Black Women & Fitness, Holiday Music and More

Dec 20, 2024

In our feature, Carmen Jones starts the discussion on the barriers and solutions to Black women and fitness
Off Script: A Holiday Wish from the Tribal Connections Team
A special musical treat to brighten your holiday season: two extraordinary renditions of the beloved classic "Winter Wonderland" that capture the spirit of the season.
- First, immerse yourself in the velvet-smooth jazz interpretation by the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald, whose timeless voice transforms the winter tune into pure musical magic. Then, travel to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with Kermit Ruffins, whose soulful, brass-infused take on the song brings a unique local flavor that's sure to warm your heart.

Black Women and Fitness: Understanding the Barriers

More Than Motivation...

Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of health and well-being, offering benefits like improved cardiovascular health, better mental health, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAG)1, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and two days of muscle-strengthening activities per week. However, stark disparities in physical activity levels persist. Only about 16% of Black women meet these guidelines compared to nearly 25% of white women.

This disparity is often attributed to personal motivation or lack of gym access. Yet, these explanations fail to address the deeper systemic and cultural barriers that uniquely affect Black women. This article explores these obstacles, shedding light on why physical activity levels are lower among Black women and proposing actionable solutions.

Body Image and Representation

The fitness industry often promotes fitness spaces that celebrate a singular, often Eurocentric, ideal of health and beauty, sidelining the diverse body types and cultural aesthetics represented by women of color. This can lead to feelings of exclusion and alienation, particularly for Black women and others who don’t fit this mold. There is often a lack of representation in leadership.

The scarcity of diverse trainers, instructors, and industry leaders means fewer role models for women from underrepresented groups. Seeing someone who looks like you in a leadership position can foster inclusivity and encourage participation.

Many times, diverse women are underrepresented in media and marketing campaigns. Fitness brands frequently overlook women of diverse sizes, shades, and cultural backgrounds in their advertisements and promotions. This oversight perpetuates the idea that fitness spaces are designed primarily for a narrow demographic.

Inclusive initiatives like the "Black Women Do Workout" Facebook group2 counter this narrative, creating spaces where Black women feel seen and celebrated. These groups not only promote physical activity but also foster a sense of community and empowerment.

Hair Care as a Barrier

Hair care practices significantly influence exercise habits among Black women. Maintaining certain hairstyles can require substantial time and financial investment. Sweating during workouts can disrupt these styles, leading to additional costs and time spent on hair maintenance. As one woman explained, “I will not work out because I don’t want to waste my money. The moment I work out, I sweat, and my hairstyle… is totally gone, ruined.”

Hair holds deep cultural significance for Black women, rooted in African traditions where hairstyles communicated meaning and status. Today, these traditions persist in contemporary Black hair practices. Protective styles, natural hair, and relaxers all carry social and emotional weight. Policies like the CROWN Act3, which aims to protect against hair discrimination, underscore the importance of addressing these concerns in all areas of life, including fitness.

Potential Solutions:
Gyms could offer on-site hairstyling services or fitness classes designed to minimize sweating. The development of fitness apparel that protects specific hairstyles could also encourage more women to participate in physical activities.

Social Support and Community

Social support plays a critical role in physical activity engagement for Black women. Encouragement and shared experiences with peers and family can significantly boost participation. Many fitness spaces do not reflect the cultural preferences or traditions of diverse women. For instance, the focus on certain music genres, exercise styles, or even the atmosphere of a gym may not resonate with women from different cultural backgrounds. Some fitness environments feel isolated from the communities they aim to serve. This disconnect can deter women from attending spaces that feel foreign or unwelcoming.

Systemic Barriers

Some economic inequities can also be a factor. High membership costs, lack of childcare, and additional expenses such as equipment or clothing can disproportionately affect women from marginalized groups. These economic barriers restrict access to fitness spaces.

Geographic Limitations can be a factor. Fitness facilities are often located in areas with higher income levels, making them physically inaccessible for women in underserved communities. Cultural sensitivity and support is often overlooked. Instructors and staff often lack training in cultural sensitivity, leading to microaggressions or unintentional exclusionary practices. For example, not addressing concerns like hair care for Black women demonstrates a lack of understanding of their needs.

Online groups, like “Black Women Do Workout,” also build supportive environments. These platforms provide encouragement, advice, and representation, addressing both emotional and logistical barriers to exercise.

Other Barriers to Consider

•Early Experiences with Physical Activity: Limited access to sports and recreational opportunities during childhood can negatively impact adult exercise habits. Addressing these gaps early can foster lifelong engagement.

•Interactions with Healthcare Professionals: Black women often face cultural insensitivity in healthcare settings. Providers who understand the unique concerns of Black women—such as the impact of hair care and body image—can offer more effective guidance.

•Fear of Judgment: For many women, especially those with larger bodies or less experience in fitness, fear of being judged can discourage them from participating in group classes or using gym equipment.

•Trauma and Negative Experiences: Past experiences of discrimination, bias, or insensitivity in fitness environments can create a lasting reluctance to engage with these spaces.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

The conversation around physical activity for Black women must shift from individual responsibility to systemic change. Here’s how we can move forward:

•Invest in Community-Based Programs: Increased funding for initiatives like “Project Joy”4 can make physical activity more accessible and culturally relevant.

•Support Inclusive Fitness Spaces: Encourage and promote groups like “Black Women Do Workout” that celebrate diversity in fitness. Introduce culturally relevant fitness activities, such as Afrobeat dance classes or yoga with an emphasis on inclusivity.

•Demand Better Representation: Fitness brands and media should showcase diverse Black women and design inclusive products, such as activewear accommodating various hairstyles. Highlight varied body types, cultural backgrounds, and fitness preferences.

•Culturally Sensitive Healthcare: Healthcare providers must acknowledge and address the unique barriers Black women face, offering tailored advice and support.

•Accessible Programming: Offer sliding-scale fees, on-site childcare, and facilities in underserved areas to reduce economic and logistical barriers.

•Body Positivity Advocacy: Create campaigns that promote self-love and normalize diverse body shapes and sizes within fitness environments.

By addressing these multifaceted barriers, we can create an environment where Black women feel empowered to prioritize physical activity. The path forward requires systemic changes, cultural sensitivity, and inclusive solutions that go beyond simplistic notions of motivation and personal effort.