By Tina Brajic
Beach Ladies fitness group celebrates 20th anniversary
SOUTH CAYUGA—On April 18, 2024 the Beach Ladies fitness group celebrated its 20th anniversary at the South Cayuga Community Church Hall.
The group started in 2004 as a way for the members to get fit and healthy. They were originally called the “Beach Bags” as many of the members lived along Lake Erie. There are currently 23 members, ages ranging from about 40 to 82, with two of the original members remaining.
According to participant and volunteer fitness instructor Helena Collins, “The workout comprises low impact aerobics, a fusion of basic pilates and yoga, concentrating on core strengthening with the use of weights, bands, and balls for an all-round cardio routine. Normally, in the fall and winter, we exercise three times a week and, in the summer, two times a week. Occasionally there might be some singing and dancing too. Even a pandemic could not stop this impressive and dedicated group as they held online classes and continued to build friendships and be a supportive social network for each other.”
Collins was asked by her sister-in-law, Jane Wilkinson, to lead the exercises as she knew Collins was a volunteer fitness instructor for the Employee Funfit Fitness Program at McMaster University at the time.
“I strive to make the workouts fun and socially constructive so that as a group we enjoy laughing, joking, and working out together amidst the ‘groans and moans!’ … It has provided a space to relax, unwind, and share stories as we ‘reap’ the benefits of health and wellness.”
The 20th anniversary celebration saw Jenn Bieri of The Practice Space Co. at Peacock Point provide tips on staying physically and mentally healthy. Collins notes that Bieri also imparted strategies on how to “live a wholesome, independent life as we each journey through our respective ‘generation’ of life.”
If you are interested in fun, fitness, friendship, and getting your “beach body” ready for the season, the Beach Ladies fitness group is open for others to join with the only cost being for the rental of the church hall.
For more information on how to join, please contact helena.collins084@gmail.com.