A Vision to Empower North Minneapolis
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INTRODUCTION
My name is Jacob Johnson and I have worked in the Twin Cities as a fitness professional since 2009. From the start of my career, I've had a vision to make access to effective fitness training and coaching more equitable, affordable, and marketable for underserved communities. Fitness training and health coaching are services that focus on consistent measures we can take to heal our bodies, prevent dysfunction, and create an environment of health and well-being. Our healthcare systems go to great lengths and takes extraordinary measures to help people in times of need. Often times extraordinary measures are necessary for people to live life with less quality than intended at astronomical personal and public costs. What our communities need is more focus and empowerment regarding ordinary measures people can take daily to be healthier. Exercise and healthy nutritional practices are learned skills that require quality instruction. |
DEMOGRAPHICS
These two maps compare an approximately 2.5 mile radius neighborhood in Eagan, MN where I opened my first gym (left) with a 1.5 mile radius neighborhood in North Minneapolis, MN where Build Wealth MN is located (right). Despite its smaller size, the North Minneapolis neighborhood has three times the population density of the Eagan neighborhood. However, despite having fewer residents, the Eagan neighborhood has roughly three times as many fitness centers—resulting in nine times as many fitness centers per person compared with the north Minneapolis neighborhood. This disparity extends beyond fitness facilities. Significant gaps in health opportunities, outcomes, obesity rates, and life expectancy exist between these two communities. Compared to Eagan, north Minneapolis experiences higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure—all of which contribute to a lower life expectancy.
These two maps compare an approximately 2.5 mile radius neighborhood in Eagan, MN where I opened my first gym (left) with a 1.5 mile radius neighborhood in North Minneapolis, MN where Build Wealth MN is located (right). Despite its smaller size, the North Minneapolis neighborhood has three times the population density of the Eagan neighborhood. However, despite having fewer residents, the Eagan neighborhood has roughly three times as many fitness centers—resulting in nine times as many fitness centers per person compared with the north Minneapolis neighborhood. This disparity extends beyond fitness facilities. Significant gaps in health opportunities, outcomes, obesity rates, and life expectancy exist between these two communities. Compared to Eagan, north Minneapolis experiences higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure—all of which contribute to a lower life expectancy.
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WHY IT MATTERS
We can help increase the quality of life, and life expectancy of north Minneapolis residents. I don't believe the disparities mentioned above happen in a vacuum. Many of the conditions plaguing black communities are directly and indirectly the result of centuries of racism and social engineering. This is a complex issue with many battlefronts. I believe improving the health and fitness of underserved communities will have a significant impact, not just on the health of individuals, but also on the mental, social, and economic well-being of the entire community. Community fitness centers, nutritional education, and other services associated with personal training are among the most influential factors available for improving physical fitness and healthy human movement. Improved fitness and healthy human movement help prevent disease, reduces dependencies on pharmaceutical drugs, reduces and relieves pain, increases vitality, improves mental and emotional well being, and much more. |
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STEPS FOR SUCCESS
The primary areas of focus for a successful fitness center in north Minneapolis include:
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Fit Start Plan was one of many successful marketing strategies that significantly grew personal training and gym membership.
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