“The Quill” Quinn Conyers Blog

Fun and Fit

Right about now many people are beginning to work out to get “right” for summer. Obesity is a growing problem in the Black community especially for Black women and children. First Lady Michelle Obama has even started an initiative to fight childhood obesity. What is even more disturbing are the reasons why Black women fail to work out. The top reason being they don’t want to ruin their hair. Your health or your hair? That is the question.

 You would think the top reasons would be they don’t want to pay gym memberships or hire a personal trainer. Sadly, many Black women and people in general are at risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and strokes because of lack of physical activity. I must admit, I didn’t want to ruin my hair because of working out. However, I quickly found an alternative after deciding my health was much more important that my hair.  I invested in a sew-in weave hair style which last longer and protects your own hair. I also joined a bootcamp class at the YMCA. Additionally, I joined the Y Fitness Challenge which encourages you to turn in meal plans and tracks your percentage of weight loss.

 I wasn’t a true fan of treadmills or elliptical and found it very hard to stay committed to the workout regimen. I enjoy the bootcamp classes and the total body workout. I also enjoy working out in a team setting versus as an individual. I encourage all of us to add physical activity into your daily routine. The gym isn’t always the answer and personal trainers can be effective but costly. Either way, as a community we need to invest in our health and add more activity in our daily lives.  Listed below are a few innovative ways for Black women to have fun and stay fit all while protecting their hair:  

• Get your hair Braided!  (Styles include, micro mini’s, corn rolls, boxed braided 2-strand twist, etc )
• Get a Sew-In Weave! (This style protect your natural hair and can last up to 4 months)
• Go Natural! (Grow your perm or relaxer out)
• Avoid wearing a cap while exercising!  (Your glands need to breathe and wearing caps will actually block your sweat glands)
• Wear cotton Headbands! (They absorb sweat and prevent hair from falling in your face)
• Let your hair breathe! (Tie it up or back, pin curl it or try a satin or silk scarf)

Have fun and get fit!

Quinn

2011...A year of NEW beginnings!

God has truly been good to me. For the last 5 years I have working on various aspects of my “empire” or should I say business ventures. It seems as if 2011 is the year he picked for things to visually manifest for others to see. From the talk show to my brand new website people seem to think I’m on a roll. The truth of the matter is I feel like my patience is finally paying off. Back in January of 2007 I had a strong urge to move to Baltimore. At the time I was living in DC finishing up my Master’s at Howard University. I moved and went to DC every other weekend to meet with my advisor to finish up thesis. At the time I hated it. I was a slave to the Library of Congress; I had no car, a few friends and a pathetic social life. However, I learned something about myself. I learned that I’m strong and determined. I managed to secure a job and began hosting a local TV show with the help of a mentor on Education Channel 77. Currently I feel ready. I feel ready for life and its next opportunity. I know a 9-5 is not in my retirement plan. I keep meeting people that see my vision and want to help. That’s half the battle. After all, it’s really not what you know or who you know. The reality is WHO knows YOU! With that said I’m grateful for the wonderful team that is helping me make my dreams come true. I will not and cannot stop until the right people know who Quinn Conyers is.