Fit Friend Friday: SUPA NOVA FIT

Ah, the lovely digital work of social media. There are so many dreams that can be fulfilled of careers, passion projects and budding friendships. As a avid internet scroller I see every online fit fanatic as a friend of mine... in my head of course. However due to the beauty of social media, connections and dreams of friendship DO come true. 

Enter "Fit Friend Friday" on The Fit Marquee. This is the day I will highlight interviews with some of the greatest and latest fitness gurus in healthy communities near and far.  These experts are all people that I have cyper stalked ( in a good, legal way of course) and admire there drive and passion for all things health. I am excited to get to know them better and share all their health wealth with my readers.

My first "Fit Friend" is a Nola fitness guru, Keya Clark, owner of Supa Nova Fit. She is rocking the New Orleans fitness community with her creative boot camp workouts and hot t-shirt line called "Black Thighs Matter." Clark's genuine love for healthy living shined through in the time I had to speak with her. 

Photo Credit: Supa Nova Fit Instagram

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FITNESS AND TEACHING FITNESS CLASSES?

KC: How I got started in fitness is straight divine intervention; an assignment straight from God.  I never thought in a million years that this would be my life. I was overweight ( up to 300+ pounds size 18/ some 20's) and had terrible nutrition all my life up until January 2013. In the middle of a Daniel Fast I did with my church I decided to give working out another go. The times before were all play. This time was different. Little did I know this time would be the last time I would have to "re"start. 

I started, on my own, running my stairs, jumping rope and doing the basic household exercises. I started posting videos on social media and somewhere along the way began to inspire people to live a better lifestyle. My barber ( whom I found on IG in 2014) a year later asked me to train him. I said yes and have been on a ride ever since. I realized I actually liked doing this a lot. I realized it became my therapy. I realized that each day I became a little more committed. My clientele began to grow little by little. While working at a school as Interventionist in 2016, I got certified. I decided that I was going to fail forward. I took the leap and quit my job and have been thriving and haven't looked back since.

WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND STORY ON YOUR " BLACK THIGHS MATTER" T-SHIRT LINE?

KC: "Black Thighs Matter" happened because a friend commented on a post where my thighs were revealed. "Black Thighs Matter" was her comment and I think it just resonated with me so much. In high school I was called "Thunder Thighs." I never wore shorts. EVER. I would get physical burns on my inner thighs and would have to endure the pain for miles and days after while marching in a parade smiling but silently wishing it would just hurry up and be over some nights. 

As I thought more about it I realized that this was something that needed to be said and heard. So many black women find everything wrong or what they don't like about their bodies. Since starting this brand I realized how many women consider their thick thighs a burden. I still don't have a pair of thigh high boots and great fitting jeans are still very hard to find. Even many women who believe because they are not " thick" their thighs don't matter. The phrase has very real meaning and emotion behind it and now has become a real movement for body positivity and women empowerment. We are are the standard. Period. 

NOLA IS GROWING INTO A DIVERSE FITNESS SCENE. WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS GROWTH CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO?

Photo Credit: Supa Nova Fit Instagram

KC: I think this growth can be attributed to people becoming more knowledgeable as far as the black community goes. Also transplants / gentrification is making this happen on a larger scale. They are coming here opening healthy restaurants such as places like "The Daily Beet" and boutique studios; something that was completely unheard of years ago. I think the city is finally realizing how behind we are. We've been riding bikes in this city since forever but we are JUST getting bike lanes because of the new city bike era. 

BIGGEST FITNESS MYTH YOU WANT PEOPLE TO OVERCOME...

KC: Biggest fitness myths I want people to overcome is that carbs make you fat. I want them to understand that It is more about how much you eat (Calories) than what you eat when it comes to weight loss. 

IF YOU COULD ADD ANYTHING TO THE FITNESS COMMUNITY IN NOLA IT WOULD BE... AND WHY?

KC: It would definitely be health and fitness initiatives geared toward the youth. I had no idea what a real healthy meal was until I was well into my adult years. There were so many fruits and veggies I did not know about. We must catch the next generation young to change this narrative. Diseases such as Cancer and Diabetes are killing people at a very alarming rate, more than ever before. Its imperative that they know and understand the foods, chemicals and effects they have on our body and the healing side as well. 

IS HEALTH AND FITNESS A PASSION? IF SO, WHY?

Photo Credit: Supa Nova Fit Instagram

KC: Health and fitness is definitely a passion. It is what I think about all day and what wakes me up at night. Once I did my research and found out the truth about food and the chemicals being linked to African Americans dying at a more alarming rate, it became bigger than just me. The government (FDA) and big businesses are purposely poisoning us for a dollar. The huge lack of knowledge and resources to people in my community and alike made it very personal. 

Once I saw that I had to power to educate, inform and inspire to help save lives, It became my mission. I always knew my purpose was in service, but never in a million years did I think it would be in health and fitness. I started this journey for me, little did I know it was way bigger than me. Some people were put on earth to make music, some to be a great accountant... I was put here to save as many lives as I can through health and fitness. It's what I love to do even when the money isn't flowing in. 

5 Favs of Supa Nova Fit:

FAVORITE CHEAT MEAL:

KC: I don't like the term "cheat meal" lol. But for all intent when I indulge it typically is something with some cheese since I cut dairy with the exception of eggs out my diet. French fries have my heart. But honestly, the healthy food vendors I eat from are so good most of my indulging comes in the form of eating beyond my regulated calorie intake but the food is still nutritious for the most part. It's truly a blessing. I don't crave those old foods anymore. 

FAVORITE NOLA PARK TO WORKOUT AT:

KC: If I had to choose just a park it would be City Park because the scenery is beautiful and there are so many spots that I make a gym there. Favorite workouts in NOLA are the ones that happen at Champion Square.

Photo Credit: Supa Nova Fit Instagram

FAVORITE PRE/POST WORKOUT MEAL:

KC:My favorite pre workout meal kind of depends on the time of day. I usually workout early and I'll  have oatmeal or avocado toast/ almond butter banana toast. Post workout fave is protein loaded salad or veggie omelette.

FAVORITE THINGS TO HAVE IN YOUR WORKOUT BAG:

KC: Charger cause my phone is ALWAYS dead lol, resistance bands because I mean they can be a workout or enhance one, snacks because I'm always hungry and on the go and Nike or Adidas sliders. 

Follow Supa Nova Fit on Instagram here:

Supa Nova Fit

Find out about Supa Nova Fitness Classes and purchase your "Black Thighs Matter" Shirts here:

Supa Nova Fit Website