Black Girl Magic: Fitness in NYC

It’s Black History Month, and I’ve been craving more black girl magic during my workouts. I know boutique fitness can be expensive, especially in NYC, but since self-care is a priority for me, I believe in the investment. I’ve made room in my budget for workouts I enjoy.

While New York City is one of the most diverse communities in the United States, I have found that its wellness scene does not reflect the diversity that makes my hometown so special. Where are all the black people? And where are all the black female instructors/ coaches? I had a hard time finding the answers, so I made like Nancy Drew to find those black women who were leading and uplifting New Yorkers in the fitness industry. ( L.A. and D.C. lists are next!)

I have listed their names, studios were you can take one of their classes, and also worth mentioning–many of them are personal trainers, so if you like to get your fitness in one on one, hit them up. Let’s highlight and celebrate these wonderful instructors so that all can benefit from their teaching.

For my Brooklynites, I’d be remiss if I didn’t kick it off with Briana Owens, the founder of Spiked Spin. I’ve been watching her work for a few years now and am continuously inspired by all she’s done for women of color. She created space for black women in the wellness world that is special yet inclusive. Spiked Spin is now open in Brooklyn and if you’ve not visited, it’s a must. The misson really says it all: “We are the intersection of Wellness & Hip-Hop Culture, here to insult fitness standards, and create a new culture in wellness! We want you to come as you are, but leave better.”

If you live uptown, Harlem Cycle is another space that combines culture and community. Harlem Cycle is also owned and founded by a black woman, Tammeca Rochester. They really focus on “classes and programs to bring out your best self no matter your size, shape, age or current fitness level.” This is Harlem’s first indoor cycling studio and it now offers a variety of classes on/off the bike as well as retreats.

The list below is in no particular studio order. These are people I know personally, have researched or that come recommend by my community. If you’ve got anyone you’d want to add, shoot me a DM. Let’s call this a working list for now.

Black Girl Magic in NYC

• Peloton: Cycling

  • Tunde Oyeneyin

  • Ally Love

  • Jess Sims

• ShaktiBarre: Barre & Yoga, Co-Founded by Shauny Lamba

  • Evelyn Maria Dia

  • Shauny Lamba

  • Regina

  • Portia Boston

• New York Pilates: Pilates

  • Heran Haile

  • Marcia Meade

  • Nwando

  • Jen P

• Rumble: Boxing and Strength

  • Aliyah Sims

  • Semoura Villa

  • Taylor Rae Almonte

• Flex Studios: Pilates

  • Tara B

• FlyWheel Sports: Cycling and Precision Training (Barre & FlyFit)

  • Dionna Littleton (also a run coach)

  • Sherica Holman

  • Jen Percival

  • Nowani Rattray

  • Shaina McGregor (Precision Training)

  • Taeler Cyrus (Precision Training)

• SLT: Lagree (similar to Pilates)

  • Breanna Bartley Arrington

  • Akeira Gilbert

• Gotham Gym: Strength

  • Claire

• 305 Fitness: Dance Cardio

  • Anastacia aka Ana

  • Deena (also at Pure Barre)

  • Alia

  • Candace Taylor

  • Emma Matlock

  • J’nae

  • Latoya

  • Naimah

  • Taylor

• Solidcore: Pilates

  • Raven Jelks (Dumbo)

  • Robyn Williams (FiDi)

• Barry’s Bootcamp: Strength w/ Treadmills

  • Dilan Gomih (also at Flywheel Sports)

  • Janet Koeiman

  • Tiana Okoye

• Brrn & NeoU Fitness: Strength

  • Janeil Mason creator of Fit & Lit

• Switch Playground: Strength & Circut Training

  • Nina Saunders

  • Ciara Gray

• Soulcyle: Cycling

  • Claire Jones

  • Sabine Gerdts (Long Island)

  • Ayana Curtis (Long Island)

  • Taye

  • Jo Ruffin

  • Liz Marie Chestang (also at Obe Fitness)

  • Denita (also at SLT)

  • Tanysha

• Soho Strength Lab: Strength and Personal Training

  • Michelle Marques

• Brown Sugar Yoga: Yoga

  • Calia Marshall

• Tonehouse: High Intensity Strength Training

  • Judine Saint Gerard

—Kira West

From ByKwest