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12 Fitness Influencers Who Aren't A Size 2 And Don't Want To Be

"These women are encouraging others to confidently enter the fitness world and continue to get stronger, and that is a message that we stand behind."

Jame Jackson
by Jame Jackson

BuzzFeed Staff

You can't gauge someone's level of fit by their body size or shape, although media has often associated thinness or ripped abs to health. Here are some of our fave fitness instructors who aren't a size 2 ... and aren't trying to be!

Olha Khorimarko / Getty Images

Jessica Rihal, a plus-size yoga and fitness instructor, told As/Is, "Fitness is not an indicator of body size, physical fitness, and weight loss. These are separate destinations which may at times intersect, but are still not synonymous. It's a common and dangerous misconception that weight loss and fitness are the same things, and if we only see one type of body reflected in the fitness/wellness world, we continue to reinforce fatphobia and an archaic/superficial way of thinking." Ashley Stetts, founder of the model management company Stetts, added, "When it comes to fitness, models should be relatable - not holding people to a standard that for many may be unattainable. Instead of encouraging women to embrace being overweight, these women are encouraging others to confidently enter the fitness world and continue to get stronger, and that is a message that we stand behind."

1. Jessie Diaz-Herrera

2. Dana Falsetti

3. Roz The Diva

4. Jessica Rihal

5. Maria Odugba

6. CeCe Olisa

7. Mirna Valerio

8. Sarah Sapora

9. Luisa

10. Jessamyn Stanley

11. Chasi Jernigan

12. Dianne Bondy

Are there any plus-size fitness influencers or yogis you love to follow? Leave them down below!