May marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month — a time to honor and recognize the rich history, cultural influence, and ongoing contributions of the AANHPI community across all facets of American life, including fitness and wellness.
From time-honored traditions to modern innovations in recovery and longevity, the AANHPI community continues to shape how we approach movement, mindfulness, and well-being.
At VIDA, we celebrate the influence of AANHPI heritage in our industry and communities.
Movement Rooted in Tradition
Many of today’s most widely practiced fitness and wellness modalities have deep roots in Asian cultures, shaped over centuries and grounded in holistic health.
Hatha Yoga originated in Medieval India and is part of a much larger category of Yoga. More than Asana (postures), it offers breathwork, meditation, and practices for daily living with the goal of longevity and spiritual liberation. The modern “mindfulness” movement is rooted in Buddhist philosophy and practices originating from India and the broader Indian subcontinent, as well as the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan.
The martial arts of Eastern Asia, as well as practices like Tai Chi, are founded on the principles of energy control, discipline, posture, and mental clarity. Today’s Tai Chi, often traced back to the 16th century, is just one example of ancient traditions that merge spiritual growth and physical strength in a way that transcends generations and cultures.
These traditions remind us that fitness is not only about intensity. It’s also about intentionality, connection to oneself, and discipline that honors the body’s rhythms. Their philosophies echo through our spaces at VIDA: breath cues during Pilates and yoga, balance and control in barre, and the mental focus we bring to every training session.
Recognizing these traditions also means honoring the communities that developed, nurtured, and evolved alongside them. Both Yoga and Buddhism are spiritual practices at their core, not just physical exercises and mental stress reduction techniques, which continue to influence the modern global wellness industry.
A Legacy of Innovation
Beyond movement, the AANHPI community has played a pivotal role in advancing holistic recovery and wellness. Practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and massage therapy—many of which originate from Traditional Chinese Medicine and other care systems—have informed modern approaches to healing and performance.
Today, these traditions continue to influence how we build restoration and longevity into our routines, from high-tech modalities to hands-on therapies. Their integration into mainstream wellness is a direct result of the knowledge and cultural leadership of the AANHPI community.
Learning and Honoring Together
This month is an opportunity to celebrate, reflect, and continue learning. We encourage you to explore the stories of AANHPI pioneers, athletes, healers, and innovators whose contributions have shaped the world of fitness, movement, and care.
VIDA is committed to creating a space where all cultural identities are seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. We are proud to work alongside and support AANHPI team members, trainers, instructors, and members who help define the spirit of our community.
As we celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month, we honor the past and look toward a future of inclusion, education, and shared strength.
Written by: VIDA Fitness
