Fitness guru Donna Richardson Joyner creates 'Sweating in the Spirit' video
NO DOUBT ABOUT it, Donna Richardson Joyner is the high priestess of American fitness. Her latest fitness video, "Sweating in the Spirit," is a faith-based workout encouraging you to engage your mind, body and spirit.
"We must all become better stewards over our temple," Richardson Joyner says.
I agree.
The 43-year-old, Washington, D.C., native is a fitness veteran with more than 20 years' experience and dedication to helping others realize the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
For many years, she taught at Bally's. Later, she became a fitness director, then parlayed those skills into her own company, Donnaerobics. For five years, she was co-host of ESPN's "Fitness Pros."
She's a contributing editor at Heart & Soul magazine and was recently appointed to a two-year term on the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. She's been married since 2000 to syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner. The couple lives in Dallas.
The fabulous Donna Richardson Joyner and I discussed her career, the state of African-American women's health in anticipation of her visit here Saturday for the fifth annual Pantene Total You Tour.
Here's a snippet of that interview.
Q. Donna, you have made a significant impact on the fitness industry. How did it all start for you?
A. Well, I've participated in sports and dance all my life. It was a natural transition for me to go into a career in health and fitness. Also, my friend Charles Little [national director of fitness education at Bally's] was very instrumental in opening doors for me. Jane Fonda and high-impact aerobics were also influences.
Q. Jane Fonda? Like Fonda, you have had tremendous commercial success. Weren't you the first black woman to star in the successful "Buns of Steel" videos?
A. Yes, I was the first woman of color, and I did the "Platinum Buns of Steel" video. I vowed then to one day have my own videos. Altogether I have done 25 award-winning videos. I have been very blessed.
Q. Indeed you are. "Sweating in the Spirit" is your new initiative. What's that about?
A. That's my latest video and my newest faith-based and community initiative. It's all about the mind, body and spirit. It's about really connecting the dots.
You start with your faith, your mind, and then your body acts. This is about lifestyle. This sets you up for success. Think of God leading the way. I want people to make a promise to God. Be obedient and put it in God's hand.
Your body is your temple.
Q. That's very ambitious. I don't think health and fitness has been approached quite this way in our community. Health and fitness are often touchy subjects in the African-American community. The state of our national health is abysmal. How do you intend to reach the people?
A. The plan is to empower, educate and encourage at the grass-roots level in our churches. We have to become better stewards over our bodies. We have to decrease these health disparities.
A faith-based program is the most successful. When we have faith, we have conviction and determination. We have to walk the walk and talk the talk.
Q. What about our children? Obesity and preventable diseases are on the rise for African-American children. What recommend-
ations do you have for parents?
A. We have to be better role models for our children. We have to be the example. We have to teach them how to eat better. And go out and play with the child.
It has to become a family affair. We can't blame it on the government. In the schools, physical education is only mandatory in the state of Illinois.
Be pro-active, and stop the blame. Ask, what can you do? Join with the other parents and do it. Take the initiative. Do it yourself. Go to the church and community. Intervention. Get the funding and make it happen.
Q. Generally speaking, do you think we, as African-Ameri-cans, tend to put too much emphasis on our appearance - looking good as opposed to feeling good and being healthy?
A. Being healthy is from the inside out. We need to feel as good as we look. What kind of life is it if you can't walk up the steps? Emphasis should be on the interior, like a car. If the engine's no good, you're in trouble.
Q. Can you think of five fitness/health action steps people can begin today?
A. Yes, I can.
1. Make a commitment. You have to want to become healthier. You have to make the decision to help yourself.
2. You need to see the doctor. [Once you've made a commitment to fitness and good health], continue to see the doctor for screening and prevention.
3. You have to have a plan, like everything else in your life. You plan to get that guy, those shoes, that hairdo. Make it realistic and specific. If you're going to lose weight, then you must combine healthy eating and physical activity.
4. Change. You have to want to change more than you want to stay the same. Whatever you fail to change, you are destined to repeat.
5. Prayer. Pray out all the excuses: too fat, too old, too tired, no time, can't afford it. It is a small investment with a minimum cost. Pray in obedience.
Q. Donna, you are indeed a fearless fitness warrior, and I applaud your efforts. What are your closing thoughts?
A. Again, we need to become better stewards over our temple. We have to always remember that through Christ we can do all things. And we need him every day.
For more information on Joyner and "Sweating in the Spirit," go to www.donnarichardson.com.
Totally for you
Meet Donna Richardson Joyner Saturday while you celebrate your body and soul along with Essence magazine's Susan L. Taylor, actress Mya J. ("Girlfriends"), "America's Top Model" Eva Pigford, TV's Judge Mablean Ephriam, singer Tyrese and more at the Pantene Total You Tour.
There will be inspirational talks, makeovers, free gifts and more. It's at the Philadelphia Convention Center, Hall A, 1101 Arch St., $15 to $25, www.pantenetotalyoutour.com. *