The importance of physical, mental, and emotional wellness is something that should always be highlighted in the African American community. Sekou Walton, personal trainer and founder of Body Assassin is an advocate for educating our community about the importance of health and wellness. Walton who founded his personal training business Body Assassin in 2007 says “one thing that I’ve noticed is we lack the knowledge of fitness and wellness.” There are many factors that play a role in gaining beneficial knowledge.
Walton explained that working out plays a role, but the focus must start with nutrition. The food that we eat and how it is prepared needs to be reevaluated. When it comes to the meals, we prepare Walton says, “it has to start with our elders, we have to encourage them to make better choices.” He also explained that the rate of hypertension is high in the African American community. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention African American adults are 30 percent more likely to have high blood pressure.
Some easy tips and tricks that Walton has when it comes to nutrition is understanding how the body works and what it needs to thrive and survive. He says that “in order to see change it is important to keep it simple.” Understand what you are putting into your body. Staying away from processed, fried, and high sugar foods is key. Walton explained that it is important to find grocery stores like Sprouts, Trader Joes, and Whole Foods that can meet those needs.
When it comes to being involved with fitness Walton says, “you do not have to join a gym to be active, use your local parks or places around your area to stay moving.” He also explained that it is important to be aware and check in on the stressors of your life. It is good to know that when you are active it can also help with your mental being as well. Walton has seen since being in this industry that for other cultures and demographics fitness and having a trainer is a lifestyle for them. He is hoping to see that become the same way for our culture. In the future Walton hopes to see more Black families being active together and spreading the importance of it all to others.
Walton’s goal is continuing to educate the African American community on the importance of getting your rest, eating foods that fuel your body, working on staying in a good mental space, and staying active. He believes that when we show up for ourselves, that is when we are able to be seen as the best versions of ourselves. To find out more information, or if you have any questions or inquiries about Sekou and Body Assassin check him out on Instagram @bodyassassin.