Incorporating Anti-Racism into Our Routines
Discussing race is considered ‘off brand’ and off-topic for fitness accounts, but we can’t continue to ignore ongoing issues in favor of keeping our message narrow and consistent.
Why I work for myself, and why that means I need to take more direct action
I started working for myself because I wanted to structure a business around principles that I value (also - I wanted to stop giving the gym 80% of the cost of every session and escape a toxic work environment, but hey). Day to day this tends to be focused structuring a fitness business that
works to be inclusive (I try to use images of a variety of people performing exercises in plans, use inclusive language, offer programs at every fitness level, and more)
offers financially accessible options - I offer free streaming classes and work with people to create plans that fit their budget, I also work with a fitness nonprofit focused on making fitness more accessible.
is body positive - no progress pics here! No glamorizing weight loss goals, no assuming every person has a weight loss goal, limiting focus on physique focused goals, and more.
strives to expand our idea of what healthy food looks like - would a healthy lifestyle feel accessible to you if you read all the meal plans online that basically ask you to give up every comfort food from your childhood in favor of bland American meal templates?
While these principles do indirectly address racism, it’s important to use my privilege as a white person AND a business owner take more direct action. We should be incorporating anti-racist work into many aspects of our lives, even those that don’t seem relevant at a glance - like fitness. If we can prioritize exercise on a consistent basis, we can prioritize work against racism on a consistent basis. I know I don’t spend an hour every day reading relevant literature, donating to causes, calling representatives and spreading good information, but I do spend an hour every day exercising. Sometimes I feel those priorities are a bit off.
That said, I’d like to think exercise is good so I’m not arguing that you need to stop moving your body in order to make time for these things. These issues of race don’t have much to do with your daily fitness routine, but people have limited time. The part of your day that I feel I have the most influence over is the time you take to exercise. If you’re willing to work with me and give that hour to fitness, here are some ways you can use it to work against institutionalized racism without sacrificing the time you’ve set aside to move your body.
Some ways we can take real action together.
Research, read, listen and LEARN about the race issues affecting our country. There are so many valuable books, articles, and resource lists curated by amazing activists. This is a great way to (1) educate yourself and (2) avoid asking all the exhausted POC around you to explain how racism works and what you can do.
How can we incorporate this into our fitness focus? I always push people to get their walking in. It’s good for fitness, it’s good for longevity, it’s good for mental health. You might think you don’t have time to walk. Well, what if we reframe that walking time as time spent learning how to deconstruct racism? We can begin a walking book club where we commit to reserving time to listen to at least 30m of this book per day and discuss what we’ve covered weekly.
Check out this list, it includes some great books. Check out this other list for more options. I will be announcing one that we can listen to together! I will provide weekly guided discussion points (not written by me, but compiled by me) for those interested.Donate to actual money to funds that directly support POC if you have a little extra cash. I make much less money than I did pre COVID, but I still have more financial stability than a lot of people.
How can this work in conjunction with fitness? Come to classes! Bring your friends to classes! Through the end of June, I will be donating ALL class donations to Southern Poverty Law Center - an organization I’ve been donating to for years that consistently shows up as one recommended by respected black lives matter activists.
If you want to donate, other common ideas include your local BLM chapter, RAICES, and the NAACP. Lately, I’ve been pretty inspired by Rachel Cargle. Flood your Instagram feed with her and other activists rather than just endless workout videos and food shots. Check out some of the social media accounts listed here to populate your feeds with valuable information and more diverse voices. If you can’t donate, still join email lists and follow accounts that help you to learn, spread information and take action.
Watch stuff, listen to podcasts. I know you’re binging netflix. We all need comforting TV right now, but try watching something more intentional every once in a while. This list also provides some good shows, movies, speeches and podcasts. A great place to start.
How can this be incorporated in your fitness routine? Walk or cycle for the duration of a podcast episode! Listen as you perform your strength workout (aren’t you tired of top 40 by now?). Doing low intensity cardio? Download an episode of a show or movie and watch it on your device while you elliptical, stairmaster, treadmill, etc. We have some work to d so might as well!
This is a messy/evolving idea. I’m sure I’ll come back and edit it, add to it, etc. I would love to start talking more about how we can create a space in fitness where these important topics aren’t ignored, and are perhaps actively discussed. My goal is to help your think of ways to use the small part of your day that you let me influence to actively become a better member of society. I hope that some people find this idea inspiring, and if not what I’d love to hear what I should do differently to leverage my small business to work against institutionalized racism.