Get Off That Couch!

Health & Fitness, Neighborhood Roundup

March 21, 2021

The struggle of being a small business has been real this past year. Our local fitness and wellness businesses in Harlem — in large part owned by women and people of color — have been particularly hard-hit, as small businesses that depend on group classes have not been able to fully open their doors now since March 2020. By our count, more than 40 percent of Harlem-based fitness businesses have closed their doors permanently. This is a deep blow for a community of fitness and wellness providers that had really begun to grow and thrive in the 5-10 years before the pandemic hit. And for a community that is already facing high rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

How to support:

🏋🏿Call your electeds and tell them you’re in support of the GYMS Act, which would increase the level of federal funding available for the health and wellness sector.

🧘🏾‍♀️Show the love: Most local fitness businesses are run by women and people of color, all of whom want to be here for the health of Harlem long-term. Love them up on social, then sign up for online training, small-group sessions, and even classes in the park:

Benswic
Bond Street Dojo
Harlem Cycle
Harlem Pilates
Harlem Run
Harlem Yoga Studio
Harlem Wellness Center
JTW Fit
Land Yoga
Mindful Harlem
Next Evolution Martial Arts
Women’s World of Boxing

Now … get off that couch! 🤸🏿‍♀️⛹🏼‍♀️🏃🏾‍♂️