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 belive in the investment and 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 of 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. (LA and DC lists are next!)

I have listed their names and studios where you can take one of their classes– but it’s also worth mentioning that 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 named 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 the studio now offers a variety of classes on/off the bike as well as retreats.

Here’s a list in no particular studio order! These are people I know personally, researched, or have been recommended 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

• Harlem Pilates: Pilates in Harlem, coming March, 2020

  • Tiffany Lauren Mason (Founder)

• SHAKTIBARRE: Barre & Yoga (Inclusive Pricing Options Available)

  • Evelyn Maria Dia

  • Regina

  • Portia Boston

  • Kunawiri Mimi

  • Jasmine McCarthy

  • Muriel Estevez

  • Ayorinde

• New York Pliates: Pilates

  • Heran Haile

  • Marcia Meade

  • Nwando

  • Jen P

• Mile High Run Club: Running

  • Jasmine Nesi

• Aqua Studio NY: Cycling in Water

  • V Brown

• 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

• The Fit In: Bedford Stuyvesant, Black Owned, Founded by Ife.

  • Amber D

  • Tatiana Barber

  • Kali

  • Denise Harris

  • Shay

  • Hayet

• Gotham Gym: Boxing & 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

  • Annette

• Brrn & NeoU Fitness: Strength

  • Janeil Mason creator of Fit & Lit

• Switch Playground: Strength & Circut Training

  • Nina Saunders

  • Ciara Gray

• Fhitting Room: Strength

  • Tara Nicolas (also at Nike)

• 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

  • Sydney

• Y7: Hot Hip Hop Yoga

  • Angelica Marie Wilson

  • Jazmin Tejada

  • Jo Murdock

  • Nicole James

  • Taq Campbell

  • Claudia

  • Patricia (also at HealHaus and LL Studio)

• Pilates by Silvia: Pilates (Reformer & Ladder)

  • Yunny Bisserette

• Banana Skirt NY: Dance Inspired Fitness Founded by Akinah Rahmaan

  • Nikki S. Cherry

  • Tiana Hester

  • Matia

• Soho Strength Lab: Strength and Personal Training

  • Michelle Marques

• Brown Sugar Yoga: Yoga

  • Calia Marshall

• Urban Asanas: Yoga

  • Jyll Hubbard-Salk

  • Tara Purnell 

• Tonehouse: High Intensity Strength Training

  • Judine Saint Gerard

• FitOn App: Online Workouts & Fitness Plans

  • Bree Branker Koegel

• CorePower Yoga: Yoga & Yoga Sculpt

  • Gloria Samen

  • Chelsea Fryer

• The Catalyst: Breathwork, Pilates & Meditation

  • Bianca Crystal (also group fitness at Equinox)

• ResistHIIT!: HIIT Hop Cycle

  • Crystal Williams (also at Chalk Gyms and Body Elite Fitness)

• Grillz and Granola: Fitness Boot Camp

  • Genail McKinley

  • Chavonne Hodges