Wellness
Summer is pretty much wrapping up at this point, but our journey to a summer body doesn't have to end when the leaves start falling.
Working on my fitness has been a love/hate journey and I know I'm not alone. Still, I used to seriously despise working out. There weren't enough Beyonce playlists and motivational videos to make me enjoy going to the gym, but of course, that's one of the keys to getting fit and healthy.
I started looking up videos on YouTube until I came across a few that I liked and felt good doing from the comfort of my living room. It didn't take long to find out that Black girls are out here running the fitness game! Check out a few ladies who will help you get and keep your body right (and just happen to be full of melanin).
Keaira LaShae
Keiara LaShae was actually one of the first videos I came across on YouTube. I found her Hip-Hop Tabata workout on PopSugar's YouTube channel. Let me say, this is not easy! But as Keaira says, "With challenge comes change." I cried after my first workout, but after doing it multiple times, you do feel a change and it feels so good. I did a little stalking and Keiara's specialty is the Tabata workout that helps you work out every part of your body, from your thighs to your abs. And she makes it fun! The videos are about 30 minutes, but it actually goes by quickly. Not to mention, cardio is something you can definitely be proud of when you're finished. This is now my go-to workout. My husband even noticed that I was getting toned, which is huge because he hardly ever notices anything.
Start here: 30-Minute Hip-Hop Tabata to Torch Calories
Nicole Murphy
I'll be the first to say, Nicole Murphy's physique can be a little intimidating, and so can the methods that she uses to keep it. But thankfully for those looking to go ham on their fitness and have a bawdy like hers, she provides tips on her YouTube channel, Nicole Murphy Fitness. The cool thing is, she has something for those who are at various levels of working out, whether you're a beginner or a self-proclaimed gym rat. She also has short specialty workouts that span to about 3 minutes to help you work specific parts of your body like that good old butt.
Start here: Glute Bridge butt workout | Nicole Murphy Fitness
PuzzleFit
Get ready to WERK, okay? I got tired just looking at some of PuzzleFit's workouts on YouTube. But we can all agree, those are the ones that get the results we want. Fortunately, she has a good range from full-body 45-minute workouts to 10-15 minute workouts that focus on various parts of your physique. She also educates her subscribers on all things health, fitness, and nutrition, from letting you know if you should rely on dietary supplements, to how to stop being an emotional eater. She will help you get your entire life! Okurrrr?
Start here: 15-Minute No Equipment | Full-Body HIIT Workout
JJDancer
You might have spotted JJ Dancer on Cosmopolitan Magazine's fitness channel as one of their all-star trainers, but she has her own channel to help you get your body right too. She definitely lives up to her name because she helps you get your cardio in through dance moves. It's safe to say, her area of expertise is helping you get a flat belly or a tight butt through none other than a good squat. She also has shorter workouts that help you give attention to unique areas like your strength and flexibility. One of her most popular workouts is one for busy moms. She literally has something for everyone.
Start here: 10-Minute Bangin' Booty Workout
Fit Body By Ashley
This girl is definitely working her way up the fitness ranks on YouTube. She has nearly 18,000 subscribers already, and has yet to disappoint. She is a professional fitness trainer but also makes fun exercises for beginners who are looking to lose weight. What I love about her channel is that she switches it up. While most of her videos are dances (is there a more fun way to work out?), you can get anything from Bollywood and Hip Hop to high impact. A majority of her videos are less than 10 minutes, so you could try multiple workouts if you're looking for more cardio.
Start here: 1-Hour Cardio Dance Workout #DanceFitness
Vynessa Alease
There's no question of whether Vynessa Alease is representing for Black girls in the YouTube fitness community. You might especially enjoy this channel if you're an athlete who wants to stay in shape during off seasons. She makes sure her workouts are fun, so they go by quickly (thank God). Plus, subscribers can get to know her as she shares much of her personal journey, like recovering after a brutal ACL injury, and how it has impacted her fit life. It's also helpful that she shares her diet and food habits for those who want to make an all-around change.
Start here: HIIT & Stabilization Booty Burn | feat. Dejafitbeauty
Toi Sharae
Look, the first video I saw with Toi Sharae was one to kill that back fat and tone the shoulders. I know it got your attention like it got mine. This girl does not play. While she gives a good workout, it's safe to say she likes to focus on toning, building muscle, and getting a snatched waist, which we can all appreciate. Her page offers workouts that range from intense to beginner, so all you have to do is jump in.
Start here: Shoulder Workout at Gym + Moves to Shred Back Fat | Gym Workout for Women
Featured image by madison lavern on Unsplash
From Your Site Articles
ALSO ON XONECOLE