Caleb Marshall Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 15, 2025
With over 3.7 million followers on TikTok (@thefitnessmarshall ) and 871,000+ on Instagram (@thefitnessmarshall ), Caleb Marshall—better known as The Fitness Marshall—has redefined what it means to make fitness fun, inclusive, and empowering.
A dynamic blend of dance instructor, personal trainer, entertainer, and mental health advocate, Caleb Marshall has transformed from a behind-the-scenes fitness coach into a viral sensation and global wellness icon.
Then: The Early Struggles – A Passion Behind the Scenes (Pre-2016)
Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Caleb Marshall was passionate about movement from a young age.
He danced throughout his youth and later discovered a love for fitness as a way to build confidence and improve his mental health.
After moving to Los Angeles, he pursued a career as a certified personal trainer, working one-on-one with clients and teaching group fitness classes.
Despite his expertise and energy, Caleb struggled to gain recognition in the highly competitive L.A. fitness scene. He was often overlooked in favor of more conventionally “aesthetic” trainers.
At times, he battled self-doubt, anxiety, and body image issues, feeling pressure to fit into a narrow mold of what a fitness professional “should” look like.
But Caleb had a vision: fitness shouldn’t be intimidating, painful, or exclusive. It should be joyful.\
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The Turning Point: Birth of The Fitness Marshall (2016–2018)
1. A Viral Idea: Dance Workouts to Pop Hits
In 2016, frustrated by the lack of engagement in traditional workouts, Caleb had a breakthrough idea: What if fitness felt like a party?
He began creating fun, high-energy dance routines set to popular pop songs—think Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé—filmed in his living room with bold costumes, glitter, and unapologetic enthusiasm.
He launched his YouTube channel and Instagram as @TheFitnessMarshall, posting full-length dance cardio videos that combined real calorie-burning movement with humor, flair, and inclusivity.
His first major viral hit came with a routine to “Side to Side” by Ariana Grande, which exploded across social media. People didn’t just watch it—they wanted to do it. For the first time, a workout felt accessible, fun, and shame-free.
2. A New Kind of Fitness
Caleb’s approach was revolutionary:
- No mirrors, no judgment
- No “perfect” bodies required
- Just movement, music, and joy
He encouraged people of all shapes, sizes, genders, and fitness levels to dance like nobody’s watching—because in his videos, everyone was invited.
His signature catchphrase—“You’re not here to be perfect. You’re here to be YOU.”—became a mantra for his growing community.
By 2018, his YouTube channel had hundreds of thousands of subscribers, and his Instagram presence was rapidly growing. He wasn’t just a trainer—he was a movement leader.
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Now: A Global Fitness Phenomenon (2019–2025)
1. TikTok Domination and Mainstream Recognition
When TikTok rose to global dominance, Caleb was perfectly positioned to thrive. His short, punchy dance workouts—set to trending audio and delivered with infectious energy—went viral repeatedly.
His TikTok account (@thefitnessmarshall) now boasts 3.7 million followers, with videos regularly amassing millions of likes and shares.
His content includes:
- 60-second dance cardio routines
- “No equipment needed” home workouts
- Mental health check-ins
- Humorous skits about fitness culture
- Body-positive affirmations
He’s been featured by major media outlets, including:
- Good Morning America
- The Today Show
- People Magazine
- Cosmopolitan
- BuzzFeed
And he’s worked with global brands like Peloton, Fitbit, and Netflix (promoting shows like Bridgerton and The Ultimatum through themed dance workouts).
2. Inclusivity at the Core
Caleb’s mission has always been inclusion. As a gay man who’s openly discussed his struggles with body dysmorphia and anxiety, he uses his platform to advocate for:
- LGBTQ+ visibility in fitness
- Mental health awareness
- Body neutrality over body perfection
- Joyful movement over punishing exercise
He frequently shares personal stories about overcoming shame, dealing with online hate, and learning to love himself—not for his abs, but for his authenticity.
His classes welcome beginners, older adults, people with disabilities, and those recovering from eating disorders—a radical departure from the often-exclusive world of fitness influencers.
3. Expanding the Brand
Beyond social media, Caleb Marshall has built a sustainable empire:
- YouTube Channel with full-length workouts (500K+ subscribers)
- Fitness apps and on-demand programs (available through platforms like Obé Fitness)
- Live virtual classes and world tours
- Merchandise line featuring bold, affirming slogans like “Sweat. Smile. Repeat.” and “Dance Like You Mean It”
He’s also collaborated with other influencers, dancers, and mental health advocates to amplify his message.
4. The Fitness Marshall Effect
Caleb has inspired a new wave of joy-based fitness. Today, thousands of people worldwide start their day with a “Fitness Marshall” routine—dancing in their kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms, laughing, sweating, and feeling good in their bodies.
He’s proven that you don’t need a six-pack or a gym membership to be “fit.” You just need the courage to move—and the music to keep you going.
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Personal Life and Advocacy
Caleb is openly gay and uses his platform to support LGBTQ+ youth, especially those struggling with self-acceptance.
He’s partnered with organizations like The Trevor Project and GLAAD, and frequently speaks about the importance of representation in health and wellness spaces.
He lives in Los Angeles with his husband and continues to film most of his content at home—keeping it real, relatable, and rooted in everyday life.
Despite his fame, he remains humble, self-deprecating, and deeply connected to his community. Fans don’t just follow him—they feel seen by him.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Caleb Marshall is more than a fitness influencer. He is a cultural disruptor who challenged the toxic norms of the fitness industry:
- He replaced shame with joy
- Replaced elitism with accessibility
- Replaced silence with self-expression
In a world where fitness is often associated with punishment, restriction, and comparison, The Fitness Marshall reminds us that movement can be liberating, fun, and deeply healing.
He’s part of a growing movement—alongside figures like Madeline Stone, Ashley Muratore, and Patrick Boyle—that prioritizes mental wellness, inclusivity, and sustainability over aesthetics.
And perhaps most importantly, he’s shown that you can be strong, healthy, and confident—without changing who you are.
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Conclusion: Caleb Marshall – Then and Now
- Then: A passionate but overlooked personal trainer in L.A., dancing alone in his living room, hoping someone would notice.
- Now: The Fitness Marshall—a global icon with 3.7 million TikTok followers, a thriving community, and a mission that’s changing lives.
Caleb Marshall’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and joy. He didn’t just break into the fitness world—he reimagined it.
As he continues to dance, teach, and inspire, one thing is clear:
The Fitness Marshall isn’t just leading workouts.
He’s leading a revolution—one glittery, sweaty, joyful dance at a time.
🎶 “You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You just have to show up.” – Caleb Marshall
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