Fitness is one of the most popular, profitable, yet competitive niches on Instagram. This presents both opportunities and challenges.
While building a successful fitness Instagram account can be lucrative, standing out from hundreds of creators, some with those blue ticks, can be tough.
However, don’t let the competition discourage you. If you’re interested in learning how to grow a fitness Instagram account, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ll guide you through building your account and gaining followers step-by-step. Stay tuned for some helpful clues!
How to grow a fitness Instagram account (from scratch)
Ready for your fitness journey on Instagram? Let’s warm up first!
#1. Set a business account
The first step is to set up a business account so that you can use tons of features from detailed insights to monetization tools.
Done? Here’s the next move!
#2. Create a professional profile
Now, introduce yourself, highlight your expertise, and clearly communicate your value proposition.
Also, include a call to action, like directing viewers to your website or coaching services.
#3. Optimize your profile
Instagram SEO plays a crucial role in increasing your visibility. So, bring relevant keywords in your bio and username to improve discoverability when users search for fitness-related content.
If trying to craft the perfect fitness Instagram bio, click the link and read the blog.
#4. Define your niche
Time to start exercising!
Before shooting any post, identify what specific area of the fitness world you’re focusing on to draw a target audience.
Is it Yoga? Maybe weight training, or perhaps, you’ve got tips for pregnancy and post-pregnancy fitness, huh?
#5. Create high-quality content
Content is the beating heart of your account. So, you should have a clear and consistent plan for it.
Using an Instagram content calendar can guarantee both clarity and consistency.
Define the time, date, and type of content you’re going to post. If you’re still unsure about how often you should post on Instagram to grow, take a look at our blog.
You can start with multiple posts (Stories and Feeds) a day. However, there is more than consistency!
Experiment with different content formats and use visually appealing photos-No fake filters!
Interesting & effective fitness content ideas for Instagram
Here, I’m going to share several ideas that can shake up your account.
Healthy meal prep hacks
This is an amazing idea for your Reels.
Share a short video showcasing your favorite meal, prepping tips & tricks. Then, include quick and easy recipe ideas, portion control strategies, and storage solutions.
Bonus tip: Grab this opportunity to make money! Partner with a local grocery store or healthy food brand for a sponsored post with additional reach.
Fitness for busy professionals
Focus on a specific audience with targeted content.
For example, you can post a carousel outlining quick and effective workout routines that can be done at home or in the office with minimal equipment.
Don’t forget to add relevant hashtags like #busylifefitness to your post.
Helpful post: Best fitness hashtags+ free hashtag generator
Debunk a fitness myth
There are probably misconceptions about fitness, aren’t there?
Pick one and dedicate a post (image or video) to debunking it with clear explanations and evidence-based facts.
Spark discussions by asking followers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments.
Imagine how engaging this post would be!
Partner Workout with another Fitness Influencer
If you ask me how to reach more people on Instagram, I would suggest collaboration.
Collaborate with another fitness professional on a joint workout video or post.
But make sure your partner aligns with your brand and target audience for maximum impact.
Behind the scenes of your fitness journey
Trust me, users love authenticity!
Offer a glimpse into your fitness routine and lifestyle through Stories or a short video and watch the results!
To foster a more authentic connection, Share your motivations, struggles, and favorite healthy recipes.
Run a Live Q&A session
I believe Instagram Live is a blessing for fitness creators. In a whole post (How does going Live on Instagram help gain followers), I described how some fitness coaches used IG Live to triple their followers.
So, Do Not hesitate to host a live Q&A session on Instagram Live to directly engage with your audience.
Answer their fitness-related questions in real-time. Promote the session beforehand using Stories and in-feed posts.
Celebrate progress stories
Take benefit of user-generated content!
Feature success stories from your followers like before-and-after photos (with their permission, of course) or short testimonials highlighting their achievements and journeys.
This can inspire and motivate others while showcasing the positive impact of your content.
Beginner Bodyweight Workout Challenge
Challenges can make buzz around your content and lots of challenge ideas out there. Here’s one to trigger your creativity:
- Post a series of 5-7 short videos (Reels or IGTV) demonstrating a different bodyweight exercise each day for a week.
- Include clear instructions, modifications for different fitness levels, and a motivating caption for each video.
- For example: “Day 1: Squats! Great for building leg strength and improving balance. Try different variations like sumo squats or jump squats.
