How to Navigate the Negative Stereotypes Surrounding Black Women in Sport and Fitness

Taja Watkins-Scott, BS 

Physical Health & Wellness ​Associate

​“She’s aggressive!", “She’s intimidating!”, “She looks so manly!”, “Her arms are too big for a woman!”, “She doesn’t look very feminine!” Blah blah blah!
 
These are just some of the lines I’ve heard being said about black female athletes as well as myself, particularly when it comes to my arms, as they've always naturally been toned and defined (thanks mum!).

​At one stage in my life (now a distant memory) the thought of lifting weights was the last thing I wanted to do as I was afraid of my arms getting bigger and bigger and looking less feminine in my stature.
 
The only thing that has changed since then and now, is my increased level of self-love and lack of care for what anyone else thinks of me because after all, someone else's opinion of me is none of my business!  This approach to life in a physical, spiritual, and emotional sense has given me so much peace.
 
The so-called standards of beauty are constantly changing, so make your love of self a constant so that you are not chasing the latest look that is in at any given time.
 
Back in the day, the look was skinny with big boobs, now it’s all about thighs, booty and an itty-bitty waist.  Remember that a lot of these fitness influences do not even look how they look.  Pictures and videos can be edited, particular angles can enhance certain features of your body, and in extreme circumstances, some have even had surgery to get the body that you may be trying to work towards.  I have no problem with people choosing to enhance their look, however, please be honest as you have a duty to those you influence who can be going to extreme lengths to imitate your “look”.
 
There is nothing wrong with having a fitness model or athlete that you admire or is your “body goals” because I have that in the amazing queen that is Serena Williams.
 
Despite what many have said about her, (including many of the quotes that I gave at the start of this blog) I do not see any of that.  I see a beautiful, womanly, strong, and elegant woman.  When people have said that my stature reminds me of her, it really is the greatest physical compliment I could ask for because she really is my “gym goals”.
 
Those toned, muscular arms, the sculpted thighs and that regal presence is something to admire.  She inspired me to embrace my toned arms that I used to be afraid of becoming larger in size.  NOT ANYMORE!

We have to be realistic and work with what we’ve got as we’re not all shaped the same.  That is what in fact, makes us all so beautiful.
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Whatever your shape or size, love yourself and have realistic expectations of the body goals that you have for yourself based on that.

Taja Watkins-Scott, BS

​​My name is Taja Watkins-Scott and professionally, I am a holistic bodywork therapist specializing in Swedish massage, sports massage and rehabilitation and acupuncture. Personally, I would describe myself as a nurturer and spiritual being navigating the human experience of life and while on this journey I am using my gifts to bring love, light and healing to as many people as I possibly can to raise the vibration of the world around us. I am a firm believer that our health should be considered holistically as every aspect of our lives;  physically, spiritually and emotionally are all interconnected. I take this approach with my own life and treat my clients accordingly. Although I am a bodywork therapist, many of my clients have found a safe space in me to be vulnerable and let go of anxieties they may be holding on to. As someone who also lives with anxiety it warms my heart that others can find a safe haven in me to let go of theirs. IG: @Mahtaj_massage