Michael B. Jordan isn’t just an A-list actor—he’s also a fitness advocate who understands that not everyone has the same opportunities to stay active. From gym memberships that drain your wallet to neighborhoods lacking safe spaces for exercise, the barriers to fitness are real. That’s why Jordan is doubling down on his partnership with Propel Fitness Water to break down those walls and build stronger communities through movement. The Propel Your City Project, now in its second year, is expanding its reach, offering free fitness classes and wellness initiatives in cities across the U.S. Jordan’s vision? Make fitness inclusive, accessible, and—most importantly—fun.
Why Community Matters in Fitness
Jordan isn’t just talking about workouts—he’s talking about connection. "Community is about having people who push you, cheer for you, and hold you accountable," he says. And the numbers back him up. A recent Propel survey found that 77% of exercisers feel more motivated in group settings, and 74% see better results when sweating it out with others. Yet, 65% still work out alone, often because of cost or lack of access. The Propel Your City Project is flipping the script by making fitness classes free, welcoming, and community-driven. Because, as Jordan puts it, "When you’re surrounded by like-minded people, you push past your limits without even realizing it."
Newark: Bringing Fitness Back Home
This year, the project is hitting Jordan’s hometown of Newark, New Jersey, in a big way. "Being able to give back to the place that raised me is everything," he says. The new fitness hub in the Mount Pleasant-Lower Broadway neighborhood will offer everything from running clubs to yoga, with organizations like Brick City Run Club and I’m So Yoga leading the charge. But the real game-changer? A rowing program on the Passaic River—the first in over a century. "We’re not just dropping in and leaving," Jordan emphasizes. "We’re building something that lasts." And if you think rowing sounds easy, think again—Jordan challenged the Brick City Rowing team to a 250-meter sprint and quickly learned it’s no joke.
Los Angeles: Where Wellness Meets Creativity
In LA, the Propel Your City Project is teaming up with WalkGood LA, a nonprofit that blends fitness with art and mindfulness. Their studio, The WalkGood Yard, is a sanctuary for holistic wellness, offering everything from Soca Sculpt (think dance meets strength training) to Yinergy Yoga. This year, they’re expanding their reach with new partners like Babes of Wellness, Compton’s first queer Latina-owned gym, and BlacklistLA, a run club that’s all about empowerment. Because in LA, fitness isn’t just about reps—it’s about expression.
Atlanta: Running Toward Connection
James Ro, founder of Atlanta Run Club, knows firsthand how transformative a running community can be. "Last year, Propel helped us create content we couldn’t afford otherwise," he says. "Now, we’re taking it further." New additions like Bonafide Riders Cycle Club and BLK Hiking Club are proof that Atlanta’s fitness scene is as diverse as its culture. Ro’s advice for newbies? "No run is too slow or too short. It’s not about speed—it’s about showing up."
Houston: Wellness for Everyone
BLK Beetles, a Houston-based wellness collective, has been working with Propel since last year to make fitness more equitable. "Wellness shouldn’t be a privilege," says co-founder Samad Hinton. This summer, they’re joining forces with Latinas Run Houston and ZFT Run Club to bring even more free classes to the city. Because in Houston, community isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the heartbeat of the movement.
From Newark to LA, the Propel Your City Project is proving that fitness is better together. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a total newbie, Jordan’s message is clear: "Get out of your own way. Find your people. And just start." Because the only regret you’ll have is not starting sooner.
