BLACK HISTORY MONTH: ERIC TWITTY
ERIC TWITTY
HIIT Certified, 2019
With over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, Eric has actively been in the business of helping to change and improve lives. Whether it was through Personal Training, Group Fitness, Membership Consultant, or Management, the goal has always been the same:
To create lasting, positive change for the communities he serves. To see folks become better versions of themselves.
For him, it is not just about the end result for a student that excites him, but the embodiment and commitment of the process. In that commitment, the opportunity to see the warrior in a person's character is presented, and that ultimately feeds his own personal drive to always strive to be better and go harder on his own personal goals in his life and his future.
DONNA RUBIN: So Eric, remind me… when did you start teaching for us?
ERIC TWITTY: I did my first mock class for bodē nyc in September, 2019. After that I was put onto the sub list, and I finally acquired my first permanent class in the beginning of 2020.
DONNA: Just before the pandemic?
ERIC: That’s right. Just before the pandemic!
DONNA: What a crazy time it’s been. And then you were one of the first teachers back when we started building out our Live Stream schedule.
ERIC: I was grateful to have gotten the call.
DONNA: And we’re grateful to have you here at bodē. You teach a great class, and the practitioners really respond to you… but next week you’re going to teach a special Charity Class for Black History Month. Can you talk about what it means to you?
ERIC: Black History Month has always been a time to be reminded of past figures… both recognizable names as well as those who are not has easily are not as recognized… It’s about acknowledging and celebrating individuals who have had an impact on American culture and society. But to me it goes even deeper. It’s also an opportunity for continued education on those that are implementing societal change right now, in real time. I would also encourage everyone out there to challenge yourself; let that education and recognition take you beyond the month of February as these economic, social, and political contributions are ongoing. Let Black History Month be the start to awareness… not the end.
DONNA: And for you, how does that relate back to the studios?
ERIC: What I love about bodē is the diversity within the community! NYC is a melting pot of nationalities and cultures, and bodē does its part to be a proper representation of that. It can be seen in its staffing, and it can be seen in the clients within the walls of their studios. We come together with one shared goal of becoming better versions of our current selves. The beautiful thing is that we are taking this journey together. The road is so much more enjoyable if we are able to walk it with others.
DONNA: And can you tell me a bit about the charity you’ve chosen to support?
ERIC: Absolutely. It’s called 100 Black Men of America Inc and they’re doing incredible work. Not all youth are born with privilege, opportunities, or a positive network. Some are raised throughout their lives thinking they’ll never be able to live the life they want. This is because of the environment and the people they are surrounded by every single day. Every African-American person should have the ability to create the life they’ve always wanted and that’s what The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. provides. Committing themselves to personify the type of people our children will look up to and emulate, they embrace the immense responsibility they have to their mentees and our communities. Providing these children another choice in life by being around like-minded individuals who have similar aspirations and goals.
As they have grown The Network of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. more companies and programs have been formed to assist in delivering the education and empowerment needed to change the course of these children’s lives. This is done through the 100’s Four For The Future focus areas; Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Empowerment.
Black History Month Charity Class
HIIT 60 — Eric Twitty
Friday, February 25
5:30pm