Let’s keep our bodies moving!
We’re a long way from those New Year’s resolutions we made at the top of 2022, and there’s only 2 ½ months left before we start thinking about next year’s demands. Every year we set intentions but rarely do we follow through. What is that about? It’s like the stronger the intention, the more the execution escapes us!
One of the resolutions that seem to have us all in a chokehold is staying consistent with our exercise routines. If you’re anything like us, staying consistent with working out is the Titanic of dreams and honestly, we’ve switched our focus to clean eating. However, working out is essential to living a long life, and we all have to collectively dust ourselves off and try again.
Ideally, we’d all go plant-based and maybe we’d sneak a McDonald’s french fry in every now and again, but the more realistic approach is a balanced diet and at least 20-30 minutes of exercise daily. A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Minority Health showed that 4 out of 5 Black women are overweight or obese. In 2018, Black women were reported to be 50 percent more likely to be obese than their white counterparts. Black women who suffer from being overweight are also more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol issues and heart disease. Another alarming stat was that African-Americans in general were 20 percent less likely to engage in physical activity in comparison to white people.
Now look, we know that African-Americans have experienced a long history of medical discrimination, and we’re aware of the rampant fatphobia taking place that is often times weaponized against the Black community. This is not what we’re talking about. The curves are celebrated and appreciated, but it is the generations of poor health that we would like to improve. Changing your patterns of eating overnight is a struggle and one that will take some time to master, but everyone can commit to moving their bodies a little bit more, especially as we enter the winter months and start surrounding ourselves with comfort food.
To help you out, here are 5 Black YouTube channels that are sure to make exercising fun for beginners:
Simeon Panda
An OG YouTuber, Simeon has been dominating the fitness-influencer scene since 2006. With 2.7 million subscribers, he has one of the largest followings for Black fitness. While he is a bodybuilder and has more intricate videos, such as how to make your chest bigger and weightlifting tips for building a “V-Taper,” Simeon also has a ton of videos that are perfect for beginners, specifically home workouts you can do to skip the gym. Start with some of his quick, 10-minute, no equipment workouts and work yourself up to the big boy stuff. It’s sure to leave you feeling good!
Brittne Babe
Brittne Babe is another YouTuber that’s sure to get you in the groove of working out. Her channel offers everything from workout routines to fitness tips, recipes, and even cute deals on workout gear. Brittne’s focus is strength training, and you’ll get a kick out of her different workout routine locations, featuring a no equipment cardio workout on the beach and even a little sidewalk glutes exercise. Her quick workouts and 21-day challenges are just the jumpstart you need to get back on track!
Toni Mitchell
Now Toni Mitchell is a fave! Not only is she super fit, but she also has the easiest step-by-step workouts to follow, complete with a timer to make sure you’re motivated all the way through. Toni is vegan, sharing recipes from her diet as well as quick HIIT, no equipment workouts that are each less than 30 minutes. There is a video for whatever you’re trying to target, and it is super beginner-friendly.
Kukuwa Fitness
Kukuwa Fitness is another YouTube channel that’s sure to guarantee you have fun while getting your workout in. The African Dance centered workout will have you sweating in minutes, and the dances are so fun that you’ll forget you’re doing high impact cardio. This is absolutely the space to “move your boobsey,” as they say, and really burn those extra calories quickly!
Xtreme Hip-Hop with Phil
Another one of our favorites, Phillip Weeden, has been dominating the fitness market for a while now. With nearly 800 subscribers and regular in-person tours across the globe, he’s sure to turn you up with his high-energy hip-hop aerobics class. If you’re old school like us and remember the days of good old, recorded step classes then this is for you. Get your official Xtreme step board, order some of his nutritional supplements, and have a blast! It’s super fun to do at home even if you don’t get all the steps right the first time. Be sure to catch Phil in a city near you!
Pick whichever YouTuber works best for you and let’s start exercising folks!
5 Black YouTube channels that make exercising fun for beginners. Photo Courtesy of Xtreme Hip Hop with Phil/YouTube