Public Health and Physical Activity for Fitness Pros during COVID-19

Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., FACSM, ACE president and chief science officer, presented the inaugural episode of ACE’s Black History Month Dialogue Series last week. Antonio Williams, Ph.D., associate professor at Indiana University Bloomington’s School of Public Health and a member of the ACE Board of Directors, and Rory James, MPH, director of Indiana University Bloomington’s Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion, joined him.

The wide-ranging discussion began by delving into the specific reasons for the Black community’s disproportionately high rates. According to James, one significant component is comorbidity and illness load. Certain chronic diseases wreak havoc on the Black population, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and asthma, which all serve as catastrophic risk factors for those who develop COVID-19.

It is critical to include socioeconomic determinants of health as well, including access to healthcare providers (as well as transportation to and from those providers) and insurance coverage, especially those who are underinsured. Additionally, blacks have a long-standing suspicion and cynicism of the medical establishment (here, James cites the horrific Tuskegee Syphilis Study, which lasted for 40 years before it ended in 1972 but is still fresh in the minds of many Black Americans). Unfortunately, as James points out, this skepticism will almost certainly extend to decisions concerning vaccination, perhaps widening the racial difference revealed by the CDC figures.

Dr. Williams further points out that the majority of minorities live in urban areas with less room to be six feet apart and frequently work in vital occupations in the community, making them less able to isolate and be safe. “It’s a domino effect,” Dr. Williams explains. “They are at an increased risk because of their increased exposure, but they also have those underlying chronic illnesses. These non-communicable illnesses prevalent in the African-American population… aggravate the virus itself, resulting in more hospitalizations and, sadly, early mortality due to racial disparities within the healthcare system.”

Impacting Change on the Local Level

Health coaches and fitness experts are well-positioned to contribute significantly to resolving or perhaps eradicating some of these disparities. You are aware of the benefits of physical activity and are capable of communicating them clearly and effectively. Additionally, you are familiar with the limits and obstacles that individuals experience, as well as techniques for predicting and overcoming such constraints and barriers. The next stage is to determine how to get that message to the communities who most need it.

The panelists unanimously agree that there is a knowledge gap, which presents an opportunity for health coaches and fitness experts to expand their reach by giving resources and techniques to vulnerable groups.

James offers a message for fitness industry professionals: “You are a component of public health.” If you are not a member of the Black or brown community, James suggests conducting the study or completing professional development on how to effectively conduct outreach.

“You have to get to the people,” James explains. This may include religious institutions or senior facilities. Additionally, it may imply capitalizing on the fact that people are becoming accustomed to Zoom meetings and virtual gatherings. Perhaps you can use this to connect with individuals you’ve never met before.

“I implore fitness professionals to consider themselves activists,” Dr. Williams states. You may advocate for more possibilities for physical exercise in your neighborhood and oppose regulations that restrict your ability to be physically active. According to Dr. Williams, many Black people live in neighborhoods that lack green space, are inaccessible by foot, lack adequate lighting, lack parks, and leisure facilities, and are food deserts. You may educate policymakers and key stakeholders on the reasons why individuals in specific neighborhoods may be less physically active or eat less healthfully, as well as provide ideas to help solve the issue.

Defining Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

While these three phrases are frequently used interchangeably, it’s critical to consider what each term implies on its own and to know clearly about Public Health and Physical Activity during Covid-19.

Mr. James always begins this discourse with an invitation to participate. As he says, you can have diversity and representation in terms of the number of people that enter your facility, but you will not have real inclusion unless Black, brown, and other under-represented groups feel welcome.

According to James, inclusion entails the establishment of “places where individuals feel accepted, respected, recognized, and appreciated.” Inclusion is defined as “welcome me, accept me, and celebrate me in this area.”

When considering diversity, ask yourself, “Are we seeing all of the possible identities in this space?” Think beyond race. Consider diverse abilities, diverse religious beliefs, and all the various facets and complexity of identity.

Finally, individuals frequently make the distinction between equality and equity. Dr. Bryant defines equality as “offering the same to everyone.” Equity is more complicated and entails an acceptance of the fact that we do not all begin in the same position. As a result, we must accept this and make modifications to address the inequalities that exist.”

Dr. Williams concurred. “You cannot give the same level of care and assistance to everyone and expect the same results,” he explains. Each of us has a unique starting point.”

Having More Seats at the Table

Dr. Williams is hopeful about the improvements he sees in the fitness sector in terms of individuals and businesses being more conscientious about the pictures and messaging they use to advertise their products or services to people of all backgrounds. Having said that, Black people continue to be underrepresented in fitness centers and positions of leadership within those facilities.

“Giving someone a place at the table does not require you to gather your belongings and depart. Simply bring a chair,” Dr. Williams advises. “If you have a seat at the fitness industry’s table—whether on the corporate side, as an allied health professional, or as a health coach—bring another chair to the table and allow someone else to join you.”

James concurs: “Be deliberate. Bring those to the table who may not look or believe the same as you, so they can contribute.”

There is enormous benefit in having a diverse leadership team, as recognizing cultural variations in how people approach physical activity is complicated. Understanding such distinctions and the possible hurdles they generate needs a range of personal and professional experiences. Acquiring this knowledge through the inclusion of fresh voices will enable you to rethink how you serve your clients, as well as how you connect with, inspire, and empower them.

In Conclusion

When having challenging talks, you may be fearful of offending someone. “You will never insult someone by appealing to their spirit, their heart, their soul, and approaching them with an attitude of ‘I want to help,’” Dr. Williams adds. “No one would ever hold you accountable for attempting to achieve such things.”

Putting oneself out there needs you to overcome worries of rejection due to your lack of knowledge. Cultural intelligence and cultural competency are required for outreach to new groups. Additionally, it demands imagination, curiosity, boldness, and humility.

You must be willing to accept that your background and experiences may differ from those of the individuals you hope to assist. Having said that, health coaches and fitness specialists are uniquely qualified to assist people—all people—in living their best lives.

This will take concentrated and deliberate efforts, a willingness to be uncomfortable, and an open mind and heart. You probably entered the fitness business out of a sincere desire to assist others in achieving maximum health and wellness. This may be the ideal time to embrace personal and professional growth that will enable you to broaden your reach and influence in the places that most need it.

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