Past bad experiences with exercise may have left many of the 41.9 percent of Americans who are obese hesitant to step inside a health club. Fitness professionals can help to change their perceptions, but only if they ensure they are welcoming to people of all sizes.

The advantages of morning exercise were highest for women and were not dependent on amount of exercise.

Club industry has committed to helping to move forward the discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion in the fitness industry. In this ongoing series, people within the industry are sharing their experiences as people of color and as companies committed to DEI.