Healthy Role Models

Role models are important in all aspects of life. Physical fitness is no exception. There have been many fitness gurus over the years who have gathered many followers while promoting better health (and often their products) to the public. I was recently wondering who the best health and fitness role models for most Americans might be.

Some of the prominent names that came to mind were Jack Lalanne, Richard Simmons, Arnold Schwarzennegar, Jane Fonda, Bill Phillips, Joe Weider, Deepak Chopra, Denise Austin, Jillian Michaels, Gilad, and Andrew Weil. Each of these "experts" focus on different aspects of health, but exercise is typically the biggest emphasis for most of them.

I appreciate the contributions these people have made over the years (even Richard Simmons), but I think I have seen more people motivated to get in shape by Bill Phillips than anyone else. He made physique transformations something that the average person could do, as opposed to just professional body builders. I know none of these celebrities are perfect and all of them have been criticized for a variety of things, but I think they get people moving in the right direction as they promote better health. My hat is off to anyone who can motivate the public to make healthy lifestyle changes.

I'd like to know who you think the most influential fitness personality is, or at least who has been the most motivating person to you over the years. Please leave me a comment about someone who has motivated you or who you feel you have benefited from by following.