April Patterson. Hutto, TX. Her relaxed hair was never an obstacle in her workout routine because she simply wanted to stay active and in shape. She trains throughout the year for triathlons, half marathons, martial arts, she swims one/two times a week, runs three times a week, and does martial arts two days a week.
She admits that her hair is the biggest challenge of her training. It takes quite the beating. When she swims, she puts lots of leave in conditioner and twists her hair up before diving in. She washes it with a swimmers shampoo right afterwards, and makes sure to put in a leave in conditioner, moisturizer and oil after swimming.
I feel great when I start my day with a workout. I have more energy to help me survive a busy day. I use that time to think about my day, pray, and get mental clarity to start a productive day.
Her tips: Start slow and steady. Conditioner is very important when swimming. Moisturizing and twisting is my best advice when you are expecting to sweat. Sweat and pool water will cause your hair to dry out and frizz. A big part of any weight loss goal or workout success is 80% diet! Make sure you are trying your best to eat lots of veggies, and health portions.
She started working out off and on during college and currently does Crossfit, Bikram yoga, and Olympic weightlifting 6 days a week. Alicia quit her gym membership to look for a more intense program where she can get more results.She is two years Natural and generally wears her hair in a protective style all week due to her being in a military service.
I don't really think too much about my hair during a workout. When I workout I usually feel strong and determined to better myself.
Her tips: Set aside a specific time for yourself to get your workout in. Make it part of your schedule. You have to be dedicated to your workout and not make any excuses, if you want to see results. There are a ton of motivational accounts you can follow on Insagram and Facebook. I know they've motivated me to get off my fanny a time or two. Start transitioning into eating healthier! You can't out exercise a bad diet. Strive to be healthy overall.
Jennifer Peets, Central Florida. BeachBody Coach
She started her workout routine in her teen years, wanting to try this new workout phenomenon, Spin cycle, and eventually found out other classes and exercises that she enjoyed. Jennifer is doing the 20 week program of high intensity cardio with lots of HIIT (high intensity interval training). It includes strength training, yoga/stretching, and abs, she runs twice a week at least three miles each run. She has accomplished 2-3 half marathons and two full marathons.
I like long distance not sprints. Running is such a mental sport. I believe it is 99% mental and 1% physical. As soon as I tell myself that I am tired, my body responds and agrees and shuts down. So keep telling yourself positive affirmations and you will finish the course.
When I stopped relaxers and stopped holding on to what others feel the perception of my hair should be when I was finally free from the chains that my hair held. My health has always been more important. I can always fix my hair but to complicate my health for vanity reasons is expensive. 10 years has passed since my last relaxer.
Living in Florida where the seasons are hot, hotter, and hot as hell, my hair is always in a protective style. I blow it out once a year and that is usually on New Year's Eve. Before I work out my hair is in a protective style usually twisted and in a bun. I use moisturizer and if I am running, I use some sort of hair tie to keep it out of my face.
Her Tips: Throw away the scale, numbers does not indicate how strong you are. Keep going, don't stop. Work hard now for success later. Your plate should consist of fruits and vegetables, and some protein. I tell people being fit is 80% what you eat and 20% what you do. What you put inside of you will reflect on the outside. Wear sunblock EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! Rain or shine,.
I wasn't a very athletic girl, not only because of my relaxed hair, but the fact that I had to walk long distances from home to school. So, when I got home 2 hours later, there was only time to rest and do homework. I have been natural for 3 years; the same time I became a fan of working out and I just did my first mini marathon.
A gym membership was a good option to start, but now I want to get my workout to the next level. Running is my new love.
I don't do much to my hair during the week, I use oils to keep my scalp clean from wash to wash and shampoo on big training days. Moisturizer is my best friend.
My Tips: Don't wait till Next Monday, there is not a better day to start a workout routine than right now. Drink a lot of water and remember to focus on the beauty from the inside out, so eat clean. You don't need a budget to workout; walking and running are free and right there in your neighborhood. Your smart phone has tones of apps to help you reach your goal.
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