According to a 2022 CDC report, Hispanics have the highest rate of physical inactivity. The report indicates that 32.1% of Hispanics are physically inactive. This is the highest percentage of inactivity among racial and ethnic groups.
Health experts say this is a huge concern given that lack of physical activity can contribute to chronic disease. Terra Nova CrossFit Gym in Aurora, Colorado has found a way to attract Hispanics to the gym. Gym owner Roberto Martinez says he wasn’t a big gym fan until he was introduced to CrossFit.
“I don’t think it’s a lack of interest or desire to be active,” Martinez said. “It’s just that we might not find a place where we feel relaxed and welcome and safe and where we won’t be judged. Like conventional gyms, you know, I haven’t seen as many people there. ‘Hispanics or Latinos.’
Given the CDC statistics, this is not surprising. Cristina Barroso, professor of nursing at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, has been part of a movement to determine how environments (like the job you have) influence health-related behaviors.
“You might engage in a lot of physical activity while on the job or while in your profession, such as construction work or labor service,” Barroso said. “But you’re so exhausted and you’re so stressed that when you get home and it’s time to relax and have some time off, you have other competing responsibilities.”
Barroso says Latinos face multiple structural barriers that prevent them from exercising regularly.
“Often many Latinos don’t have disposable income to buy a vehicle,” Barroso said. “And so that makes it difficult for them to move around in places.”
Even if they can drive to a gym, they may not be able to afford the entry fee. She adds that many Hispanic populations live in areas where there are no sidewalks or safe places to walk.
“There are many systems that have been in place for years, decades, centuries that maybe when they were launched were based on discriminatory practices,” Barroso said. “I think now we realize the consequences of these discriminatory practices for various marginalized groups.”
Born and raised in Mexico City, Martinez says he has an easier time connecting with other Spanish speakers. However, he believes any gym can create an inclusive atmosphere.
“We have flags, you know, from a lot of Latin American countries, other parts of the world as well,” Martinez said. “And I think it also makes them feel like, okay, you know, I’m safe here. I belong here. I’m part of a big community. You know, I’m represented by my flag. “
Barroso says she hopes the Hispanic population will have more opportunities to exercise as the country focuses on addressing racial disparities.
“The best way to get people into fitness centers, gyms, parks and green spaces is to listen to what the community wants,” Barroso said.