Meet your local Black fitness instructors.
AD Releford
It all begins with an idea.
About (from Fitness by AD):
Hi, I'm AD! Through my personal journey, I shed over 130lbs, fueled by a passion for health and fitness. With over 15 years of weight training experience and close to 5 years as a licensed personal trainer, I've honed my expertise in guiding others toward their goals. Certified in personal training, nutrition coaching, and virtual coaching, I specialize in transforming lives through weight loss, strength building, and performance enhancement.
Where to find them
Daniel Davis
It all begins with an idea.
Photo from Inward Visions
About (from Inward Visions):
My yoga journey began in 2011 with Diamond Dallas Page's DDP Yoga, a low-impact system developed by a former World Champion wrestler that helped me combat my chronic back pain and numb appendages due to being overweight. I was also dealing with degenerative discs and a torn labrum in my hip, among other physical issues.
After losing 50 lbs in just six months with DDP Yoga, I moved on to Hot Yoga, but struggled to keep up with the intense heat. I also tried other types of yoga, but struggled to find a studio and teacher where I felt comfortable enough to return.
Despite the challenges, my interest in yoga grew, and I began exploring different types of yoga like Iyengar, Vinyasa, Yin, Kundalini, Ashtanga, and Karma. As a black man in Seattle, I often found myself being the only man or the only black man in the classes I attended. So, I searched for "black yoga teacher Seattle" on Google, but the results were few and far between. This was the catalyst that led me to become a Yoga Instructor.
I enrolled in Seattle Central College's Yoga Teacher Training program, where I was fortunate enough to have Dee Williams, a black woman, as my instructor. I selected Restorative and Hatha yoga as my concentrations because they were just my speed and aligned with my initial reason for practicing yoga, which was to reduce my own pain. The experience was great, and I completed the training in September 2019.
Since completing the training, I have led classes at various places like @wanawari for Sunday Series, @aseasana as Yogi in Residence, and @kingcounty for the Balance You program. During the pandemic, I also taught a few online classes. Currently, I lead classes every Tuesday at @rainierhf, and I'm passionate about sharing my love of yoga with others who may feel underrepresented in the yoga community.
Where to find them
Tobi Shenbanjo
It all begins with an idea.
About (from RowdyBox):
London-born, I bring over a decade of fitness-training experience to our diverse team, from all over the planet. I love movement and healthy (but fun) living. When it comes to fitness, I’ve done most of it: bootcamp coach and strength coach in Boston, an orange theory coach in Seattle, managing a high-end all-women’s training facility, and years of personal training and nutrition consulting. You can find me on the schedule, but most of my time is spent private training clients upstairs.
Where to find them
Belle
It all begins with an idea.
About (from Raven Studios):
Georgia native Belle (she/her) has been dancing since the age of three. In 2012, she discovered the art of pole dancing and eventually found her way into twerk, lap dance, and floorwork. Belle has competed in several competitions across the Northwest Region as well as the Southern Region, placing in 2018 and 2019. Her favorite areas of focus in pole are strength conditioning, floorwork, freestyle, and contemporary movement. Her teaching philosophy is that practice makes progress. She hopes to share with the students at Raven Studios how important it is to build foundational skills and develop proper technique for a safe and fulfilling pole journey. Belle is certified in CPR/AED & First Aid.
Where to find them
Arielle
It all begins with an idea.
About (from Raven Studios):
Arielle (she/her) began pole dancing as a way to celebrate her love of music and erotic art. Her focus includes low flow in both pole and lyra. She is also a somatic pilates teacher that specializes in helping movers of various practices achieve their wildest dreams. She believes dance is a form of magic that promotes healing, embodiment, and creation. She is honored to be part of the Raven community. Arielle is certified in CPR/AED & First Aid.
Where to find them
DasBee
It all begins with an idea.
