Why Black Women Don't Go To The Gym!

[Dee21]

I thought this article was interesting. Here is an excerpt. Let me know what y'all think!

Kimberly Garrison | African-Americans & Fitness: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow!

Everybody Ought to know by now that African-Americans tend to appreciate a fuller, curvier body. In fact, I would say it's rare to find a black woman who aspires to be the next super-thin supermodel, a la Kate Moss.

But when the question crops up - what is keeping black women out of the gym? - I don't think it's fear of losing their curves. I believe the primary reason so many African-American women shy away from the gym is simple: fear of losing their hairstyle.

Seemingly insignificant hair drama can be a potentially big problem for black women. If you spend several hours and $75 or more on your hair every week, you want that style to last at least a few days. But one spinning or step class could wipe out that $75 do in less than 20 minutes. Time and time again, African-American woman will say to me, "Girl, I want to work out, but what can I do about my hair?"

Don't let your hairstyle prevent you from getting your workout and from living the vibrant, healthy, fit life you were meant to live.

Kimberly Garrison is a certified personal trainer and owner of One on One Ultimate Fitness in Philadelphia (www.1on1ultimatefitness.com).

[Just BlackAf]

_ The average American woman is 5-foot-4 and wears a size 16, but a 2000 report by Ebony magazine found that the average African-American woman is a size 20.



Fukkin outrageous.

[Ms. Poota]

y not just wrap it?

[Seven One Three]

y not just wrap it?
sweat...after a workout, ur gonna have to wash your head, or its gonna smell. which will mess up ur hair.

[Dee21]

y not just wrap it?
sweat...after a workout, ur gonna have to wash your head, or its gonna smell. which will mess up ur hair.
I’m assuming she means wearing a “wrap” hairstyle… not actually a head-wrap-garb of some sort. It’s pretty easy to manage and fairly simple to style after washing.

[babygirl_nique2006]

I’m assuming she means wearing a “wrap” hairstyle… not actually a head-wrap-garb of some sort. It’s pretty easy to manage and fairly simple to style after washing.
i dunno about her, but my hair doesn't sweat out as much as she's trying to say. I don't necessarily do so much exercise but i do lift weights and stuff so i can build some muscle and try to get a little thick..

[Soul Deep]

black womens exercise is sex....i call it SEXERCISE...you like?

[Danny Banton]

its true, These girls don't want to be sweating out the relaxer, hair care got black girls who went church sukking dikk now!

[Mic Soloist]

im a GM with gold's gym and ive been in gym sales for years.... there are tons of black woman joining gyms and working out. black folks in general sign up constantly. it's a positive thing to see people of all races and backgrounds being healthy.

[Dee21]

im a GM with gold's gym and ive been in gym sales for years.... there are tons of black woman joining gyms and working out. black folks in general sign up constantly. it's a positive thing to see people of all races and backgrounds being healthy.
I’ve been on the gym scene for many years as well. And although the number of African Americans who workout has significantly increased in recent years, the statistics are disproportionately alarming. To our credit, we are in fact making strides. But as with many other things… we need to get on the ball… literally!

Out of curiosity, I polled 12 women in my office to see if “maintaining to DO” influences their workout routines (or lack thereof) in any way. Sadly, 9 of the 12 concurred that it plays an integral role. Insecurity, age, work/family obligations and mere laziness were other mitigating factors. But come on people… HAIR??? :blink:

[highgrade]

haha, i was thinking the same thing in response to the question but i was seriously joking. didnt realize it was real.

also, i think many times joining gyms are a heavy financial burden. they need to have gyms without so much staff and without the frills. black people dont swim so get rid of the pool; black people dont use the saunas etc.

ima open up a gym without all that shyt, and a KFC in the back. perpetual business.

[nalej]

that would suck. if I was a black woman I would just pull an India Arie

[Bobbi Humphrey]

I should the gym and change this birdchest to a package of steel

[Dee21]

haha, i was thinking the same thing in response to the question but i was seriously joking. didnt realize it was real.
also, i think many times joining gyms are a heavy financial burden. they need to have gyms without so much staff and without the frills. black people dont swim so get rid of the pool; black people dont use the saunas etc.
ima open up a gym without all that shyt, and a KFC in the back. perpetual business.
:laugh: :laugh: LOL! Gym memberships CAN be quite costly… but I wish the problem stopped there. We can’t even get a lot our folks to do some jumping jacks in their own living rooms, or WALK to the store around the corner! Get some boot-leg Tae Bo tapes or somethin’! There are plenty of exercises that can be done outside of the gym... but there has to be some level of commitment!

[Bobbi Humphrey]

I should the gym and change this birdchest to a package of steel

[Mic Soloist]

if you look at what people spend on cell phones, cable/internet, fast food, cigarettes, etc. gym memberships are cheap.... all depends on what's important to you.

[I_Spits_Da_Truth]

if you look at what people spend on cell phones, cable/internet, fast food, cigarettes, etc. gym memberships are cheap.... all depends on what's important to you.

Real talk. black folks spend money on a majority of other BS that won't better their lives. Time to prioritize.

[Profasi]

if you look at what people spend on cell phones, cable/internet, fast food, cigarettes, etc. gym memberships are cheap.... all depends on what's important to you.
lol at this being a line ripped right out of your sales talk