Love Ashley Graham? Here Are 9 Other Body-Positive Activists You Should Follow Too

Julia Naftulin
Updated
Expand your social media horizons by following these body-positive models and activists who prove beauty comes in any size.

Boosting your own body confidence starts with knowing you’re not the only one with cellulite, stomach rolls, or any other totally normal imperfections. That’s why seeing daily Instagram and Snapchat posts from body positive activists like Ashley Graham can be an instant mood- and confidence-booster—they show that health, beauty, and fitness come in all sizes. Here, we share our favorite curvy-girl role models who serve up lots of fierce full-body shots, sweaty gym mirror pictures, and the occasional selfie. Trust us, you’ll want to follow them all.

Candice Huffine

You may know Huffine as the first plus-size model to grace the pages of the iconic and risqué Pirelli calendar. Besides serving up super sexy editorial shots, she shares photos of her doing her favorite form of fitness—running. Huffine religiously uses the hashtag #getmovinghavefun, so her posts are sure to lift your spirits.

Running man, running CAN(dice). Tomorrows playlist is public and available on Spotify if you need some musical race motivation- or even if you aren't racing and just like Britney Spears and Mase. 😂💪🏼 Either way, get your jam on and expect you'll hear Roar more than once!!! Lots of tunes on there from the recommendations you all made for my first half so thank you again for keeping me going-Now I'm sharing the ❤️❤️👯👯!! Search candicehuffpow---playlist name "run baby run"! #fannypacknotincluded #getmovinghavefun #airbnbbkhalf #cantstopthefeeling #boomerang

A video posted by Candice Huffine (@candicehuffine) on May 20, 2016 at 5:19pm PDT

 

 

 

 

Nadia Aboulhosn

Have trouble fitting into those straight-sized Lululemon leggings? You and your booty will love model, fashion blogger, and designer Nadia Aboulhosn. She recently launched a fierce clothing line with Canadian plus-size brand Additionelle and isn’t afraid to make out-of-the-box fashion decisions. One scroll through her Instagram and you’ll want to be rocking body-con dresses, athleisure-inspired bodysuits, and short-shorts just like Aboulhosn does.

 

 

 

 

 

New blog post wearing @downtownvirgo bodysuit, @adidasoriginals shoes, and @target denim jacket. Links to what I'm wearing on my blog. nadiaaboulhosn.com #fashion #ootd #bodysuit #adidas

A photo posted by Nadia Aboulhosn (@nadiaaboulhosn) on Mar 7, 2016 at 11:41am PST

 

 

 

 

RELATED: Ashley Graham Has Something to Say About Her Body

Katie Willcox

If you feel like skinny girls are the only ones being portrayed as healthy on your social feeds, it’s time to give Katie a follow. She’s a model and the CEO and founder of Healthy Is the New Skinny, a movement that focuses on health and wellness rather than size. She posts lots of workout clips (even when she was pregnant!), and inspiring body-positive messages.

 

 

 

 

 

We swam in the pool for 2 hours last night and then did our workout... Just to jump in the pool again!😂 My body feels amazing today! If you are wanting some workout ideas we post our routine on snapchat! 💪🏽teamhns💪🏽 No matter what level of physical condition you are in this workout will help build muscle and get your heart rate pumping! I have found that focusing on building strength vs losing weight has become a much healthier mindset for me. #healthyisthenewskinny #lift #healthypregnancy #28weeks #deadlifts #gym #katiehwillcox #bodylove #health #strong #pregnantworkout #babybump

A video posted by Girl Boss/ Author/ Speaker (@katiehwillcox) on Jun 9, 2016 at 9:31am PDT

 

 

 

 

Bo Stanley

Surfer chick Stanley will have you feeling empowered by what your body can do, rather than what it looks like. Her Instagram is filled with beachy bikini photos, action shots of her surfing, and outdoor strength training and yoga videos. Stanely will inspire you to do what you love, regardless of what you look like doing it and most importantly, she’ll remind you to make working out fun.

 

 

 

 

 

I hear from a lot of women that they shy away from sports , especially surfing and swimming because they don't think they look "fit" enough in a bikini . I'm here to tell ya that when I bend over or am moving during sports , I have a roll, and it's totally OK . You don't have to look like the cookie cutter athletic image to be an athlete or participate in any level of sports. There's millions of us that don't have washboard abs and are totally just as badass and capable. And to the women that do have washboard abs, I think that's awesome too!! Some of us are built like that, and others built differently. It's about equality , diversity, health, and empowering ALL sizes of women . So put your bikini on this summer and GET OUT in the water. Don't let silly insecurities stop you from having fun and participating ! 🌊✨☀️ #loveyourbody #health #fitness #surf #athlete #curves #diversity #powertoshe ✨ #boknows #iamcurve

A photo posted by BO STANLEY 🌴 (@bostanley) on May 26, 2016 at 1:51pm PDT

 

 

 

 

Leah Kelley

This model isn’t afraid to speak out against the modeling industry’s unfair body standards. Her honesty will leave you feeling empowered to live a healthy lifestyle while loving your body. Plus, her second Instagram account, thickandtoned, features all of her go-to workouts—all the fitspo you need.

