Fitness and Lifestyle coach, motivational health and wellness speaker, three-time American Open Weightlifting Championship competitor, five-time CrossFit games athlete, mother and advocate of social change are some of the many titles Chicagoan Elisabeth Akinwale holds. Many people know Akinwale as a CrossFit athlete; however, she is so much more than that.
When attending her presentation on April 9, 2018 in Carthage’s Campbell Student Union Auditorium, I was expecting to learn solely about her life as a CrossFit athlete, such as how she trains, how long she’s been training and what she eats to stay in shape. However, I took away so much more from her presentation that really resonated with me. Thank you to Elisabeth Akinwale, who took the time out of her busy schedule to come and speak to the public about CrossFit and more. Here are four things I learned from her presentation.
1. Representation matters
Akinwale talks about the lack of representation she experienced growing up. When she participated in gymnastics, she was one of two or three Black girls on the team. Because of this, she dealt with micro-aggressions, and she didn’t have anyone to relate to.
For example, Akinwale shares her story of a gymnastics coach getting grease smeared on her clothes from equipment and assuming it was Akinwale, who was the only Black child on the team. In addition, she dealt with the parents of her teammates, who made comments such as, “Black people have really nice teeth,” and, “We have Black co-workers” as ways to hint to Akinwale that, “We aren’t prejudiced, and because we make these comments, this is evidence to support our claims.” Even though there was a lack of representation, she emphasizes that we can’t wait for someone else to be the model for us; sometimes we have to be the model.
2. Positive self-image
Akinwale discusses the importance of creating a positive self-image for yourself to be successful. She explains that how you feel about your self-image comes from your thoughts and internal dialogue. Akinwale suggests different ways to help create a positive self-image. First, simply replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. If you find yourself thinking negatively, quickly catch yourself and replace that thought with something positive.
Second, utilize visualization to help create a positive self-image. During her presentation she had the crowd participate in a visualization activity where they closed their eyes and identified three events when they were successful. Doing this activity helps increase confidence. In addition, she encourages people to use visualization to practice and rehearse things in your mind that you want to occur in the future. The things you think about most are most likely to happen. Therefore, visualize the things that you want to happen in the future so they’re more probable to happen. Most importantly, Akinwale suggests defining and writing down your aspirations and create positive affirmations for yourself. This will allow you to speak things into existence.
Photo courtesy of Nateya Taylor
3. Utilize your special talents for social change
Akinwale is more than a CrossFit athlete: she’s also a social justice advocate. She explains that you can use anything that you’re good at to promote social change. You don’t only have to be an activist to promote social change.
As a CrossFit athlete, she aims to make CrossFit gyms more diverse. She points out that adding race to your work makes it political according to society. However, that doesn’t discourage her. Akinwale makes it clear that wellness and social justice go together; they shouldn’t be divided.
4. Practice wellness
Last, Akinwale shares the importance of practicing wellness and how practicing wellness has had a positive impact on her life. She suggests that we take time out of our day or week to practice wellness. She shared her personal experience on how practicing wellness can help you become a better athlete or help you become better at whatever else you do. She shared many examples of how we can practice wellness daily or weekly:
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Practice yoga and meditation on a regular basis to reach inner peace.
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Practice mindfulness by clearing your mind, concentrating on the moment and focusing on your breath.
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Incorporate mala beads into your meditation.
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Create a mantra.
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Write in a journal.
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Go outside and get some sun.
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Take five breaths.
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Do some art.
All of these examples are great ways to incorporate wellness into your daily or weekly routine. Carthage offers yoga and meditation through group fitness if you would like to practice wellness!
I walked away from Akinwale’s presentation feeling more confident and motivated to pursue my dreams both in my future career and in social advocacy. I found new ways to practice wellness that I’m excited to try. Akinwale is truly an inspiration: if you want to keep up with this phenomenal woman and all that she does, be sure to follow her on Instagram @eakinwale.