Sore muscles, a sweaty body and a ruined hairstyle are the results of the typical workout many Black women turn up their noses to.
A hectic schedule or fatigue are common excuses many Black women use as reasons why they do not incorporate enough physical activity into their daily routines. According to the Office of Minority Health, the issue of obesity is a serious matter since African-Americans are 70 percent less likely to engage in active physical activity as non-Hispanic whites.
Four out of every five women are overweight or obese and there seems to be a certain stigma associated with Black women and exercise.
Black Girls RUN! (BGR), a national campaign, is creating an emphasis on making physical activity a priority for Black women. Constantly lowering the number of women with chronic diseases that are linked to an unhealthy diet and lifestyle is what founders Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks had in mind. They wanted an environment where Black women feel comfortable in their own skin.
“I still remember going to running groups and not feeling welcomed or going to races and being the only brown face,” said Carey.
In the last four years, the organization has launched 70 running groups within 30 states and 50 cities. With more than 96,000 U.S. participants, the national group has found its way to Indianapolis.
Keisha Cooper, one of three BGR Indianapolis ambassadors, says the local chapter holds weekly walk and run events six days out of the week.
“Our walk/run events are open to all levels whether walking or running and we follow the motto ‘no women left behind,’” said Cooper.
The city group continues to grow weekly and now has more than 870 women participating.
“The walk/runs are a wonderful way to meet new women in our community,” said Cooper. “We also pride ourselves on being loud, energetic and we like to party on the pavement so be prepared to have lots of fun.”
The group can be found strolling down the trails around the city, like the Monon, or at local restaurants and volunteer events because they enjoy spending time together.
For a woman who just can’t bear ruining her hair or is a newbie to the exercise world, the national website offers support in all areas from feeling confident in running gear to how to preserve a hairstyle during your run.
More than 40 percent of the women involved in the organization have only been running for less than one year. The goal is to get women physically active while inspiring the younger generation to do the same.
“Black Girls RUN! has exploded into a movement that challenges African-American women to preserve the sexy and make a lifetime commitment to fitness,” said Cooper.
For more information about the group’s latest meetup, visit them on Facebook at Black Girls RUN! Indianapolis.
Three points, two wheels, one purpose
A small group of Black urban cyclists is all it took to jumpstart a classic way of exercise. In late 2007, Jenna Burton focused on building a culture to improve the Black community through physical activity in her city of Oakland, Calif. Through her efforts she created Red, Bike and Green.
She established a three-point plan with a focus on health, economics and environment that would be the core of RBG reality. Expanding across the nation to cities like Atlanta, Chicago and Indianapolis, the Circle City is becoming more involved in developing a Black bike culture.
The group has promoted events such as “Bike to Work Day” as well as their own events.
Their next ride is May 25 through the downtown streets and they will also hold a N.I.T.E. ride June 28 beginning at 10:30 p.m. at 1001 W. New York St.
For more information, visit Red Bike & Green-Indy on Facebook
