Fitness Expert Donna Richardson Joyner,
the first African-American appointed to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports,
shares her thoughts on fitness.

“Right now 65% of American adults are overweight, and childhood obesity is at epidemic
proportions. A lot of illnesses are directly linked to a lack of activity and poor nutrition. I try to
energize others to get off the sofa. My message has always been that no matter what age, size,
shape or color you are, it’s important to be healthy. A lot of us spend too much time trying to look
like somebody else or be like someone else. What about being you and being the best that you can
be? What you don’t like, work to improve. It’s about loving yourself and taking better care of
yourself. I’m a strong advocate for proactive prevention. I have always believed that it’s important
to be a part of the process that creates change. I hope to bring about change by eliminating
childhood obesity and by helping [break down] disparities among African-Americans.”
 
On a personal note, Donna said that she and her husband Tom Joyner (The Tom Joyner Morning
Show), put the same zeal and passion into their union as they put into their careers. They set aside
one day out of the week as “date night” and take a vacation four times a year. The couple has a
common thread – serving others – so they find it comforting to know that their paths are aligned.