For the past six years, I’ve been fortunate to have this platform where my health advice has the potential to reach thousands of people. Besides gym and nutrition tips, most of my work has spotlighted people in our diverse community who have achieved extraordinary athletic accomplishments. I’ve worked with a Ninja Warrior, bodybuilders and other professional athletes in sports such as football, soccer, boxing and surfing. They’ve collectively shown me the beauty in sports and how it has the power to unify all of us.
This article is going to be a little different. I’m choosing to lend my voice to focus on the Black Lives Matter movement that is changing history as we know it. Here are some of the local black-owned fitness and wellness companies that you should consider supporting:
Trainers and Gyms
KUWK
Philadelphia
With 11 years of personal training experience, Kenny Jackson, the face behind Keeping up with Kenny offers several ways for you to transform your body and improve your lifestyle even if you can’t meet the demands of in-person coaching.
Website: www.keepingupwithkenny.com
Instagram: @kennyjacktr + @_keepingupwithkenny_
Fit Moms of Philly
6036 Colgate Street, Philadelphia
A unique resource created for women postpartum. Fit Moms of Philly, owned by Delisa Roman, brings you personal training, live online workouts and weekly boot camps. They also branch out and provide fertility, pregnancy and birth services.
Website: www.fitmomsofphilly.com
Instagram: @fitmomsofphilly
Fit Academy
1363 N. 31st Street, Philadelphia
Owned and co-founded by former pro athlete, Osayi Osunde, who was also voted 4x Best of Philly Trainer. Fit Academy offers personal training, group training and live boot camp workouts. Sign up for a 30 minute consultation to align your goals or book a class that fits your schedule by visiting their website.
Website: www.fitphl.com
Instagram: @fitacademyphl
Sports & Recreation
The Scoring Factory
196 NJ-70, Medford, NJ (St. Mary’s of Lakes School)
If you are a young athlete looking to improve on your basketball development skills, The Scoring Factory is the place for you. Jason and Ryan Thompson, brothers and current international pros combine their years of knowledge and expertise to refine the skills of aspiring players.
Website: www.thescoringfactorynj.com
Instagram: @TheScoringFactoryNJ
Launch
1500 Almonesson Rd., Deptford, NJ
Former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, Jason Avant, brought the nationwide franchise to Deptford and it’s way more than just a trampoline park. Kids can play dodgeball, try rock-climbing and join laser tag along with the arcade and other amenities. They even have programs available for different age groups.
Website: www.launchtrampolinepark.com/deptford/
Instagram: @launchdepford
Food & Drinks
MacroBites
Neptune Township, NJ
Offering ready to eat meals, MacroBites is a convenient way to stay on track with your diet and health. They deliver to all of NJ and have customizable options.
Website: www.macrobites.com
Instagram: @macrobites
Stripp’d Juice
263 N. 3rd St, Philadelphia
A Center City favorite. Beat the summer heat by picking up their popular Acai bowl or a cold-pressed juice.
Website: www.strippdjuice.com
Instagram: @strippdjuice
Health and Wellness
Holistic Health Suite & Cafe
6802 Old York Rd., Philadelphia
For all things holistic, choose to join seminars or try services such as, massage therapy, acupuncture and reiki in addition to a vegan and vegetarian cafe menu.
Website: www.holistichealthcafe.com
Instagram: @holistichealthcafe
Alanna Gardner, MFT
100 S. Broad St Suite 622, Philadelphia
Alanna Gardner is a fitness instructor at SLT, a 50 minute total body workout studio. She is also an individual and relationship therapist.
Website: www.philadelphiamft.com/alanna-gardner or www.sltnyc.com
Instagram: @_alannagardner_ or @sltnyc
Ase Yoga & Tea Room
4054 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia
Learn yoga and meditatation with Dr. Robbin Alston. Follow up with a visit to their tea room for some exotic tea, sandwiches and dessert.
Website: www.aseyogastudiotearoom.com
Instagram: @aseyoga
This list only briefly touches on the many black-owned businesses in Philadelphia and New Jersey. For more options check out @whenwherewhatphilly on Instagram, a great resource shared with me by a friend.
Due to COVID-19, some businesses may still be closed or have special hours at the time of this article. Please check the company website provided for more information.
For more tips, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram: @tipsfromafitchick
