If you’re someone who likes social media, you probably have an Instagram account. Along with millions of active users, you’re probably enthralled by the app’s sleek design and diverse content.

If you’re starting a new health and wellness journey, there are so many ways to incorporate Instagram into the mix.

I love home workouts. It’s easy and frugal for me as a busy homeschool mom. Home workouts are more practical for me when my husband is deployed.

Often, my kids and pets join in on the fun!

I don’t even need any equipment – I can just use my own body weight.

I can turn on some fun music, workout at whatever time I can fit it in, take breaks when I need to, drink whatever recovery drinks I want, and be near my family if they need me.

I don’t have to worry if my leggings match my tank top or if my belly shows when I’m doing stretches. I only have to compete against myself. No one is watching.

Consider these ways Instagram can be a great guide to optimal health:

1. Meal Prep

There are hundreds of Instagram accounts that are specifically dedicated to healthy eating. Many of the accounts demonstrate how to cook healthy yet delicious meals and stick to a certain diet. Whether you subscribe to a gluten-free diet or a vegan diet or anything else in between, there are plenty of accounts and hashtags to follow and learn from. The pictures always make me hungry and I love to try new recipes!

2. Trainers

If you don’t have a membership at the local gym, it tends to be harder to find a trainer in your area. Thankfully, Instagram has hashtags. You can put your city in the search engine along with the type of trainer you’re looking for. It’ll take some perusing and scrolling perhaps. However, you can find a good trainer in your area. If people in your local circle post about their workouts and trainers online, check to see who they use. When a trainer has a presence on Instagram, they tend to use it to validate and showcase their services. This way, you’ll have a better idea of what you’re walking into. Some even travel to your home or work or offer online sessions! A good personal trainer is more than a tight shirt and condescending attitude.

3. Workout Ideas

If you’ve ever been in the midst of a workout regimen to lose weight, it’s not uncommon to experience a plateau. When this happens, there’s a struggle to continue losing weight or getting stronger. In order to break past the plateau, it’s important to focus on a variety of elements. Perhaps, you’re not getting enough sleep. You might want to eat more vegetables and cut out certain carb-heavy foods. You might also want to try different workouts.

Instagram fitness influencers provide a range of workout regimens. You can find everything from Kettlebell workouts to aerial yoga workouts on Instagram. There are times when it’s going to take a lot more than a simple jog to get the weight off. And jogging can be boring or unwise if you get injured.

In addition to using home gym equipment, get inspiration from the workouts you see online. It’s a great idea to create a workout list and use inspiration to build a variety of workouts. As you try the different workouts throughout the week, your body has a better chance of breaking past the plateau.

I keep a health journal to monitor my progress. I’ve been in physical therapy for a few weeks due to knee pain. I keep track of inflammatory foods and try to avoid those. I note my physical and emotional changes.

How do you use Instagram for inspiration?