Fitspiration: 10 Women of Color Who Are Pretty Strong

The cast of Oxygen’s “Pretty. Strong.” flex their stuff in the locker room (Source: Courtesy of Oxygen Network)

Whoever said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder must have forgot that when it comes to a woman’s body, hers is the only opinion that matters. Too bad most people didn’t get the memo.

Be it mainstream media, men in general or sometimes even other women, everyone seems to have a view on the female form that they just have to share. That scrutiny increases tenfold when talking about the bodies of black women. From the inhumane objectification of Saartjie Baartman (better known as Hottentot Venus) during the 19th century to Serena Williams recently being labeled too “masculine” by an opposing tennis coach, it seems as if women of color are constantly being picked apart for simply being in their own skin.

Thankfully, there are countless sisters who refuse to be judged or defined by the opinions of others and own who they are both inside and out. These are the women who prove that there is not one standard of beauty, but several that includes all shapes, sizes and colors. Check out our picks for physically fit and fiercely feminine queens who redefine what it means to be pretty strong.

Looking for more fitness muses? Tune in to Oxygen’s new reality series “Pretty. Strong.,” which premieres tomorrow, October 6th at 10/9c.

LITA LEWIS

Originally hitting the gym as a way to get over a bad breakup, Lewis found a love of a different kind in fitness and empowering others to be the change they desire. Today, the Cali girl by way of Australia is a fitness phenom. Not only does she travel the country holding her popular Body Blast Boot Camp, she has an ongoing series of interactive eBook training programs and a line of ThickFit and YouFit workout apparel.

IG: @FollowTheLita
Twitter: @FollowTheLita

https://instagram.com/p/7jGXG6DG-B/?taken-by=oxygen

YASHI RICE

A female singer/songwriter who plays professional football for the LFL’s Chicago Bliss? If that sounds like someone playing in two completely different arenas, then you don’t know Yashi. The talented songbird has football in her blood as her brother is none other than Super Bowl Champion Simeon Rice. Not to be outdone, the always-competitive Yashi led her team to back-to-back Legends Cup Championships in 2013 and 2014. Fans can now watch her strut her stuff both on and off the field on Oxygen’s new docu-series “Pretty. Strong.,” which premieres tomorrow, October 6 at 10/9c.

IG: @YashiExperience 
Twitter: @YashiExperience

TERESA SCOTT

At her heaviest, Scott weighed close to 215 pounds. After making the decision to put on a pair of boxing gloves as a way to reclaim her body and build confidence, the fitness entrepreneur hasn’t looked back. Shedding 70 pounds since falling in love with the sweet science, Scott became a certified trainer and went on to found the Women’s World of Boxing, the first women-only boxing gym in New York, which has become a safe haven for women and young girls looking to build up their bodies and self-esteem.

IG: @WWBCoach
Twitter: @WomnsWorlOfBoxn

https://instagram.com/p/5f8287QW1d/?taken-by=arierich

ARIE RICH

Arie is a woman who doesn’t like standing still, which explains why the RRCA certified run coach is constantly on the move. An avid and active runner, she has participated in several marathons both domestically and abroad. Even when she’s not putting her feet to the pavement, the co-founder of W3Move can be found blogging about the sport and her other entrepreneurial passions.

IG: @ArieRich
Twitter: @ArieRich

https://instagram.com/p/2eCTY8QW2n/?taken-by=arierich

ROZ “THE DIVA” MAYS

Mays is proof positive that you should never judge a book by its cover. The plus-size fitness instructor cannot only hang with the best of them in the pole fitness community, but she constantly redefines people’s perception of what it means to be healthy. Real women have curves, and if you’ve ever seen Mays easily pull off an iron X move then you already know she’s as real as it gets.

IG: @RozTheDiva
Twitter: @RozTheDiva

https://instagram.com/p/5nFi5KLbl8/?taken-by=the_renaissance_amazon_1

MAKEDA VOLETTA

Known as the Body Scientist, Makeda is a Jane of all trades when it comes to health and fitness. Studying dance extensively throughout her youth, the CSCS certified strength and conditioning specialist often incorporates rhythmic movement into her training sessions, which helps sustain her killer abs. As an added bonus, Makeda is a sacred sexual educator that helps women tap into their sensual energy. That’s right, she can help get your body and sex life in order.

IG: @The_Renaissance_Amazon_1 
Twitter: @Queen_Makeda

https://instagram.com/p/4xrC9RLbt7/?taken-by=the_renaissance_amazon_1

SASHA KELLY

Considering herself a fitness “inspirationalist,” Sasha has never met a workout she didn’t want to try. From yoga and indoor rock climbing to Muay Thai, the budding actress has dabbled in them all and has the core strength to prove it.

IG: @StillThinkin
Twitter: @StillThinkin

https://instagram.com/p/8DRnGqE4WL/?taken-by=thick_and_strong

TORY KEI

A personal trainer who teaches with a hip-hop edge, Tory Kei doesn’t claim to be perfect — at least not by society’s often skewed beauty standards. Embracing her own imperfections, cellulite and all, she pushes her clients to accept that fitness is a journey of transformation that takes time. Using herself as a prime example, Tory preaches a message of always investing in oneself more than the opinions of others.

IG: @Thick_And_Strong
Twitter: @Chunky_Kei

https://instagram.com/p/7fJR8zk4YD/?taken-by=thick_and_strong

https://instagram.com/p/sV4DNar-sa/?taken-by=radiahmaria

RADIAH MARIA

The self-taught yogi and longtime vegetarian is focused on physical wellness in more ways than one. A proud cancer survivor, Radiah works as a health care practitioner and advocates that women regularly check themselves for any unusual lumps — especially in their neck or throat area, which is how Radiah discovered she had stage 1 thyroid cancer a few years back. Now in complete remission, she’s all about keeping the mind, body and soul in perfect harmony.

IG: @RadiahMaria
Twitter: @RadiahMaria