In our month-to-month profile sequence Meet the Trailblazers, Fitbit is searching for to amplify range on the planet of wellness and health by that includes the voices of POC trailblazers on the helm of those industries—industries which have discredited voices like theirs for too lengthy.
This month, we’re highlighting the extraordinary work of Roslyn Mays, aka Roz the Diva. Roz is a nontraditional pole athlete, NASM-certified coach and featured Fitbit Premium coach, and a body-positive influencer. We’re excited to share the inspiring dialog we had together with her.
Today, Roslyn “Roz the Diva” Mays is thought for her prowess on the pole. Not solely is she an acclaimed pole athlete, however the Brooklyn-based powerhouse additionally created Dangerous Curves, the first-ever nationwide competitors to place a highlight on plus measurement pole athletes. Her health profession acquired its begin when she turned enamored with group health lessons. Roz discovered her technique to pole health specifically at her common health club in 2007—although on the time, she was solely centered on weight reduction and the health club as a car for doing tons of cardio, which she calls “a classic rookie mistake.”
“When I saw pole fitness was on the class schedule,” Roz shares, “I figured it was something new to try. I vividly remember my first class—I was really weak, confused, and certainly not confident. Despite my failure that night, I’d never had a better time failing at anything athletic and totally fell in love.”
Keep studying to dive into our Q&A with Roz and discover out extra about her refreshingly trustworthy tackle, effectively, nearly the whole lot—together with the significance of illustration within the health world.
FITBIT: You’ve made waves in your profession as somebody who shouldn’t be solely an unbelievable athlete and skilled coach your self, however with a refreshingly inclusive method to coaching numerous physique varieties and nontraditional athletes. Amazing! Can you share extra about what drew you to the unbelievable work you do?
ROZ: My health profession was born from my love affair with group health lessons. I thrive on the vitality of different health club rats and attempt to make an surroundings the place others can as effectively. I used to be additionally all for educating as a result of I knew my 90’s and 2000’s playlist could be epic, and the folks need to groove as they sweat.
What’s your favourite factor about doing what you do?
ROZ: Teaching pole is my favourite a part of the game. What began as a category on the health club advanced right into a severe passion, then right into a aspect hustle, and at last, right into a wholesome enterprise. Not solely can my solopreneurship financially assist my life in NYC, however I get to assist common folks really feel like glittery superheroes after they nail a cool new trick. Over the final twelve years, I’ve coached athletes in 33 states and eight international locations.
Why, in your view, is illustration so vital?
ROZ: Representation issues as a result of you may’t be what you may’t see. I typically surprise how my vanity would have advanced if, throughout my teenage years, I had seen feminine athletes that seemed like me. I by no means got down to be a nontraditional athlete; nevertheless, as a plus measurement girl, it’s nearly unattainable to keep away from that title. I’m blissful to make use of that title to assist others really feel much less lonely.
With a lot in your plate, how do you prioritize self-care?
ROZ: I don’t. I’m typically the final particular person whose wants I contemplate. I need assistance to alter that.
Is there a wellness “trend” you’re glad to see changing into extra popularized?
ROZ: PSYCHOTHERAPY, arms down! I’m an enormous advocate for psychological well being care and thrilled to see it changing into much less stigmatized, particularly for BIPOC folks. My therapist of 15+ years has gotten me via some notably darkish instances in my 20’s.
And one thing you’re able to put behind you?
ROZ: I’m prepared for my physique weight to not dictate my worth as an individual. Despite how assured I seem, I’ve fairly just a few size-related demons to work via. Addressing this subject continues to be a protracted and exhausting course of, however vital to expertise.
You’re launching extra content material on Fitbit Premium quickly—thrilling! Can you share what your favourite sort of content material is to shoot and why?
ROZ: I like the movies after I transfer at a fair, regular tempo, as a result of I do know others can simply observe alongside. I need my content material to be as accessible to train virgins as potential.
Anything else you’d prefer to share?
ROZ: Hi Beyonce. Lemme know if you’re prepared for me to hitch you on tour. I’ve a pole, a passport, and no children.
This info is for academic functions solely and isn’t meant as an alternative to medical analysis or remedy. You mustn’t use this info to diagnose or deal with a well being drawback or situation. Always verify along with your physician earlier than altering your weight-reduction plan, altering your sleep habits, taking dietary supplements, or beginning a brand new health routine.
Kimia Madani
Kimia Madani is an Editor at Fitbit and a lover of all issues wellness. Other passions embrace random dance events, chilly brew espresso, shopping used bookstores, and creating content material that adjustments folks’s lives for the higher. When she’s not managing the weblog at Fitbit, touring, or planning her subsequent journey, Kimia is busy doing yoga, amassing crystals, and getting her steps in whereas trekking the colourful hills of San Francisco.