Leading an active lifestyle is important for not only your physical health but your mental health as well. According to the CDC, a little more than half of Americans meet the standard Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic physical activity. Even though this is a relatively positive finding, it may not reflect so well on Black women across the board.
Black Women and Exercise
In a study conducted by JAMA Pediatrics, 88 percent of teenage boys reported being physically active. Similarly, 78 percent of teenage girls reported being physically active. But following their teenage years, the stats dropped pretty significantly, with only 73 percent of young men and 62 percent of young women maintaining physical activity.
And when it comes to Black women, those numbers drop even lower. In the study, nearly 70 percent of Black teenage girls reported being physically active. But as they reached their 20s, only 45 percent said they led active lives.
The Importance of Exercise
Exercise is just as crucial for living a healthy life as getting quality sleep and eating nutritious foods. There are many health benefits to regular exercise. According to the CDC, some of these perks include:
- Improves your mental health
- Helps you lose weight or maintain weight loss
- Decreases your risk of certain diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and some cancers
- Supports healthy bones and muscles
- Increases your lifespan
Workout Essentials for Black Girls
Many Black women fall short when it comes to leading active lifestyles. There are a number of reasons for this, including resource scarcity in Black communities, a lack of time, and even hair styling concerns. But exercise is important. And with the help of some handy workout gear, Black women can start to look forward to their daily fitness routines. Here are five workout essentials every Black girl should have in her gym bag:
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All of the products on 21Ninety are hand-picked by our editorial team. Most of these products we use and love or come highly recommended by our community. If you grab anything we mention using our referral links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
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Black Girl Sunscreen is a premium choice in sunscreen for Black girls and women. Founded with a mission to “always put customers first,” the Black-owned company carries a range of products that melanated skin from sun damage.
Even though anyone can use Black Girl Sunscreen products, their innovative formula focuses on the distinct features of dark skin.
The company encourages customers to incorporate its products with their regular facial products and makeup.
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You can apply Black Girl Sunscreen products to your skin without fear of leaving behind a white cast. And with quality ingredients such as avocado, jojoba, and cacao, the products are as nourishing as they are protective. Even better, the company has a line of sunscreen products designed for children so that you can protect your little ones from harmful UV rays as well.
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Even though exercising is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle, the sweat, dirt, and buildup that comes with it can make managing your hair more challenging.
Sunday II Sunday is a Black-owned hair health brand for active women. Men and women of all backgrounds can use their products, but they are especially helpful to Black women who may find managing their hair between workouts challenging.
The company carries a wide selection of hair care products, from micellar rinses to scalp serums. Each product is formulated using natural, vegan, and paraben-free ingredients to promote scalp and hair health.
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Sunday II Sunday products allow you to work out without worrying about your hair, no matter the type and texture.
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You Go Natural is a Black-owned company specializing in quality head coverings for Black women. Its founder, Monique Little, started the company to provide a cute and comfortable styling option for Black women on the go.
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The turbans and headbands in their active collection help support you as you work out and even swim. Their activewear products are made from a triple layer of fabric to reduce moisture. And as you exercise, you can keep your cool while you sweat, regardless of your workout intensity.
Even better, their active collection is available in a number of colors so that you can work out in style.
Many workout routines require you to perform floor exercises. For example, yoga is an ancient meditative practice that sometimes involves performing poses on your hands and knees.
To protect your body from hard flooring, you should invest in an exercise mat. This mat from BalanceFrom is the perfect accompaniment to your fitness routine. Made from high density cotton material, the exercise mat is soft yet slip-resistant so that you can perform any workout without risk of injury.
It also wicks away moisture so that you can keep cool as you sweat. Available in a wide selection of colors, this exercise mat makes being active much easier.
“Simply the Zest” CBD Bath Salts
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When it comes to fitness, your post-workout routine is just as important as the exercise itself. After a workout, our muscles and joints can often feel sore and achy.
Stretching after exercising is a great way to combat this. You can also opt for a professional massage to work out the knots and kinks you may feel following an intense workout.
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Or, for a more natural option, try “Simply the Zest” CBD bath salts by Hoo Raa. Made from vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO ingredients, this bath salt is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a tough gym session. Its bright orange, tangerine, and grapefruit peel oils work to awaken your senses as you soak in its nourishing blend of soothing ingredients.