Black History Month

13 Black-owned studios and trainers you should know in Dallas-Fort Worth

Grit by Brit is one of the most popular training programs in Dallas.

Grit by Brit/Facebook

In honor of Black History Month, we're shining a light on Black-owned gyms and fitness studios. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it will hopefully introduce you to some new Dallas-Fort Worth-area trainers and classes.

Athletic Zone 214
West Dallas
Fort Worth native and former football players Coach D (first name: Dennis) saw a need in West Dallas for more health and fitness-focused opportunities, so he opened his own gym in 2018. Athletes of all ages can focus on performance first, aesthetics second, and expect to "stay in the zone"

The Aura House
Cedar Hill
This boutique wellness studio owned by Helsa Thompson focuses first on yoga and meditation, but overall on accessible, empowering, and community-based physical and emotional wellbeing. Some of its outreach includes reaching underserved populations through mindfulness, yoga, and trauma-informed practices, with programs dedicated to uplifting Black boys, BIPOC women, and individuals overcoming trauma.

Burn Dallas
Preston Hollow
At this Preston Hollow HIIT studio, you'll quickly learn you can do almost anything for 35 seconds. The trainers safely push, encourage, and motivate you to new heights while providing a safe, comprehensive environment. Owners Juanita and David Thompson have more than 20 years of fitness experience between them, with David being a former NFL and collegiate running back.

Dream Performance
Fort Worth
From group fitness to youth fitness to even boxing (taught by former four-time heavyweight champion), this community-centered gym encourages you to "think it, dream it, perform it." All ages and fitness levels are welcome, with a family atmosphere that encourages health and wellness for everyone.

Eunoiafit
Oak Cliff
Alyssa Nichols leads a powerful team of female trainers at this women-only gym in Oak Cliff, where form, function, and progress are prioritized. Its eight-week Move Mountains challenge is a yearly chance to achieve health and fitness goals in a supportive environment.

Grit Fitness
Design District, SMU area
Brit Rettig Wold's game-changing brand, which she founded in 2015, has devotees showing up and showing out at the Design District and SMU-area locations for the music-driven group fitness classes that provide an intense workout and a fun experience. She also hand-selects instructors who demonstrate the core values of passion, fun, positive energy, and perseverance.

JamBox Fitness Lounge
Frisco, Galleria, Design District
With three locations — Galleria, Frisco, and Design District — plus livestreamed classes, there's always a way to join the Jam Fam Nation. Choose from fun classes like Fit-lettos, Trap Sculpt, AfroFit, Get Ta Steppin', and Booty Fit Dance Cardio.

JourneyFit
Dallas, Richardson
Looking for a lifestyle change instead of a quick fix? Coach Victoria Thomas is ready to help. The former volleyball phenom (who still offers training camps) was the first Black woman to own a gym in Richardson, and today takes on pro and amateur athletes as well as those just looking to improve their fitness.

The Lab
Fort Worth
Got 28 minutes? Then you've got time for these small-group HIIT classes at this Fort Worth gym, which is also open 24/7 for members. Enjoy a free week trial then decide if you want to pursue the eight-person group classes, one-on-one personal training, or both.

Sanders Fit Performance Center
The Cedars
Everyone from professional, college, and high school athletes to weekend warriors and everyday people work out here, where personal training, rehab and recovery, and nutrition go hand in hand. Owner Melvin Sanders, a biomechanics specialist who played pro basketball for 13 years, runs this program in the basement of the SouthSide on Lamar Building.

Raw Fitness
Former Army vet Destiny Nicole Monroe, who's also a certified strength and conditioning specialist, approaches fitness from all angles. Her popular app includes meal plans and personalized workout programs, all for just $36 a month. Did we mention she's also a software engineer, and a former high school track and field star?

Vive Personal Training
Oak Lawn
Private, semi-private, and youth training sessions are combined with DNA testing, fascial stretch therapy, and 3-D body scanning for focused results. Co-founders Jon McDowell and Brock Travis opened the Oak Lawn business in 2016 and have since built up a roster of certified and highly educated trainers who are determined to help their clients meet their fitness goals.

V12 Yoga
Dallas Farmers Market
Husband-and-wife team Veronica Torres Hazley and Adé Hazley are behind this inclusive studio, which operates on the second floor of the historic Liberty Bank building in the Dallas Farmers Market. Besides vinyasa flow, they also offer restorative and deep stretch yoga, meditation, and high-intensity FIT classes. Ade' also founded Rock Star Fitness Camps in 2005, which was one of the first fitness boot camps in Dallas.

fitness health working out promoted

Bond News

City of Garland will vote on $360M bond for streets and nature trails

Garlandtx.gov

Garland City Hall

The Garland City Council has called a bond election for May 3. Voters will already be voting for Mayor that day, and now they will vote on a $360 million bond program with four propositions: streets, economic development, cultural arts, and parks and recreation.

According to a release, the city council assembled a Bond Study Committee of Garland residents in 2024, which determined that Garland’s property and sales tax revenue is modest in comparison to neighboring cities; that Garland is not seeing a significant increase in new residents; and that it’s built out in regard to new development.

The committee considered ways to promote Garland as a regional destination, improve livability and quality of life for Garland residents, support the retention, expansion, and recruitment of employers, and encourage redevelopment of underutilized and low value property.

Garland voters will now see these propositions on the ballot May 3:

Proposition A – Streets ($230 Million): For street and alley repairs, plus corridor and gateway beautification.
Proposition B – Economic Development ($75 Million): Support economic development projects city-wide including key areas such as the Medical District, Harbor Point, and South Garland — with the intention of promoting new business and neighborhood vitality in addition to creating destinations and amenities for the residents of Garland.
Proposition C – Cultural Arts ($25 Million): Renovate the 40-year-old Granville Performing Arts Center, including replacing mechanical systems, improving ADA accessibility, and elevating the facility’s aesthetics.
Proposition D – Parks and Recreation ($30 Million): Support projects targeted at Harbor Point with the intention of creating public waterfront access, trails and other amenities.

2019 vs 2025
In 2019, Garland voters approved a $423.7 million bond package that included propositions for parks and recreation, libraries, an animal shelter, public safety, streets and more. Six years later, all projects are in progress with more than 70 percent complete, including two dozen parks and playgrounds upgraded, a new Police training facility, and one of three new fire stations now open. he Downtown Square has been revitalized, and the Animal Shelter and Adoption Center has been relocated. Renovations to the Central Library and a rebuild of Holford Recreation & Aquatic Center are in progress.

Different from the 2019 package, which targeted specific facilities and major intersections, the proposed 2025 bond aims to improve residential roadways and amenities across the city. A 2024 study of more than 2,000 miles in Garland shows an average pavement condition score of 70 out of 100. The 2025 bond program is expected to increase that average with a five-year plan to address neighborhood streets and alleys.

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