Black women-owned gyms are pushing the industry forward like no one else.
They have stepped forward and made unique spaces for themselves and other minorities.
So, here are the ways they are leading the pack and forcing everyone else to play catchup.
Their Training Approaches Are Tailored
Black women entered a fitness space designed for other demographics.
However, they have made this space their own.
Black women-owned gyms introduced cycle syncing, which ties to a woman’s menstrual cycle.
This method is tailored to women instead of forcing them to adapt.
Black Women-Owned Gyms Focus On Diversity And Inclusivity
For the longest time, Black women have been excluded from general fitness spaces, so they know how it feels to be unwelcome.
So, their spaces are more inclusive and accessible than mainstream gyms since they want everyone who enters to feel at home.
For instance, women-only gyms exist to create safe spaces for women to focus on fitness without worrying about harassment or judgment.
They Build Strong Communities
Black women-owned gyms build communities, both in-person and online.
In fact, many Black women fitness entrepreneurs have considerable social media followings–they also communicate with their audience often.
Their gyms also prioritize group classes emphasizing support, community, and friendship–like dance classes, which offer an easier way to work out.
This approach improves gym-goers’ physical, emotional, and social aspects.
They Are Changing The Narrative
For decades, women were told to only go to the gym to become smaller.
However, Black women-owned gyms are changing this narrative.
They don’t focus solely on weight loss.
Instead, they focus on one’s holistic wellness, from fitness to body image issues.
Basically, they approach fitness as a way to reconnect with yourself and appreciate its positive effect on you–instead of comparing yourself with other women.
Black fitness experts have also encouraged women to pursue weightlifting and strength training because they’re not male-exclusive and shouldn’t be.
They Empower Other Women
Black women-owned gyms inspire other women as they are making waves in a male-dominated industry.
They have created fitness empires from scratch and become influencers other women look up to.
They encourage everyone to believe in themselves, maintain discipline, and follow their goals.
These women have shown adaptability and resilience and are the future of fitness.
So, let’s check out some of these gyms:
List Of Black Women-Owned Gyms
Coral Cliffs
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Coral Cliffs is the creation of Abby Dione, a professional climber.
It’s one of the Black women-owned gyms with facilities for climbers of all levels.
If you’re into a gym that helps you take on the outdoors and master activities like rock climbing, check it out.
TRILLFIT
Based in Boston, Massachusetts’ Mission Hill, TRILLFIT is a boutique fitness studio.
The wellness business arose because of the lack of Black women-owned gyms in Boston.
The gym offers hip-hop workouts and makes workouts inclusive and fun.
Harlem Cycle
You can’t talk about Black women-owned gyms without mentioning Harlem Cycle.
It’s a cycling gym in Harlem with several cycling classes to help you tone your body.
Get cycling here!
NC Dance District
If you like dance, you’ll love NC Dance District, a rehearsal space and hip-hop dance studio.
You can come as a group or get private lessons, and the gym offers classes suited to everyone from beginners to professionals.
The space also creates opportunities for dancers in Charlotte, North Carolina, to perform and train.
BOOMBOX Boxing
Curious about boxing?
BOOMBOX is the place to be if you live in Washington, D.C.
Reggie and Angela founded the gym in 2019 thanks to their love of music, community, and boxing.
Through the gym, they work towards empowering and inspiring members while making their classes accessible to everyone.
Sidebarre
Sidebarre offers low-impact, high-intensity workouts that tone and build muscles in the right places.
The instructors are trained in ballet, but you don’t need to know ballet to take advantage of the gym.
Thrive Health Lab
Thrive Health Lab is an LA-based boutique fitness center that empowers and educates the Black community through wellness programs.
You can train in-person or virtually, and you’ll enjoy community-building fitness events and custom meal plans.
Grit Fitness
If you’re in Dallas, Texas, look for Grit Fitness.
This is one of the city’s best Black women-owned gyms with three locations across Dallas.
You’ll get over 15 classes like weight training, dance, HIIT, cycling, and sculpting.
You can also train virtually or in person.
JourneyFit
JourneyFit is another excellent Black woman-owned gym in Dallas.
The trainers impart a healthy mindset to their clients, ranging from conditioning for athletes to HIIT Movement classes, help in creating a grocery list, and more.
Livewell Maxwell at Fit4Life
Felicia Maxwell founded Fit4Life Health and Fitness in 2013 and hasn’t looked back since.
The gym in Detroit helps women grow spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Reléve With Rachel
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Based in Boston, Rachel founded Reléve to grow a community that lifts each other up.
Her goal with every workout is to leave you feeling strong and challenged, not frustrated or defeated.
Rachel also offers mindful movement classes to build a deeper connection to yourself and others.
Sonya Dalton McRoberts
Former pro baller, author, celeb trainer, life-coach Sonya Dalton McRoberts is a cancer survivor and the Owner/operator of Total YOU, a 1st class co-ed fitness facility!
She has been an entrepreneur and gym owner for over 30 years, but like many, her gym was shut down due to COVID-19.
She now offers training virtually; with customers that sing her praises every chance they get.
Visit her Instagram here or you can Text ‘NAKED’ to 704.533.4732 for more information.
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