Greatest “Health” People

Michelle Obama First Lady and Children’s Health Advocate

When First Lady Michelle Obama isn’t doing pushups with Ellen or breaking jumping jack records, she’s out raising a healthier generation of kids through her Let’s Move initiative. Teaching children the importance of eating healthy and staying active seems to be sticking, too. A fun experiment conducted during Halloween this year found that kids were more likely to choose a piece of fruit over a candy bar after viewing a picture of the first lady. How’s that for influence?

Jamie Oliver Chef and Healthy Eating Advocate

This British chef and media personality is striving to improve diets and poor cooking habits in the U.S. and abroad by saying sayonara to unhealthy meals in cafeterias. Whether he’s transforming kids’ lunch trays, teaching cooking skills to students through his program, “Jamie’s Home Cooking Skills,” or filming how-to videos on his site, Oliver is changing eating habits to help people live longer and happier lives.

Deepak Chopra Physician and Holistic Health Expert

Want to know the meaning of life? You may get one step closer after hearing from Chopra, who uses a combination of techniques — from mainstream medicine to transcendental meditation — to help people live happy and balanced lives. With 26 books that have been translated into 35 different languages, he’s certainly spreading the word of wellness around the globe. His latest book, “Super Brain,” explores the connection between the brain and physical and spiritual health.

Dr. Andrew Weil Physician and Integrative Medicine Expert

No pills? No problems, according to Dr. Andrew Weil. Weil focuses on natural health (even though he has a medical degree!) and teaches Integrative Medicine, which incorporates alternative medicine (like herbal supplements and Omega 3’s) with what the Western docs prescribe. He’s spreading the word through his 10 books, lectures, and personal website that’s chock full of recipes, Q & A’s, and health plans — no prescription necessary.

Jillian Michaels Trainer and TV Personality

As one of the most recognizable faces in fitness, Jillian Michaels has made her name on weight-loss reality shows, workout DVDs, books, and video games. This year, she took on a new role as a mom but has still maintained a strong presence in the health and fitness world. After a year-long break from the hit show “The Biggest Loser,” Michaels will return next season to continue inspiring people to change their habits and adopt healthier, happier, and fitter lifestyles.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Bodybuilder, Actor, and Politician

Let’s be honest: Every year is a big year for the Governator. In 2012, after some less-than-positive personal issues, Arnold broke back into the fitness world with the re-launch of his website and autobiography, “Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story.” The site’s fitness section appeals to any muscle-lover, featuring articles like “Breaking Through Muscle Building Plateaus” and “Squat 101,” written by some of the most well known faces in the space (including fellow influencers). As a politician, Schwarzenegger was dedicated to physical education in schools and still works with after-school programs focused on fitness. Each year, nearly 200,000 supporters attend the Arnold Sports Festival, where Schwarzenegger’s fitness feats are his most revered achievements.

Bob Harper Trainer and TV Personality

While probably best known for his role on “The Biggest Loser” (alongside our #8 influencer), Harper has been building his name in the fitness world for over 20 years. He’s expanded his business with his own line of workout DVDs, supplements, books, and motivational speaking engagements and personal appearances. He’s accessible, too: Each week, Harper releases free workout challenges for his fans on his website, MyTrainerBob.com, and regularly teaches spin classes in Los Angeles.

Jeanette Jenkins Trainer

Celeb fitness guru Jeanette Jenkins knows a thing or two about getting stars in shape. From power yoga to ab moves to boot camp, Jenkins has a fitness DVD for every style of exercise and every personality. Jenkins is the president of her own company, The Hollywood Trainer, and has created dozens of workouts and written a book about the art of staying fit. She’s the go-to trainer for celebrities like Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah, and Pink, and has appeared on the Today Show, the Dr. Oz Show, and Celebrity Fit Club, among many others.

Beto Perez Trainer and Founder of Zumba

Alberto “Beto” Perez may be a successful entrepreneur now, but in the 1990s he was just another spandex-clad aerobics instructor. Set to lead a class one day in Cali, Colombia, Perez realized that he had left his aerobics music tapes at home. In a bind, he popped in his own favorite salsa and merengue tunes and started grooving. His class loved dancing themselves fit, and thus Zumba was born. After the first impromptu class, Perez choreographed set routines and brought his fitness craze to the United States. Zumba has grown by leaps and bounds (or shimmies and salsa-steps) since then, with thousands of certified trainers around the country and a line of merchandise including DVDs, video games, and even clothing.

Tara Stiles Yoga Entrepreneur

A former dancer and model, Stiles has morphed into one of the most influential yoga “guides” (as she calls them), known especially for her fun, carefree approach to the practice. After becoming a certified yoga instructor, Stiles opened Strala Yoga, a New York studio known for its welcoming, straightforward environment. The yoga rock star is also the author of the best-selling “Yoga Cures” and “Slim Calm Sexy Yoga.” Not to mention, she’s friends with Deepak Chopra (our #4 pick!) and has released joint DVDs with him.

Shaun Thompson Trainer

Though most people know this chiseled trainer as simply “Shaun T,” he does in fact have a last name. After dabbling in the corporate world, Thompson branched out into commercial fitness and dance, working for companies such as Equinox. He gained fame and fans with the DVDs “Hip Hop Abs” and “Rockin Body.” But perhaps his most impressive accomplishment is the 60-day workout challenge, “Insanity,” considered to be one of the most challenging but effective at-home DVDs. The latest installment of Thompson’s killer workouts is aptly named “The Asylum.”

Bart Yasso Running Expert

The running world loves all of its own, but Yasso — the CRO (Chief Running Officer) of Runner’s World — is helping people all over the world. Inducted into the Running USA Hall of Champions, Yasso helped create the Runner’s World Race Sponsorship Program, which helps fund and support local races and runners. And his expertise goes beyond running: Yasso is also an accomplished cyclist and Ironman triathlete.

Dave Schmitz Founder of Resistance Band Training

Schmitz may not have the same social footprint as other people on this list, but as a national expert on resistance band training, Schmitz is making a deep impact on the fitness community. Schmitz regularly gives speeches and talks on how resistance bands can improve any kind of workout routine, from strength training to competitive sports to everything in between.

Andrea Beaman Natural Foods Chef

Food is more than just fuel to this chef and former Top Chef contestant — it’s medicine. Beaman believes green living and alternative therapies can improve every person’s quality of living in more ways than one. After successfully treating her own health problems with healthy food, exercise, and natural therapies, she transitioned the subject into her professional life, sharing her health secrets with the world through her writing (including two books) and TV show appearances.