By Davi Jacobs

On social media, a new generation of fitness influencers is rewriting what it means for women to be strong. Lilly Chakiath, an alum of the University of Maryland’s business school, is part of that movement.

As a high schooler during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Chakiath joined millions of people who turned to YouTube fitness channels such as Chloe Ting. But Chakiath soon realized that the videos weren’t enough for her.

“I was always kind of skinny and I wanted to put on some muscle mass,” Chakiath said. “I’m also somebody who loves to eat, so I was like, ‘How can I combine the two?’”

Chakiath invested in dumbbells and a squat rack, and began lifting in her basement. She started documenting her progress in 2021 as she posted workout content on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Now, she has more than 189,000 followers across the three platforms.

Enrolling at this university in fall 2023 gave her access to the Eppley Recreation Center, which amplified her growth.

Chakiath said she was able to increase her social media outreach partially due to the knowledge and skills she gained in her marketing classes at this university. The classes taught her how to use tools such as hashtags and hooks to boost her platform, she explained.

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After she started to gain a following, Chakiath received messages from people who said she’s made them feel proud to be strong. She has always sought to demonstrate how being feminine and strong can go hand-in-hand.

“I have my nails done, I have my jewelry on,” Chakiath said. “I’m very, very feminine and simultaneously, I’m very strong and be proud of it.”

As she continues to collaborate and partner with the various companies that have reached out to her, Chakiath stays true to her beliefs and honest with her followers.

Chakiath said she lost respect for some influencers she used to follow because they promote products like sea moss or other supplements while implying benefits that aren’t really there. For her, it comes down to integrity — she makes sure to only highlight what is scientifically backed.

For those looking to start working out or need an extra boost, Chakiath has some advice.

“Remember what results you want and to always keep track of them,” she said. “That’s one of the most beautiful things about lifting — you can see the muscle change, you can see the definition.”

Chakiath’s passion for motivating others is obvious to those around her. Leanna Choo, Chakiath’s cousin, is a former college athlete who now works as a physical therapist.

Choo said Chakiath had become inspired by her active lifestyle. Growing up, the two worked out in the basement together.

“It kind of started with me teaching her how to do proper form and things,” Choo said. “Now, it’s turned into me asking her how to do some stuff and getting tips from her.”

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Chakiath is a big advocate of making fitness collaborative. She emphasized how beneficial it is to hit the gym with a friend or somebody who can provide support. She added that she has taught many of her own friends and enjoys seeing their growth.

Tien Tran, Chakiath’s close friend and former roommate, has known Chakiath since the first grade and recalls her being into fitness from a young age.

But Chakiath’s platform also extends beyond fitness. When she isn’t posting progress videos and workout advice, her content dives into topics like fashion, jewelry and recipes.

Tran would often create fashion-related content with Chakiath in their college years.

“The way Lilly’s platform is, even if you’re someone who’s not into fitness, I feel like there’s something for you there,” Tran said. “Everyone can see themselves in Lilly.”

After graduating from the university in spring, Chakiath hopes to continue creating a welcoming space for her followers. She’s considering becoming a personal trainer, but first she needs to hear back about a full-time position she applied to.

“Fitness is holistic,” Chakiath said. “You can be strong, feminine and beautiful in a world where muscle is looked at to be very masculine.”