Black Health and Wellness

Black Health and Wellness, the theme for Black History Month 2022, could not be more relevant for the times we are witnessing. Data from the Centers for Disease Control show that COVID-19 infection and death—as well as chronic lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease—continue to disproportionately impact Black Americans. Research from David R. Williams, PhD, professor of public health at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University, bears out that such disparities are “actually rooted in the precarious nature of life for African Americans and other disadvantaged people.” These are societal issues that we need to acknowledge, own and change.

Education is one step toward opening our minds to the critical role that inclusivity—and all that ties to it—plays in inspiring the ENTIRE world to fitness—and not just a segment of it. Check out author, speaker, fitness and strength coach Chrissy King’s May-June 2021 Fitness Journal cover story “Creating Inclusivity in the Fitness Space.” It was one of my favorite pieces from last year. I continue referring back to it as I work toward fortifying my own understanding and practice of equity and inclusion.

Here is another great piece by IDEA’s associate editor Sarah Kolvas highlighting organizations that provide community resources and initiatives to advocate for Black wellness and close the gap on health disparities. If you’re in a reading mood and want further inspiration, dive into IDEA executive editor Joy Keller’s tribute to Chris Dickerson, a Black health leader who didn’t let the constraints of the Jim Crow-era south prevent him from breaking barriers in the bodybuilding world. Next week, look for a special piece by IDEA editor Judy Minich on a favorite celebrity fitness leader and subject matter expert at many an IDEA World Convention over the years—the one and only Billy Blanks! You’re going to love it, especially if you’ve ever taken a class with this super-positive dynamo.

Podcast Episode on Strength & Hypertrophy

Next, I want to draw your attention to this fresh episode of the IDEAfit PRO SHOW podcast that dropped yesterday. Titled “Resistance Training Extravaganza,” it gave me a rare chance to totally geek out on strength training and hypertrophy with Len Kravitz, PhD, and Zack Mang, PhD. These experts put together the most comprehensive package of research-based strength training methodologies we’ve ever presented in Fitness Journal. The magazine will be in your hands soon, but you can whet your appetite for what’s to come by downloading and listening to this great podcast. Enjoy!

Free Live Webinar for IDEA Members! 

The registration link is live for you to join international master trainer Jesse N. Thomas MS, CSCS, author of The Ultimate Heart Rate Training Guide, for an informative webinar about how properly adjusting a client’s heart rate during exercise impacts performance and recovery. Join us next Wednesday, February 23, 12:30 p.m. PST (3:30 p.m. EST). Hope to see you there!

IDEA World Fitness Awards Applications Are Open! 

The online application for the IDEA World Fitness Awards—the Academy Awards of the fitness industry—is now open and I encourage you to apply or nominate a peer. The awards, which recognize the top fitness instructor, personal trainer and fitness leader of the year are presented during the opening ceremonies at IDEA World Convention. Plus, an exciting new award has been introduced—the IDEA Emerging Trailblazer of the Year. The recipient is relatively new to their fitness career and is already demonstrating potential to become an industry leader. 

This could be your opportunity to take the stage at IDEA World Convention in Las Vegas this July and enjoy the acclaim of thousands of your fellow pros. Hurry! The deadline to apply is April 1.

All of that said, I bid you adieu until next Friday. Meantime, drop me a line and tell me what you’re excited about or challenged with these days. Reach out to the content team at content@ideafit.com to tell us what you need. We’re here to help!

Until next week, keep inspiring!