About (from Raven Studios):
Drop splits, clacks, and booty claps — that’s what this badass pole dancer is made of. DasBee (she/her) started pole in 2008 and it quickly became her outlet for self-expression. She is a seasoned performer, instructor, and competitor — holding a number of Pole Sport Organization medals and placements in various competitions around the country. Her classes are challenging by design, often combining sensual movement with technical, power moves. DasBee enjoys helping students grow their passion for dance, fitness, and discovering an appreciation for what their bodies can do. DasBee is certified in CPR/AED & First Aid.
Where to find them
Aliah Price
It all begins with an idea.
About (from be here now.):
For the past 5 years, teaching spin has given me so much. It's provided me with confidence, hope, a place to explore, and a sanctuary from life's chaos. In the rhythm of the music and the camaraderie of the community, I find both escape and connection. Every class is an opportunity to share space amongst different people with different stories. Through spin, in every class, my aim is to give back what it has given me—to empower others to show up for themselves, regardless of what their story holds that day, and to carry that with them beyond the studio doors. Having recently moved to Seattle, Be Here Now felt like the first place that embodied connection and love for riding to the beat of the music in a dark room. In a season where everything feels new, BHN has felt like more than just a place to ride; it's a community where I've felt inspired to explore and connect. I am so excited to return to teaching but more importantly, so excited to share space with the people of BHN!
Where to find them
Maddie Johnson
It all begins with an idea.
Photo by David Steege
About (from TruFusion):
Maddie's journey into fitness started in 2020. She soon surprised herself with her capabilities in the gym- as well as an increased mental and physical resiliency outside of the gym. Her background in team sports like basketball and softball has instilled in her a love for camaraderie and connection.
A close friend introducing Maddie to TruFusion in the summer of 2022 was a turning point. Making connections and friendships with other members helped her maintain accountability and excitement to return at the end of each class. As Maddie continued to attend classes, she found a new passion in Pilates- a different kind of strength training. From then, Maddie decided to pursue her certification as an instructor. Her natural leadership qualities and passion for helping others discover their own inner strength is part of why Maddie loves to teach. With a strong desire to further her teaching capacities, Maddie is excited for what her future in fitness entails!
Where to find them
Kate Mensah
It all begins with an idea.
Photo by Trina Huston Photography; Wardrobe: Carbon38 (Ambassador)
About (from Mensahna)
Kate Mensah is a certified personal trainer and advocate for health empowerment, with specialty in fitness, fashion, and entrepreneurism. Her personal motto, "healthy minds in healthy bodies," reflects her commitment to balance, reflection, and self-care. Kate's fitness empire, Mensahna, includes ISSA certifications as a personal trainer and instructor in boxing, kickboxing, and yoga. Each class builds on fundamentals while incorporating dance moves or high-intensity cardio to keep the flow fresh, fun, and lively. Her classes can be found in several studios in Grand Seattle area such as Bala Yoga, Lifetime, Solar You and Cut and Flow . She is also a private Fitness coach with Teeter and Meta.
In addition to health and lifestyle, Kate has pursued a fashion career for the last decade. Her brand, KateSMensah, draws inspiration from her roots in Paris, and her background as a fashion stylist and fashion model with Heffner Management for brands like FitCode, Ingrid Paperseldon, Greenlake Jewelry, Kate Sommerville, REI, Adidas, Oiselle and many more. Her work has been recognized in such places as WeSpeakNY, Ellements, and VGXW magazine, 425 Magazine, City of Kirkland or Seattle Magazine. In the coming year, she is launching a fashion styling service called Volee Vie.
Kate lives in the Seattle area with her boy. When she is not sculpting her fitness or fashion empires, she is with her family traveling, discovering new adventures, and spending quality time together.
