Michael B. Jordan’s range is boundless when it comes to empowering people. So much so that his talent for doing so extends far beyond the silver screen. The award-winning actor recently partnered with Propel Fitness Water to unveil the “Propel Your City Project,” a program designed to bridge the gap between fitness and community. The multi-city initiative kicked off this Summer in Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta while partnering with fitness organizations in an effort to bring people together while addressing barriers to fitness. Jordan’s excitement about participating in the campaign is directly tied to the impact that fitness has had on his life.
“Fitness has been such a big part of my identity for a long time. I got a chance to get to know the company, the brand, their initiative a little bit more, and what they wanted to do. So for me, anyone that’s willing to get the word out there and promote the values and things that I care about, I’m always down to team up and try to get that messaging out to the masses. This project was really dope because I felt it was tapping into key markets and places that need it.”
This initiative not only helps to address the barriers to accessing fitness, but it helps organizations in its select cities do so by amplifying the work they’re already doing to reach more people. Whether it’s WalkGood LA in Los Angeles or The Trap Studio in Detroit, Jordan feels it’s vital to assess each city’s needs as each community is different.
“We wanted to identify the key organizations and companies that care about fitness and the community and try to give them access and a way in. We want to amplify what they’re doing and get that messaging out to everyone around the area. Each city has something different. Whatever the city identifies with in a real way, we just want to come in and amplify it.”
The intersection of fitness and community isn’t just something that Jordan started to champion in this role but something that he lives by. In fact, it’s something that gives him a sense of calm in an unpredictable industry.
“I feel like just being in shape and health and wellness plays such a key part in my life as far as just being mentally stable. In an industry with different things and curve balls being thrown your way, having a sense of peace, calm, and understanding is crucial because you look better when you feel better. You move around with a little more confidence, and I think being healthy all the way around is really important.”
When it comes to the benefits of prioritizing physical health, Jordan feels that discipline and having a routine are essential lessons learned on such a journey.
“I think having a routine and having the discipline to do something consistently until you see change help out. Many people quit before they see the results because it’s tough, and it’s not easy to change your body, mentality, and how you think about things. Taking the time to work on yourself builds your confidence, and you stand a little bit taller. You speak with a little more confidence because, at the end of the day, you’re putting time in that no one else sees. When you re-emerge and reintroduce yourself to the world daily, you should try to gain and take steps towards your goal. Each day is going to be incremental to your progress.”
As the NAACP award-winner continues to trailblaze, his passion for uplifting the community continues to be a throughline in his countless endeavors.
“I want to see my community do better, evolve, and grow, and I think my biggest thing is closing the gap. I think sometimes the community feels like someone like me is so far away, and what I’m doing is so different than their circumstances or environment. But I’m trying to close that gap and let them know I’m from the same places they’re from and have been in similar situations. You can achieve your wildest dreams with dedication, discipline, and access to an opportunity. I’m a big dreamer. That’s a big part of manifesting and creating a life and a future that you want for yourself. Knowing that I’m in a position where people look for me to set the example, I use that as motivation to continue to stay on my square and continue to grow and build and be a north star for people who want success, that want change, that want to see a better life for themselves. And that’s across the board.”
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