBU, and sure to get you F-I-T.

    by
    Driadonna Roland
    by Driadonna Roland

    BuzzFeed Staff

    ,
    Michael Blackmon
    by Michael Blackmon

    BuzzFeed News Reporter

    First things first: Fitness is important for all people.

    With that said, the top four leading causes of death among African-Americans are heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. And according to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 60 percent of Hispanic-Americans will develop obesity and Type 2 diabetes. As we work to prevent these conditions, there's nothing wrong with having someone on your vision board who, well, looks like you. Here's a (non-exhaustive) list of people of color who are leading the charge on healthy living via social media.

    1. Hey Fran Hey

    2. Food Heaven Made Easy with Wendy & Jess

    Food Heaven Show / Via youtube.com

    These ladies both hold master's degrees in nutrition science, and they are BFFs, which means their videos are scientifically sound, as well as friendly and inviting! Watch their YouTube channel to learn how to cook nutrient dense, affordable plant-based recipes that are actually simple to make.

    3. "Mr. Shut Up and Train"

    aeimfitness / Via youtube.com

    Do you want to get fit? Like, do you really, want to optimize that body? Rahman "Ray" Grayson, aka Mr. Shut Up and Train, is your man. This Atlanta-based celeb trainer makes fitness a group activity, mobilizing the internet when he offers the "Free 30-Day Fit Challenge." Once you sign up, you'll get daily exercise and nutrition challenges that are detailed, tough, and get results. As he says, "Healthy is the new sexy."

    4. Hang Tight with MarC

    HangTightwMarC / Via youtube.com

    No gym? No problem! MarC will send you a weekly workout schedule and tips, no matter what your exercise level. Her YouTube channel has hundreds of workouts that tend to be on the shorter side, but you can build them to customize a workout that suits you perfectly.

    5. MankoFit

    6. Kevin, Fit Men Cook

    7. iiKandii88

    8. Suraqah

    9. Anowa Adjah

    Anowa Adjah / Via youtube.com

    Calling herself the "Nigerian Powerhouse," Anowa made the Powerhouse Physiques DVD series for curvy girls who want to "lose the gut, keep the butt." She's also the mother of toddler twin boys, so, ladies, she UNDERSTANDS!

    10. Jason Khalipa

    11. The Hollywood Trainer: Jeanette Jenkins

    Jeanette Jenkins / Via youtube.com

    You should recall Jeanette Jenkins from her two "Sexy Abs" DVDs with singer Kelly Rowland — and who doesn't think Kelly's body is bangin'? Jeanette is incredibly chirpy and energetic, and between Youtube and her Facebook "Exercise of the Day," she will give you plenty of fitspiration.

    12. The Hodge Twins

    13. Cassey Ho

    blogilates / Via youtube.com

    Cassey Ho is the creator of Blogilates, which is a one-stop shop for anyone with an interest in fitness. Her site has everything from healthy, clean recipes to quick and easy workout videos. But, obviously, Pilates is her specialty!

    14. deactivatedfatgirl

    15. Guru of Abs

    16. My Name is Jessamyn

    17. Dr. Ian

    doctoroz.com / Via doctoroz.com

    We'd be remiss not to include Dr. Ian Smith, a New York Times best-selling author and medical correspondent on national television and radio. He's also a recurring co-host on The Doctors.

    Who are your favorite fitness gurus of color? Please share in the comments below so we all can get healthy together!