#TBT to my #bodyevolution over the last 8 years. The picture on the left is from my first test shoot in NYC At 19 years old. I was my #naturalsize but was not #confident and always would be #bodyshaming myself. The photo in the middle is after I purposely gained #weight to make it in the plus model world. This is also the time I learned to love my body. I felt like I was in a parallel universe of the fashion industry. The bigger I got the more "perfect" I became. I gained my confidence with each pound. I was finally proud to have been the tallest, curviest girl growing up. I was baffled for years as my straight size friends would be told they needed to loose a few inches here or there, while I was being told I was too skinny. I weighed almost 60-80 pounds more than most of them. The juxtaposition was absurd. Even though I felt great about my body from a mental perspective, I did not feel good physically. Not eating healthfully and avoiding exercise took its toll. I was tired all the time and any physical activity was hard. My childhood asthma came back, my joints hurt, everything hurt. I started to realize that my health was and would be effected for the rest of my life if I didn't make a change... The picture on the right is me now in a recent Polaroid I took for a lingerie client. Yes, the bra doesn't fit well, I know, but you can see how happy I am. I am back to my natural size after years of hard work(out) and lifestyle changes. I document some of them on my blog thickandtoned.com. When I look at these 3 pics, I see three #babes. One that was not very healthy or confident (constantly dieting/shaming) but totally should have been, I see one sexy #BBW who is feeling herself but unhealthy as well, and I see myself now. Someone who is happy in her own skin regardless of your or anyone else's opinion. I see the healthiest version of "me" I have ever been. Funny thing, fashion has changed so much since I started modeling, I now can work at my natural size and I do not have to gain or loose weight to find jobs. So many of my clients are embracing women in all sizes and I believe the bridge between #straight and #plus has been drawn. #loveyourbody #thickandtoned

A photo posted by Leah Kelley (@leahkelley) on Sep 3, 2015 at 3:12pm PDT

 

 

 

 

Denise Bidot

This curvalicious model recently launched her own self-love campaign, called There Is No Wrong Way to Be a Woman. Whether she’s showing off her stretch marks, posting the occasional workout photo, or snapping adorable selfies with her daughter, Bidot proves a woman can be anyone she wants to be—and that message is infectious as any.

 

  

Love your body and set yourself free ✨😘 #nowrongway #justme #bodypositive #selflove #beyou #thereisnowrongwaytobeawoman

A photo posted by Denise Bidot (@denisebidot) on Oct 12, 2016 at 7:51pm PDT

 

 

 

 

RELATED: This Is What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Exercising

Tara Lynn

Plus-sized model Tara Lynn proves curves are always in style thanks to her mix of high-fashion editorial and behind-the-scenes snapshots. She consistently shares the hasthag #FashionDemocracy and believes women of all sizes should have access to fun clothing options. Trust us—you’ll want to take lots of fashion risks after scrolling through Lynn’s feed.

This palette! From @additionelle styled by @carytauben #aqua #lace #PlusSizeLingerie #FashionDemocracy #AdditionElle #taralynn

A photo posted by Tara Lynn (@taralynn) on Apr 24, 2015 at 5:40pm PDT

 

 

 

 

Marquita Pring

If being close friends with Ashley Graham isn’t enough to convince you to follow this model, her upbeat, fun-loving posts are sure to do the trick. Hit "follow" and your feed will be filled with fierce runway walks, workout sessions, and Pring-Graham best friend moments.

 

Seriously stepped up the weight with @lbg_fitness this morning. Feeling #Invincible 💪🏾 "Everyday in every way I'm getting better and better" -E. C.

A video posted by marquitapring (@marquitapring) on Jul 20, 2016 at 7:03am PDT

 

 

 

 

Jessamyn Stanley

In a world where women are often shamed for having belly fat, Stanley reminds us there’s nothing wrong with having a little more in the middle, and even to own our figures. The inspiring yogi proves size and shape don’t matter when it comes to practicing your favorite form of exercise. Follow her to flood your feed with expert-level yoga poses, rants that question fit-girl stereotypes, and overall body-positive realness.

I almost cried during my interview with @selfmagazine when they asked about my experience with self hate- honestly, it's bizarre to me that I'm perceived as such a confident person when I spent such a huge chunk of my life buried under truly toxic body shame. And it's not like those feelings have completely dissipated- just like anyone, I have ups and downs. And I always roll my eyes whenever people draw the conclusion that yoga is the source of my body confidence. I mean, Instagram is littered with proof that an aggressive yoga asana practice can unintentionally sow the seeds of body negativity. But there's no doubt that yoga has made me stronger- but the physical strength isn't really the point, is it? If you want to watch me get choked up and talk about body shame, click the link in my Instagram header! Photo by @nadyawasylko (Btw, I can't remember who made this sports bikini but I EFFING LOVE IT and need it in every color. I only ever want to practice in my underroos and when the #teamSELF crew said "...are you cool with wearing this?" I almost started frothing at the mouth from excitement. THIS IS WHAT FAT GIRLS WANT. 👙👙)

A photo posted by Jessamyn (@mynameisjessamyn) on Sep 21, 2016 at 2:33pm PDT