Javicia Leslie, a historic figure in Hollywood, is the first African American woman to don the role of Batwoman on television. Set to make her debut in January 2021 on the CW network, her casting is a significant milestone. Her accomplishment has sparked inspiration in young black girls aspiring to be superheroes as she confirmed on her Instagram post that it is indeed possible. Beyond being an actress, Leslie takes pride in her bisexuality and feels privileged to contribute to a show that has been a pioneer for the LGBTQ community, as she expressed in her discussion with Deadline. Parallel to her groundbreaking achievement on screen, Leslie's off-screen lifestyle also deserves applause. She is a health enthusiast and follows a vegan diet. Through her Instagram handle, she regularly shares her healthy eating habits and innovative recipes. She guides her followers in creating appealing meals like gluten-free fettuccine, cauliflower steaks, vegan gluten-free granola, amongst others, showcasing her dedication to health and fitness.
Indeed, the training sessions of Javicia Leslie are no less than awe-inspiring. Recently, Leslie posted a video that demonstrated her intense exercise regimen that included high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with battle ropes, agility drills, and strength-building exercises. Additionally, she was seen honing her Muay Thai techniques under the guidance of Jake Harrell, a Los Angeles-based calisthenics and plyometrics expert.
Muay Thai, a fierce combat sport renowned for its high-intensity kickboxing techniques, offers an all-inclusive body workout. Essentially, it involves rigorous hand-to-hand and leg-to-body contact, ultimately engaging all muscle groups, explains Raquel Harris, a world champion in kickboxing and trainee at The Champion Experience.
Leslie’s training videos depict the comprehensive nature of Muay Thai workouts. She practices a variety of punches, kicks, knees, and elbows—all against training pads. These exercises help boost accuracy and power, says Harris. Furthermore, the constant engagement enhances cardiovascular endurance and force, leading to significant strength building. Interestingly, this sport aids in developing lean muscles without resorting to weightlifting, thanks to a combination of close-range, mid-range, and long-range strikes, making it one of the most diverse combat sports.
Moreover, Muay Thai isn’t just about physical prowess—it boosts confidence too. Overcoming workout hurdles, progressing from beginner to intermediate levels, and feeling increasingly stronger can be empowering, adds Harris.
The sport is also adaptable to various fitness routines. As per Harris's recommendation, even incorporating three 3-minute rounds of simple Muay Thai moves can yield noticeable improvements. This could include alternating front kicks in round one, straight punches like jabs or crosses in round two, and a mix of upper and lower body movements in round three.
Also, it’s advised to keep moving between each round to enhance endurance—this could involve bouncing, pivoting, shuffling, or stepping horizontally or laterally. Importantly, since Muay Thai is a form of self-defense, it’s particularly beneficial for women to learn, notes Harris.
Above all, it’s an enjoyable sport that offers a complete body workout and leaves you feeling invincible. Leslie, as the first Black Batwoman, is undoubtedly already a force to be reckoned with—but her prowess in Muay Thai only amplifies her badass status.