Here’s how this can be fixed.
Im an Exercise PhysiologistHeres Why You Shouldnt Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.
Elliptical vs Treadmill: Which Cardio Machine Is Right For You?
Does Rowing Count as Strength Training?
Heres What Experts Had to Say
Our editors independently select these products.
That should let you know there arent many.
yoga teacher and co-owner ofEmpowered Yoga
big butts) are loved and coveted, it becomes a challenge when we ourselves are not welcome.
Boutique fitness spaces, in particular, are filled with mostly white faces.
About seven times out of ten, Im the only one.
Recently, I read the bookWho Is Wellness For?
An Examination of Wellness Culture and Who It Leaves Behindby Fariha Roisin.
There was a quote in it that made me think about the role I play in the wellness space.
What faces do you see staring back at you?
Theyre probably majority white.
Now imagine being a member of the BIPOC community and looking for a place tostart your fitness journey.
yoga teacher and co-owner ofEmpowered Yoga
Ultimately, this could derail you from reaching your goals.
Why does this matter?
Because conditions like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension are higher in our communities.
It was no longer a safe space for them.
Colonization of practices
When you think of yoga, whats the first thing that comes to mind?
Yes, its a stereotype, but its also the image weve been conditioned to see.
Yoga is a practice thats been colonized by white people and the Indian culture has been completely removed.
Does Dancing Count as Cardio?
Heres What Experts Say
Glute Bridge vs Hip Thrust: Which Is The Better Booty Booster?
Im a Master TrainerHeres Why You Shouldnt Skip Your Post-Run Stretches.
We see these communities being exploited, Lewis says.
Jonelle Lewis, E-RYT 500
3.
High cost of entry
Lets be honest, the cost of fitness is highespecially in boutique fitness.
Fitness is an expensive endeavor, says research and evaluation project managerSuzie Sang, PhD.
It takes real cash to invest in agym membershipor a personal trainer.
When people have to make a choice between food and gym memberships, they choose the former.
While in some cases that may be true, its an extremely elitist way of looking at things.
When basic household needs arent being met, things like a gym membership are not a priority.
There arent many opportunities for fitness in marginalized communities, for example gyms and exercise classes, Sang says.
If there are, they may not be well equipped or they close because it may not be profitable.
Youll find more liquor stores in Black communities versus grocery stores and gyms.
What can we do to change things?
What is missing for them, and what do they need to feel seen and safe?
Sang believes its going to take well established fitness brands to make a move for others to follow.
We celebrate and amplify the work of our teachersmeaningful representation matters, Lewis says.
Cohen DA, Hunter G, Williamson S, Dubowitz T. Are Food Deserts Also Play Deserts?
2016 Apr;93(2):235-43. doi: 10.1007/s11524-015-0024-7.
PMID: 27033184; PMCID: PMC4835352.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
