YouTuber The Fitness Marshall Says Wellness Should Focus on ‘Realistic’ Goals, Not ‘Making Yourself Miserable’ (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Caleb Marshall with his backup dancers Haley Jordan (left) and Allison Florea (right).Photo:Cameron Moody

Cameron Moody

Embarking on any fitness journey can be daunting. That’s whyCaleb Marshall, known on social media asThe Fitness Marshall, says finding a workout you love is crucial.“It’s just the little things that you can do to make reaching your goals fun and joyful,” Marshall tells PEOPLE. “If you like doing something, you’re probably going to come back to it.”

The self-described “Richard SimmonsmeetsBritney Spears” has racked up more than 2 billion views onYouTubesince his channel started in 2014. Featuring music from his favorite “pop girlies,” viewers can watch free videos on his channel or opt for a paid subscription for more content.“I just make dance fun and working out fun because I had a terrible relationship with exercise and food and fitness before,” Marshall says.

Haley Jordan, Caleb Marshall, and Allison Florea wearing Active Booty activewear.Cameron Moody

“I realized how powerful fitness could be if I didn’t look at it as a punishment, and more of something I got to do,” he says.

He carried that idea with him as he started making videos for other people. “I really wanted to be a force that gave people a space where they didn’t feel scared to just walk in and show up.”

He says his best advice is not to compare yourself to others.“Just show up for yourself,” he adds. “Every little thing that you could do is an accomplishment. Doing two more workouts a week than you did the week before, that’s an accomplishment. So I think being realistic with your goals and not making yourself miserable. That’s why I do what I do.”

Offering the videos online for viewers to watch from the comfort of their homes helps eliminate barriers.“So many people who never would have tried it if it was an in-person class are now doing it because they’re at home, no one’s around, and they just get this confidence,” he explains. “It’s really, really cool to see how the internet has allowed people to break out of their shell.”

As for the key to his popularity, “It’s such a silly answer, but it’s just myself,” he says. “I think people connect to authenticity and connect to not feeling intimidated. I’m not for everybody, but there is a subset of people who just don’t wanna take themselves too seriously and those are my people.”And fans appreciate the combination of humor and humility in his videos.

“I was doing a live steam workout and I fell three times,” he says. “It’s not fun to pretend to be perfect.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.He adds: “That’s why I love thisLittle Leafpartnership that I’m doing. They have this idea: Why not make eating a salad fun and silly?”

Caleb Marshall (The Fitness Marshall) and Little Leaf Farms Crispy Caesar Salad kit.Little Leaf Farms

Little Leaf Farms

In collaboration with lLittle Leaf Farms, a salad and lettuce company, Marshall is holding theShow Us Your Shakecontest. From now until Feb. 7, fans can upload their most creative salad-shaking videos on social media for a chance to win $10,000. Grab a box of Little Leaf salad mix and dance along to one of Marshall’s videos — or just have fun giving it a twirl. The Fitness Marshall will reveal the top five submissions and announce the grand prize winner on Feb. 27.

source: people.com