Sondra E. Z. Hines, AILT, is an adjunct professor of health & wellness and is certified to teach group fitness exercise and Zumba. Wednesday Wellness - Fitness News You Can Use is published weekly. Email: sondraezhines@yahoo.com.

I recall when I started working out regularly (and subsequently became certified to teach Group Fitness and now Zumba), a question frequently gnawed at me: How do I style and transform my sweaty hair after a workout? 

As a black woman this presented an issue. Not necessarily due to my ethnicity. Unlike Caucasian hair, most black women’s hair, especially mine, when air- or blow-dried does not naturally bounce nor curl on its own without lots of styling tools and a good beautician (whom I have on speed dial). 

Today, I’ve solved this dilemma. When working out, I squeeze my hair under three hairnets; albeit old-school, it keeps my hair in place. Or, time-permitting, I braid my hair into two large sections and tuck under a baseball cap. 

Christa Newkirk contends that hair should not be a reason to avoid exercise.

Sounds simple? Not so for many black women, who say exercising and maintaining a decent hairstyle poses a dilemma — should they skip exercising or choose health over hair? Cynthia Smith picked the latter. 

“After the first day, if the wrap does not work, it goes in a ponytail,” she says explaining how she maintains her relaxed hair after a workout. “That is why I always keep some length.” Smith works out five days per week; three days she walks and the other two days, she teaches Zumba Gold (aimed at adults 50+). 

"The keys to maintaining your hair while exercising are to choose simple styles, let your hair dry completely after each workout before styling, and deep condition like crazy," Khaleeqa Rouse, a health consultant who works out regularly, said on Essence.com. "Exercise and eating healthy has also helped my hair grow much faster, which has added more versatility to my styling options.” 

Christa Newkirk agrees. In 2008 while attending graduate school in a new state, Newkirk became dedicated to exercising en route to “creating a better me.” 

Currently a database administrator, she exercises a minimum of four to five days per week; kickboxing, running, dance classes, stepping (sorority step team) or flag football. Although Newkirk can relate to the issue of hair, she says black women often place too much pressure on themselves. 

“At times I do believe black women put to much focus on their hair, but more so when it comes to compromising one's health,” says Newkirk. “A head of hair should not stop you from achieving your goals or reaching your potential. Hair should not be your crutch for not working out. Instead of excuses, develop a plan that works.”

Cynthia Smith puts her hair in a ponytail, among other styles, while working out.

In a recent piece in The New York Times, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina M. Benjamin spoke about attending the annual Bronner Bros. International Hair Show, one of the oldest and largest hair gatherings for black stylists, with a mission: to encourage hair enthusiasts to drop the "but I just got my hair done" excuses when it comes to exercise.

Benjamin wants women, particularly black women, to have the ability to look good while also leading healthier and more active lives. That’s good advice as we begin a new year — advice that Smith and Newkirk already practice.  

“My hairstyles work for me because they are off of my face and neck,” says Newkirk explaining how she changes her natural hair when exercising. “I'm able to breathe and focus on the exercise rather than continually pushing a bang or random piece of hair away. My hairstyles fit my exercise demands but still allow me to be me.”

Free breakfast giveaways!

Chick-fil-a: www.chick-fil-aforbreakfast.com/charlotte

Subway: www.myfreebreakfast.com/choose-store.php 

Fit Tip: Try this tip for getting active during work: replace a coffee break with a brisk 10-minute walk.

Until next time, I wish you good health and wellness!

Editor's Note: For more health/fitness-related tales, tips, testimonials and more, visit Qcitymetro's Health page: www.qcitymetro.com/health.

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