Black History, American History, and Inspiration to Stay Fit

By Anita Black-Cowan

No one has played a greater role in helping all Americans know the Black past than Carter G. Woodson, who created Negro History Week in Washington, D.C., in February 1926. In February 1976, 50 years later, Black History Month was established, with the belief that it would be a vehicle for racial transformation forever; we now stand on the shoulders of success from both male and female trailblazers. Those such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Shirley Chisholm, Mae C. Jemison, John Lewis, and Cicely Tyson, to name a few, represent achievements in the fields of science, engineering, civil rights, U.S. Congress representation and sports. 

With my love of movement and fostering the athlete within, one name that rings close to me is Florence Delorez Griffith Joyner, (December 1959 - September 1998) also known as “Flo-Jo.” Flo-Jo was an American track and field athlete. She is the fastest woman of all time; the world records she set in 1988 for both the 100 m and 200 m still stand. Track and field or running this fast may not be for you but finding the right kind of exercise is. 

Maybe the right kind of exercise for you is for general health benefits, or to increase your physical fitness, or to help maintain or lose weight, or perhaps all three reasons. Whatever your motivation, it’s important to select types of exercise that you can and will continue to do, week-in and week-out. The health, fitness and weight management advantages of exercise all depend on you being physically active regularly and for the long term.

Here are 3 tips for choosing the right exercise

Choose exercise that you enjoy.

Walking—it’s easy, it’s free, and you don’t need a membership. If you enjoy walking and it gives you pleasure, pick a buddy and turn those steps into a daily health and fitness opportunity.  Walking with a buddy can make it even more enjoyable and by committing to walk with them, your buddy will hold you accountable and you are more likely to do it and less likely to let other things stop you. 

Choose more than one type of exercise.

Your regular weekly exercise routine should include aerobic exercises such as jogging, dancing, speed walking or any exercise that involves moving for cardiovascular health. By doing different exercises you will add variety, and it will help prevent boredom and monotony.

Set aside an exercise time each day.

Setting aside a dedicated exercise time each day can help to turn regular exercise into a habit, much like washing your hair or making your bed, or brushing your teeth.  In this way, you’ll find you are less likely to ponder whether or not to go for a walk or run — before you know it, you’ll be out there pounding the pavement just because that’s what you do at that time of day! Equally, don’t be inflexible about exercise: if you do miss exercising at your preferred time, and the opportunity presents itself at another time during the day, take the opportunity and enjoy the novelty.

Remember there is no perfect workout, but choosing the right workout is the best workout.

Keep It Moving!!!

-Anita Black-Cowan