Progressive Workout Routine
Hey, don’t miss carousels! They’re perfect for a workout routine. Try this:
Create a carousel post showcasing a progressive workout routine for a specific muscle group (e.g., chest, legs, core).
Remember, each slide should feature an image or short video demonstrating a different exercise, progressing from beginner-friendly to more challenging variations.
Include clear descriptions and modifications in the captions to cater to different fitness levels.
Run contests & giveaways
Interactive contests and giveaways help you generate excitement and attract new followers.
Offer fitness-related prizes or consultations to incentivize participation.
Use creative IG giveaway ideas like:
- Posting a captivating photo or video related to fitness and asking your audience to write the best caption in the comments. The most creative or funny caption wins the prize.
- Createing a series of Instagram Story prompts related to fitness, motivation, or healthy habits. Then, encourage followers to complete the prompts and share their stories, tagging your account for a chance to win.
- Hosting a healthy recipe creation contest. Ask followers to submit their original healthy recipe creations, with the winner chosen based on taste, creativity, and presentation.
#6. Use relevant hashtags
Research and incorporate popular hashtags related to fitness, your niche, and your target audience.
This increases the discoverability of your posts in relevant searches.
But don’t stuff the same hashtags into your caption (3-5 different hashtags per post would be enough).
Remember, you’re using hashtags for your Instagram growth, so, avoid trendy but unrelated hashtags.
#7. Captivate with captions
If you think your followers are only here to see visuals, you’re wrong!
Use the power of words to tell a story, provide valuable info, or ask questions.
There are lots of ideas for fitness Instagram post captions, from motivational, fun, and interactive to informative. Want some ideas to get inspired? Here you go!
- Progress, not perfection.
- Strong is the new beautiful.
- Sweat now, shine later.
- I don’t sweat, I sparkle.
- When your workout buddy cancels last minute… But you show up anyway!
- Doing this for the after selfie, not gonna lie.
#8. Responds to comments & messages
A fitness account possibly gets hundreds of comments and messages.
If possible, actively engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages promptly.
You can gather FAQs and answer them during a Live or separate post. Avoid preset replies.
#9. Promote your account
To grow your Instagram followers organically, use other social media platforms, your website, or even email.
This will help you cross-promote your Instagram account and drive traffic to your profile.
You can even create guest posts for other fitness accounts, including a link to your profile in the caption.
If you connect your IG profile to your Facebook page, it will automatically publish your IG content on your Facebook.
#10. Be authentic
This is one of the most important tips: Be yourself and don’t use filters to make you look perfect or fit.
Don’t just post perfectly posed workout photos. Share your struggles, setbacks, and victories along the way.
Let your personality shine through in your captions, stories, and interactions, and focus on Progress, not Perfection!
#11. Stay updated on Instagram fitness trends
Staying updated on Instagram fitness trends requires you to be proactive and explore various avenues, such as:
- Following leading fitness influencers and accounts
- Using trending fitness hashtags
- Joining fitness communities and forums
Also, keep yourself updated on the latest Instagram trends, features, and algorithms.
#12. Analyze and adapt
After you employ a special strategy for your fitness account, you need to track if it’s been successful or not.
Utilize Instagram Insights to monitor your performance metrics, such as follower growth, engagement rates, and reach.
Analyze which content types resonate most with your audience and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Final Words
Now, you know how to grow a fitness Instagram account. Once you set up your account, you should roll up your sleeves and create a clear Instagram plan.
This includes defining a content calendar, hashtag strategy, main and primary keywords, and making a list of relevant accounts.
Along the way, you’ll probably face various challenges but it’s important to keep persistent and avoid shortcuts like buying followers.
However, you can get help from manual and organic Instagram growth tools like AiGrow to speed up your growth.
FAQs
How can I grow my fitness account fast on Instagram?
Finding your niche and offering unique value, consistent, high-quality content, engaging your audience, and strategic collaborations are key to growing your account.
Stay updated on fitness trends and remember, authenticity and community building are vital for long-term success.
What makes a good fitness Instagram accoun?
A good fitness Instagram account offers valuable, engaging content in a specific niche, fosters a supportive community, and maintains authenticity.
Should I use paid promotions to grow my fitness account?
While paid promotions can accelerate your growth on Instagram, it’s not always necessary, especially if you’re growing your IG account from scratch.