Where to find them
Kiana Njie
It all begins with an idea.
photo from Urban Yogis
About (from Urban Yogis):
I first found yoga on my search for mobility to help my chronic muscle pain. I quickly found that yoga would not only improve how my body was feeling but it was beginning to heal my mind, and my heart. In a fast paced, sometimes stressful world it’s not often we take the time to choose ourselves. Yoga has allowed me to truly embrace my own body and honor it. Once you choose YOU Yoga will be your guide to finding inner peace, calming anxiety, dismissing thoughts that do not serve you, and embracing where you are at the current moment, while paving your way to your best life and happiest self.
Yoga has changed my life in so many wonderful ways, it is now my life long goal to serve others and show them the way. I dedicate my time to teach, share, and learn with each of my students, and help them find the road to inner peace, growth, and belonging. For me, yoga is about the balance between strength and flexibility, exertion, and releasing. So, my classes combine both strength and mobility work in a dynamic, Vinyasa Flow style. Expect to move, sweat, and breathe. I often offer meditations after my classes as well to bring you grounding and clarity. I hope to have the honor of sharing this journey with you.
Where to find them
Jasmine RaShae’
It all begins with an idea.
photo from jasminerashae.com
About (from Jasmine RaShae):
Jasmine RaShae’ is a native of Baton Rouge, LA, and currently resides in Seattle. She is a yoga educator, lululemon ambassador, and brand alchemist.
Her platform is used to authentically cultivate community, culture, and overall wellness through mindfulness, movement, and music. She achieves this through a multi-prong approach, through the creation of Soul Flow Yoga School, Soulful Flow Yoga, Mindfulness in Marketing, and RaShae Retreats. As a proud Black yoga teacher, Jasmine aims to make yoga accessible to all but has a particular lens on the black community.
Jasmine RaShae’ has over fifteen years of experience in events, project management, and marketing for nonprofits, startups, and Fortune 500 companies, but yoga is her true passion.
She has over 1100 hours of yoga training under her belt in vinyasa, Kemetic, yoga for athletes, pre-natal trauma-informed yoga, yin, and more. She is an E-RYT 500hr, YACEP, and has a B.A. in Psychology from a historically black college Huston-Tillotson University. She is an avid learner and is constantly actively immersing herself in continuing education to diversify her skill set and alchemize a new way of living for herself, family and for other community.
Jasmine is active in both local and national community programs, organizations, businesses, schools, and nonprofits to be an agent of change in the wellness industry. Jasmine understands her purpose and she shines her light in the wellness industry and throughout the world.
Where to find them:
Dalila Gittens
It all begins with an idea.
About (from Dance Skate):
“Hey, I’m Dalila, aka Spinderella. I’m originally from New York but now based in Seattle, Washington. I’ve been roller skating since 2020, and what started as a simple activity quickly became a vital part of my life. Skating has offered me not just physical movement but also a way to manage my mental health and find balance. It’s given me the space to reconnect with myself and stay grounded through challenging times. One of the best parts of this journey has been finding an amazing community of skaters, with whom I’ve built a sense of camaraderie while pushing each other to grow and improve on and off the skates.
Since January 2023, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to teach roller dance classes at The Beacon Studio. It’s been a rewarding experience to share my passion for skating and guide others in developing their skills, whether they’re beginners or more experienced skaters looking to refine their moves. Teaching has added a new layer to my own skating journey, as I continue to learn alongside my students.
As a certified dance skate instructor, I’m dedicated to continually enhancing my skills and refining my teaching methods. With Morgan’s support, I’ve been able to broaden my instructional techniques and discover new ways to engage with my students. Skating is a fundamental part of my life, and I’m excited to keep growing in this journey and share the thrill of skating with others as they explore it for themselves.”
Where to find them
Kyra Gaines
It all begins with an idea.
About (from Wellness Gaines):
Kyra is passionate about helping people reach their full potential—physically, mentally, and spiritually. She combines community, strength, and fun in every class to inspire a positive approach to life.
Where to find them
Sharon Chism
It all begins with an idea.
About (from Wellness Gaines):
Sharon’s calming presence helps members find balance and mindfulness. Her classes focus on mobility, recovery, and resetting the mind and body.