Desiree Villanueva MCALLEN – A local fitness influencer, Yesenia January, talks on authenticity and transparency on social media to promote a healthy lifestyle.
“When it comes to the social media aspect I like to be as transparent and open as possible about where I’m at because you never know who’s watching a who needs to hear that,” January said.
January explains that the fitness industry has transitioned to social media, with influencers working to reshape how millions of people approach their fitness journey.
“I realized the life changing impact fitness can really have not just on a physical level but [on] a mental level too,” she said.
Her journey as an influencer began when a student in her class sought further guidance on living a healthy lifestyle beyond the classroom. She now has a personal training certification, shares content online and co-owns a gym. She said she has worked with over 70 individuals.
January suggested that a healthy way to engage with fitness influencers is by blocking accounts that share misleading information and following those who are authentic.
Through her social media platforms, she aims to create communities where individuals support one another, share their achievements and inspire each other to embrace healthier habits.
“I think that it’s super important to have those open conversations that fitness isn’t always about going 100% and being perfect all the time, but it’s about the decision to keep investing in yourself and showing up for you because at the end of the day only you will be able to do that for yourself,” January said
