The Final Rep, Issue 13: Striving for More Diversity in Fitness
A celebration of Black History Month.
The world had a bit of a (much delayed) awakening to social injustice last year after the killing of George Floyd and the global protests that followed. But the attack on the Capitol only demonstrated how much more work we need to do. That work trickles down from nationwide politics to personal beliefs and practices. Industries like fitness—a space that should most definitely welcome any and all beings—also require big changes toward inclusivity. So, in honor of Black History Month, I’m swapping this white girl’s stories on staying motivated to move for the Black voices who share where the fitness industry falls short in welcoming diverse races and bodies. These articles stand out from last year:
Self’s September cover story, “What It Means to Be Black in Fitness,” written by Rozalynn S. Frazier, includes interviews with several Black fitness instructors across the country who talk about microaggressions and tokenism within the industry, plus where they want to see fitness change and grow. A few of those interviewed had a group chat in which they discussed their experiences working in fitness, and later, some formed an official advocacy group, Fit For Us, aimed at addressing the racial issues within the workout world.
The New York Times’ “Yoga, SoulCycle and Peloton Face Truths About How Black Lives Matter,” discusses the problems with some fitness brands, like Y7, who have profited off cultural appropriation. It also explains the criticism SoulCycle has faced in using Black instructors in promotional materials, but not actually living up to the diverse setting they use in their marketing. The story also gives an inside look at what it’s like for Black instructors to work for major brands like Peloton.
Similarly, on Today.com, writer Vidya Rao points out the shortfalls of the wellness industry in welcoming Black and brown communities. It also highlights those who aim to change that, like yoga instructor and podcaster Jessamyn Stanley, writer, speaker, and strength coach Chrissy King, and hosts of the podcast “Yoga is Dead,” Tejal Patel and Jasal Parikh.
Finally, for an article published last week, Bustle launched a new column, “The Level Up,” celebrating those on a mission to change the wellness world. The first story is about Amy Collado and her roller-skating social club, dubbed Butter Roll. She talks about the emotional (and physical) benefits of joining the group and how it has changed during COVID times.
The latest updates on the fitness industry:
· Apple is celebrating Black History Month across all of its platforms, while also launching a Black Unity collection, featuring a limited-edition Apple Watch Series 6, Black Unity Sport Band, and Unity watch face. Apple Fitness+, in particular, will also roll out new workouts all month that honor Black instructors, music, and culture. Read about the workouts on Shape.com.
· This week Nike released a hands-free shoe, meaning you simply step right into it—no lacing up required (which looks way cooler than it sounds). Coined the Nike GO FlyEase, it’s currently only available to select Nike members, but the brand says it should be available to more consumers later this year.
· Technogym launched a new treadmill, MYRUN, which connects to a tablet for instructor-led running and walking workouts. The brand says the machine is silent as you run and that it’s more environmentally-friendly than competitors. (It goes into a reduced power consumption mode when you’re off the treadmill and automatically turns on when you step back on it.) It’s just under $3K.
· Mindbody, the tech platform many studios and gyms use for classes, launched its first membership platform, Flex. Starting at $39/month, it gives users access to livestream workouts from partners like Barre3 and ILoveKickboxing.
Here’s one form cue that always resonates with clients…
These words tend to work for individuals I train as an ah-ha moment for feeling stronger in a move or activating the right muscles. For the dead bug core exercise, make sure your back stays flat against the mat while you move, which requires a little pelvic tilt toward the ceiling (or pushing your belly button toward the floor). Also, keep your feet flexed (toes to shin) and knees over hips, as you extend one leg and then the other. This helps you work the core more.
One move to add to your exercise routine…
Go for a windmill to target your backside, obliques, and shoulder stability. To do it, start standing with feet hip-width apart. Turn both toes about 45 degrees to the left. Lift right arm up overhead, bicep by ear. (I suggest trying this move without weight until you get the form.) Drive the hips diagonal back to the right, moving into a hinge position as you lower your torso toward the floor. Keep looking up at right hand, and graze your left inner thigh with your left hand to keep shoulders in alignment. Drive through your feet to stand back up. For a full tutorial, check out this video from Girls Gone Strong.
For a full workout, try…
Body Space Fitness, which offers strength, cardio, combo, or kettlebell classes! Another one of my favorites to turn to when I need a solid instructor-led sweat, Body Space turns it up in terms of kettlebell complexes aka stringing a few kettlebell moves together in their Kettlebell & Core class. They also offer Body Camp in three types: strength, sweat (cardio-focused), and sport (a blend of weights and cardio intervals). Body Space is also a Black-owned business, founded by Kelvin Gary, who I’ve had the pleasure of working with on a few stories. He always has smart insight on training techniques, kettlebell skills, and creative, effective exercises.
For more Black-owned fitness studios, check out this list from The Strategist. And for Black fitness instructors to follow on IG, check out this round-up on mindbodygreen.
The gear I’m loving to get me out the door…
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using the Hyperice Hypervolt Plus, a percussion massage gun, pretty regularly. (It feels really good on my muscles, particularly when my knee is acting up!) I run it along my quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves, and my upper back, both before and after my workouts. It gets my muscles warmed up for more movement and then also helps me wind down after. I turn to it for midday desk breaks, too. Theragun also has great tools and a more wallet-friendly option with their travel-ready Theragun Mini. (I’ve heard a rumor that you can use your FSA money to buy these, but I have not fact-checked that.)
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