Health + Wellness

with @ericka.jones_

 

 

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” – Audre Lorde.

 

 

Inherited legacies about Black women’s health and well-being were inadvertently passed down to me throughout my life. When you look at statistics about the health of Black women, it can feel disheartening. At a young age, I chose to prioritize my own health and wellness to change the narrative. Over the years, I’ve deepened my practices with nutrition, yoga, meditation, and strength training. While I’ve gained more knowledge with the physical pillar of health, for me, health and wellness are not only about movement and physique, but also about discovering what’s going on internally. Building intentional time for self-reflection, social connection, and spiritual well-being is critically important, especially now.

 

Over the past 20 months, we’ve experienced a lot emotionally, socially, and mentally in Minneapolis. Maintaining my own health and wellness were impactful to navigating through those tough times. They will also aid in carrying me forward to bring healing to the community and enable me to hone my leadership skills.

 

 

Thankfully, some of the best places to fill my cup are right in downtown Minneapolis, located throughout the North Loop, St. Anthony Main, East Town, and Central Business District.

 

 

Health and wellness are a way of life, and building a community focused on them Downtown brings me so much joy. These spots are diverse, inclusive, and committed to ensuring our community is mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually fit!

 

 

Photos by Awa Mally (if not otherwise noted)

Father Hennepin Bluff Park

November Project

Breakfast Bar

Core Lifestyle

The Commons

Corner Coffee

ZeSa Fitness

Mississippi River Trail

JUST

Substance Church

1

Father Hennepin Bluff Park

Northeast

420 Main St. SE, Mpls, MN 55414

2

November Project

East Town

2nd Street and 11th Avenue S., Mpls, MN 55415

3

Breakfast Bar

North Loop/Warehouse District

319 N. 1st Ave., Mpls, MN 55401

4

Core Lifestyle

North Loop/Warehouse District

221 N 1st St., Mpls, MN 55401

5

The Commons

East Town

425 Portland Ave., Mpls, MN 55488

6

Corner Coffee

North Loop/Warehouse District

514 N. 3rd St., #102, Mpls, MN 55401

7

ZeSa Fitness

North Loop/Warehouse District

1024 S. Washington Ave., Mpls, MN 55415

8

Mississippi River Trail

Northeast

9

JUST

North Loop/Warehouse District

300 N. Washington Ave., Mpls, MN 55401

10

Substance Church

Loring Park

101 E. Grant St., Mpls, MN 55403

Ericka Jones is a leader and champion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

 

She teaches yoga and meditation classes at Up Yoga and leads virtual and guided sauna experiences every Thursday at the Hewing Hotel for Thermaculture. She also serves as a brand ambassador for lululemon at their North Loop store, sharing the secrets to a healthier life and engaging the community through various events.

 

Follow her at @ericka.jones_

 

Photo by Nate Ryan

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