I’ve never been one to boast about my athletic prowess. My fitness journey has been a patchwork of gym memberships, yoga studios, and fleeting bursts of motivation. College days spent on the elliptical, hours in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes, and endless runs—each one started with reluctance but ended with a sense of accomplishment. Over time, my reasons for maintaining this routine evolved from seeking a slimmer figure to chasing the euphoric rush of endorphins that could ease emotional wounds.

My role as a fashion and lifestyle blogger has granted me access to an array of wellness enhancements—from tailored vitamin regimes recommended by a functional medicine practitioner to advanced treatments like SculpSure, targeting specific areas for contouring. Infrared sauna sessions and detoxifying tonics have been staples in my quest for vitality. Despite this arsenal at my disposal, nothing compared to the invigorating experience I had while training with Palm Heights Athletics (PHA) in Accra.

PHI’s innovative Home Turf Series was a journey not just across continents but into the heart of a sport. Collaborating with renowned British-Ghanaian boxer Joshua Buatsi and other key figures in sports marketing, PHA chose to explore boxing—a fundamental part of its athletic programming. The series offered participants an opportunity to engage deeply with boxing’s rich heritage.

As we arrived in Accra, the vibrant energy of Bukom’s boxing community enveloped us. Jenn O’Reilly, brand director and athlete curator for Palm Heights Athletics, emphasized how this initiative aimed to unite people across various industries through the universal language of sport.

Our training began at Attoh Quarshie Boxing Club, where we warmed up with laps around a basketball court. Inside, under the guidance of seasoned coaches, our sessions were a mix of freestyle bag work and pad work combinations that grew more intricate by the day.

The following days brought us to Sea View Boxing Gym, where we further honed our skills alongside local athletes. The challenging workouts included running on hot sands and up steep stairs—each session testing our endurance in the sweltering Ghanaian heat.

• Competition with Passion: Training alongside Ghana’s national boxing team, known as the Black Bombers, was a highlight. Their guidance took us through rigorous runs around Accra Sports Stadium, leaving an indelible mark on our fitness journey.
• Cultural Immersion: Each training session concluded with music and dance, infusing joy and community spirit into our workouts—an experience profoundly different from the often isolating boutique studios back home.

The camaraderie at each gym was unparalleled. As a Black woman, this sense of belonging in a predominantly homogenous fitness landscape felt transformative. The generosity and skill-sharing from local athletes were both humbling and inspiring.

“Going back to my roots helps me recharge,” shared Joshua Buatsi during one evening session. His journey with boxing started reluctantly but grew into passion, mirroring the dedication found in Bukom’s community.

Accra’s boxing scene thrives not on luxury or high-tech equipment but on sheer passion and determination—a testament to the raw talent nurtured within its neighborhoods. The success of athletes from areas like Bukom, despite limited resources, is truly remarkable.

Upon returning to my bustling life in New York City, I sought to replicate the sense of motivation and strength I gained in Accra. Joshua Buatsi’s simple yet effective wellness routine became a guiding principle: consistency is key.

• Routine: Establishing a consistent workout schedule, even when life gets hectic.
• Stretching and Recovery: Prioritizing flexibility exercises and ample rest.
• Nutrition and Hydration: Focusing on balanced meals and staying hydrated to fuel workouts.

The journey continues, but the lessons learned in Accra remain a cornerstone of my wellness philosophy—reminding me that true fitness transcends gyms and equipment; it’s about passion, community, and resilience.