Shaking it up -- and breaking it down.
By: Ray Doughty
Updated: May 21, 2010
Shaking it up -- and breaking it down. But don't let the dance moves fool you. These women are athletes.
"We provide that little extra bit of motivation, encouragement, sisterhood," 'Sisters Tri-ing' founder Ayana Ball-Griffie said.
That "sisterhood" started far from this room in 2006 with Ayana Ball-Griffe.
Ayana said, "I needed to lose weight after having my daughter. And a friend at work suggested -- do a triathlon."
So, she did. But when Ayana crossed the finish line, she realized something.
"I noticed there was only one other woman of color there. And I said I'm going to do this again, but next time it's going to be with other women of color," Ayana said.
Women like Alicia Harvey.
"I kind of said 'Oh, ok, sure!' but in my head, I was thinking 'No way!'" Alicia said.
She was among the first to join Ayana in her idea: A group called "sisters tri-ing" ... as in triathlons.
"The purpose of Sisters Tri-ing is just to really encourage women of color to get healthy and fit," Ayana said.
Because weight is a "heavy" issue for African American women.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates nearly 80% of black women are either overweight or obese.
Ayana said, "We see the statistics, and how do we address those."
Ayana knows there are a lot of things that keep African American women from going to the gym. It could be the commitment. It could be the time. Or it could be -- the hair.
Alicia said, "You don't want to get your hair done at the beauty shop and turn around and go sweat it out at the gym!"
So, the non-profit has -- hair stylists.
They also have healthy eating classes and two personal trainers.
Helping women of color get rid of excuses ... which sometimes include cost.
"We seek funding so that our group training sessions and our services provided by our trainers and stylists are free to our members," Ayana said.
Many of the 90 local members meet weekly to push each other physically.
"My mother, she's done three triathlons!" Ayana said.
And support each other emotionally.
"For me, it helps to have the encouragement and support and know that somebody is going through the same thing you are," member Alicia said.
Even if it's a "cupcake controversy."
Alicia said, "I'm like 'How many did you buy?' She's like 'six!'"
Food is also an important part of the mission since a lot of the women cook for their families.
"If you want to address childhood obesity and obesity in our community, it's great to start with the women," Ayana said.
Sometimes, it's a battle against genetics, "...high cholesterol runs in my family," Alicia said, and changing perceptions, "when you think of women of color, we want you to think everyday athletes!"
And physiques, "...getting your swimsuit body in shape! Oh yeah! That's a bonus! Those wetsuits don't hide a lot!"
All while envisioning the prize beyond the finish line.
"We really think that we're just trying to lead a wellness revolution."
