Donna Richardson

Q: Do you find that it takes something drastic to get people's attention and to get them to lose weight?

For a lot of people, yes. Sometimes they just wait until the illness happens, when we know that they should be practicing prevention. Because when you look at the statistics, 65% of Americans are overweight. Over 50% of African American women are obese, and the studies show that if you have overweight children, they will most likely be overweight adults. We have a health concern, but I really think of it as a health crisis. We have got to start moving our minds, our bodies and our spirits.

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Q: How do you get folk to get motivated before they hit that wall, before something catastrophic happens?

It's a choice. I can't help you with that decision. You have to make the decision. And then you have to have that program that will help you to focus in on getting your temple strong and healthy. It really is about being healthy from the inside out. We kind of judge each other by how we look, and the focus should be on "Do you have your blood pressure down?" "Is your heart and lungs working?" "Are your muscles strong?"

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Q: Tell us about your DVD Sweating in the Spirit.

I just really combine music and movement. And what better way than gospel music? When you're sweating in the spirit, it's not your typical class, let's face it. You're not thinking about, "How many calories am I burning?" or "My thigh's getting tight" and "When is this gonna be over?" You are in the moment.

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Related Episode

October 12, 2004

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Recommended Web Sites

This CNN article explains how the fitness industry is aiming for a black audience.

The Mayo Clinic "Tools for Healthier Lives" explains the benefits of stretching your muscles before exercise.

The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability Factsheet includes information on fitness goal setting.