BlackGirlFitClub Redefines Wellness for Black Folks and People of Size

It’s not at all a new concept that the fitness world is not always a welcoming and accepting place. While the narrative it tries to put out there is that everyone can “get fit” at any time, that also comes with a lot of preconceived notions about what “fitness” needs to look like, as well as a lot of shame about one’s current body shape and size, shame that can compound microaggressions and years of pain for Black folks, people of size, and others who don’t fit in with the status quo. 

For those reasons, Rajdulari Landell started BlackGirlFitClub, a group dedicated to doing exactly what the name implies and helping Black women and others who struggle with mainstream fitness prioritize joyful movement. Through her line of merchandise, social group that promotes connection, and series of Zumba classes, she is changing the way we think about working out. 

She took a few minutes to share with us what makes her group special, and what their plans are for this year and beyond.  

What is the overall goal of BlackGirlFitClub, and how has that changed during the pandemic and your fitness journey? 

Black women and women of color in America are disproportionately affected by conditions that negatively impact their health. Founded in 2016, BlackGirlFitClub is an online health and wellness forum that educates and inspires Black women and women of color to develop and live healthier lifestyles. 

Through one-on-one coaching, group discussions, live virtual workouts, and weekly classes, we give our members the tools that they need to improve their work/life balance through self-care. Since the pandemic, our program has shifted to a hybrid virtual/in-person platform, but our overall mission still remains the same: to do everything we can to correct these disparities for our sisters and for ourselves. 

How many people do you currently work with, and what events, classes, groups, etc. do you hold? 

Our programs run annually, and our forum meets in a private space online. In addition to our fitness challenges, monthly presentations with various Black women health SMEs, as well as our in-person dance fitness classes, we also provide weekly group meetings via our private online portal for members to connect and support each other and hold each other accountable on their health journeys.

Why is it so important to provide extra support to Black folks in fitness, especially women and people of size?
Black women, women of color (AND plus women of color especially) in America are disproportionately affected by conditions that negatively impact their health, in comparison to their counterparts in the following areas: socioeconomic status, health behaviors related to culture, access to healthcare, environmental factors, and direct and indirect manifestations of race and size discrimination. 

Our goal has always been to make sure that our members feel supported and also educated with tools to empower them to feel confident, even in mixed spaces. Our mission would be to ensure that each and every one of our members feel validated, empowered, and supported as they embark on their individual health journeys. We are not alone in our struggles, and BGFC is determined to be a foundational support for our communities of color.

What do you hope BlackGirlFitClub achieves over the next few years? 

My goal for BGFC would be for us to have annual retreats where our members could come together in person and enjoy various workshops: yoga retreats, wellness classes, nutritional education, as well as healing time in a community space with like-minded sisters. We’d also like to expand our reach and continue our work to support women of color nationally as well as overseas. We have been blessed with the progress we’ve made so far, but there is always more work to be done.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

Thank you so much for featuring BGFC, and for the incredible work you do to support queer communities of color overall. We are honored to be featured in your magazine and are grateful for our continued collaboration with OFM and BGFC. 

For more info, please visit us at blackgirlfitclub.com

Photo by Ryan Landell