Race and Yoga

African American women face emotional stress and chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. This has become even more salient during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a multitude of factors that contribute to this psychosocial stress and negative health outcomes including systemic oppression and barriers to physical activity. Exercise has been identified as an adaptive coping strategy for Black women to reduce psychological distress and negative health outcomes. This article will explore yoga as an adaptive intervention. Issues that impact Black women, Black women and physical activity, the benefits and barriers of yoga, and access for Black women will also be addressed. This article is aimed at two primary groups: 1) Black women who experience emotional stress and/or who have been diagnosed with or are at risk of conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes that negatively impact their overall health and, 2) healthcare providers and supporters of these women.