Today we’d like to introduce you to Adina Crawford.
Hi adina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Late Bloomer that is still Blooming
My wellness journey began later in life, and that’s what makes it so meaningful to me. I wasn’t always the person leading yoga classes, emceeing races, building community through movement, or inspiring others to prioritize their health and well-being. I grew into this space through personal transformation, resilience, and a deep desire to move with purpose and authenticity.
What started as a commitment to improving my own health evolved into a passion for helping others feel seen, supported, and empowered through movement. Over time, I found connection through running, yoga, strength training, mobility work, and community wellness events. I discovered that movement is more than fitness—it’s healing, confidence, connection, and joy.
Today, I’m grateful to lead and collaborate within spaces that align with my values of inclusivity, wellness, community, and active aging. Organizations and brands that support authentic movement, mindfulness, endurance, and accessibility have played a major role in helping me grow and show up fully as myself. From race communities and wellness initiatives to yoga, recovery, and performance brands, each opportunity has helped shape the voice and platform I continue to build.
I remain committed to creating welcoming spaces where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities feel encouraged to move confidently, embrace wellness, and understand that it’s never too late to begin their journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
definitely has not been a smooth road, and I think that’s what makes the journey so meaningful. Starting later in life in the wellness and fitness space came with moments of self-doubt, learning curves, and figuring out where I belonged. There were times when I questioned whether I was “too late” to step into this space, but movement ultimately became a source of healing, confidence, and purpose for me.
I’ve also faced challenges balancing work, wellness, community commitments, and personal growth while continuing to show up consistently for others. Like many people, I’ve experienced setbacks, stress, and moments where my confidence was tested. But each challenge taught me resilience and reminded me why creating supportive, inclusive wellness spaces matters so much.
One of the biggest lessons along the way has been understanding that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from showing up repeatedly, being willing to learn, staying authentic, and continuing to move forward even when things feel uncomfortable.
Those struggles ultimately shaped the way I lead, teach, and connect with people today. They’ve allowed me to approach wellness with empathy, gratitude, and the belief that it’s never too late to rediscover yourself through movement and communit
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work centers around wellness, movement, community engagement, and creating inclusive spaces where people feel empowered to move confidently at every stage of life. I’m a yoga instructor, wellness advocate, community movement leader, and race/event host who combines mindful movement, mobility, strength, and energy-driven experiences to help people reconnect with themselves through movement.
I specialize in accessible yoga, mobility-focused movement, hip hop yoga, race warm-ups, and community wellness programming that welcomes people of all fitness levels and backgrounds. Much of my work focuses on helping others understand that wellness is not about perfection—it’s about consistency, connection, confidence, and showing up for yourself in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.
I’m known for bringing energy, encouragement, and authenticity into every space I lead. Whether I’m teaching yoga at major race events, leading dance warm-ups, supporting wellness initiatives, or building community partnerships, I strive to create experiences that leave people feeling seen, inspired, and empowered.
What I’m most proud of is the impact movement has allowed me to have on others, especially as someone who entered the wellness space later in life. My journey shows that it’s never too late to grow, evolve, and inspire others through purpose-driven work. I’m also proud of the relationships and community connections I’ve built along the way through wellness, advocacy, and service.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend movement, mindfulness, motivation, and community connection in a way that feels approachable and genuine. I lead with heart, relatability, and lived experience, and I believe people connect not only to the movement itself, but to the energy, encouragement, and authenticity behind it.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
* This was taken off Terry Bikes IG page (do a search)
There is actually an Adina Crawford day that was given to me by Mayor Dominic Sarno of Springfield Massachusetts Join us in celebrating Adina Crawford Day! 🎉 In October 2022, Terry Ambassador @adinavcrawford was recognized for all the work she does to make running, biking, and yoga inclusive to all and received a proclamation from Mayor Dominic Sarno of Springfield, Massachusetts that every October 30th hence forth is officially “Adina Crawford Day”
Whether leading a yoga class, organizing events for @blackgirlsdobike & @officialblackgirlsrun or advising fitness communities on inclusivity, Adina aims to motivate others to move and feel good, no matter who they are. Her mission is to create all-embracing exercise communities where women, particularly Black women and other people of color who don’t often see many people like themselves in traditionally white-dominated activities, can thrive. She seeks to break down stereotypes and challenge how others define “outdoorsy” and “fit”. A powerhouse in all of her pursuits, it is our privilege to support and celebrate Adina today, and every day.
To celebrate Adina Day get out for a run, try a new pose, pedal with purpose, or move in any way that makes you happy. And while you’re doing so, contemplate how your favorite activity could be more inclusive and see where you can take action.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://deanietheyogini.com
- Instagram: Theedeanietheyogini
- Facebook: adina forbes crawford
- Other: tik tok- Chocolate girl Yoga
