Women &Group Exercise Classes

Myself & 8 others in TRX Training Class

I remember the first group class I attended.  It was 4yrs ago while at college- I saw an advertisement for Zumba.  It was on Tuesday and Thursday nights & promised great music!  I love music as well as dancing so I ran to my apartment & youtubed it.  It looked like a blast!

I talked one of my friends who was a Spanish major to come with me just in case I needed to speak Spanish!? Haha!

Walking into the group exercise room, the instructor welcomed and greeted us.  We took our spots in the front row because we were the ‘youngest’ and all the oldER ladies had called dibs on the back row.  We got our sweat on while tripping over our own feet.  We looked dumb and laughed our booties off!  We signed up and continued going to classes.  Our group of friends going to the class grew.  However, when graduation came, classes ended.  I did spend my summer in St. Louis, MO where I attended kickboxing, hip-hop classes, & Zumba.  I had really grown to love the group classes so my fear when moving home was that I was going to lose the fun of working out.

BUT I was wrong!  Eva Shurts had recently opened up her gym and was offering group classes for strength, cardio, plyos, Tabata, Zumba, and has recently added TRX training.  I jumped in full force and now plan work and other activities around these classes- I refuse to miss! 

Why?

Is it not true that we all desire a place that we belong?  Where we are accepted?  Where we are encouraged?  A place where we feel good about ourselves?  Let’s admit it, its tough being a woman.  We get sucked into the worldly ways of beauty.  That we have to be a size 0 and look like the Victoria Secret model.  I’ll admit it; 90 lbs down and I still gaze at the magazine wishing I looked like the models in the swimming suits.  But reality check!  The difference between ‘skinny’ and ‘fit’ is huge!  We have to go back to the scriptures to find our worth. 

          Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.  You should clothes yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.  THIS IS HOW THE HOLY WOMEN OF OLD MADE THEMSELVES BEAUTIFUL- they trusted God (1 Peter 3:3-6).

I find women of various ages, careers, families, wealth, race, personality, as well as shape and size in group classes.  There is something to be said about the beauty that fills a group exercise room of women.  Each woman has a story.  I listen to their stories, I’ve cried, and I’ve laughed with many.  I see each woman’s beauty.  I hear where they come from and where they desire to be.  I hear their desires to better themselves.  Honestly, it isn’t just about the workout.  It’s about the redefining of who we are as individuals.  That we are weak, but willing to go through the fire to become stronger.  Exercise and eating right starts in your mind.  But loving others is in your heart.  That is why I’ve benefitted more than just physically from group exercise classes.  The love I’ve received has been phenomenal! 

To ALL young and oldER women- I commend you for desiring a ‘fit’ lifestyle.  I also encourage you on your journey.  Fitness is physical, mental, as well as spiritual.  God is amazingly good.

GROUP EXERCISE LEADERS: You are truly appreciated.  You’re making a difference.

BeBlessed -A

Eva & I before Zumba.  Rockin' our Fashion hats from The Closet :)



Out of town classes- Ladies are workin' it!




All ages desire to be fit! :)




Eva, just powering through a workout!