The author participated in a fitness tour in Accra, Ghana, where they trained at various local boxing gyms. The workouts consisted of running laps, freestyle bag work, pad work combinations, and increasingly complicated punch combinations. Despite the intense physical demands of the sessions, the author found them enjoyable due to the hospitality of the gyms and the passion for boxing displayed by the athletes. Working out alongside people who looked like them, as a Black woman, was a rare and empowering experience compared to their usual workouts in Manhattan.
The most challenging workout of the week involved running on sand, climbing outdoor stairs, and performing high knees and jumping jacks. The author also had the opportunity to work out with Ghana’s national boxing team, the Black Bombers, who led them on a run around the Accra Sports Stadium and up and down the stadium steps multiple times. The sessions ended with song, dance, or prayer, creating a grounding and joyous atmosphere that left the author feeling a sense of fulfillment and contentment. The physical intensity of the workouts was balanced by the camaraderie and cultural exchange experienced during the training sessions.
The author noted that the fitness tour in Accra was a stark contrast to their usual workouts in Manhattan, where they often felt like a minority in boutique fitness studios. The inclusivity and supportiveness of the gyms in Accra, as well as the shared passion for boxing, made the workouts more enjoyable and fulfilling. The athletes they trained with were generous with their time and skill, helping the author to improve both physically and mentally in a sport they loved. The endorphins released during the workouts contributed to the author’s improved sleep quality and overall sense of well-being throughout the trip.
Overall, the fitness tour in Accra provided the author with a unique and enriching experience that went beyond physical exercise. The cultural exchange, camaraderie, and shared passion for boxing created a supportive and inclusive environment that made the workouts feel like a joyful and fulfilling experience. The author appreciated the opportunity to train alongside athletes who looked like them and shared a love for the sport, highlighting the importance of representation and inclusivity in the fitness industry. The trip to Accra left a lasting impression on the author, both physically and emotionally, and inspired them to continue pursuing their fitness goals with renewed passion and enthusiasm.
