The Boogie Babes turn One year old!

While having Breakfast, in June 2009, seven women began a conversation that would change their fitness lives and would create inspiration and hope for myself and many people. They agreed to working out twice a week with me to improve their health, flexibility & endurance. So one year ago, the Boogie Babes were born and what a fun time we have had. Now, the Boogie Babes are not just any ordinary women. The makeup of group is quite unique. They range in age from sixty-two (62) to eighty-nine (89). Most have ailments: Sore shoulders, osteoarthritis in their joints, two are Cancer survivors; some are diabetics, and most use many medications, but the one commonality is they show up each and every week. They are a true testament of hope that despite your age, physical condition and/or physical limitations, we can all improve our fitness levels in one way shape or form.

Much of the credit goes to my friend A J who began the conversation over Breakfast (most likely Coffee and doughnuts, sorry ladies) a year ago encouraging her fellow condo members to begin a fitness routine of some kind and make a change to their lives. My reason for my beginning this blog is because it takes only one person. One person to set in motion what can help a few friends, or a condo association or literally thousands of people throughout our country and millions around the world. Exercise doesn't need to be all grunting, grueling workouts alone where no one smiles, laughs, or jokes. Often when working out with friends, workout buddies, coworkers, or to workout videos, you will find that hidden element that allows you push harder, dig deeper, try to match the other persons intensity, range of motion or repetitions. And that is a beautiful thing. Perhaps what is wrong in this country is we put on headphones, don't workout with any intensity and don't encourage any of our friends to come get healthy with us. This might be the reason why we are continuing to see a growing obesity problem in our country that is now a full epidemic. We have taken the fun out of working out and allowed our egos, our ipods and selfishness to come in.

With the Boogie Babes, often our time spent working out together isn't grueling or difficult by most standards but are simple functional movements to keep their most used ligaments, tendons and muscles in top shape. But the real magic is the friendships that have grown between the group and sometimes the banter that comes too. As a personal trainer, it is wonderful to see when groups of people share, embrace and support each other through difficult periods like keeping a commitment to exercise twice a week. If given a chance, I'm sure most of the women would have not kept up with the training regiment if they were doing it on their own or going to a gym. But what makes it work is the friendships and fun that flows naturally while you are getting healthier.

Many improvements have resulted from the workouts that I should mention. Martha's grandchildren continually "say Grandma you got muscles" and Ethel remarks "I had issues with my left shoulder but over time it improved dramatically" Everyone can perform their daily routines a little easier especially standing up from a seated position and sitting down in a chair or booth. Even a walking program has begun on the off days not to mention nutrition tips and recipes that are given out weekly.

So, I ask you to think about what you can do to change the lives of your friends, family members, and the people around you just by beginning that healthy conversation and staying committed to your fitness journey.

At this writing, we are half way thru year two and are still reaping wonderful results. As we finish up year two and move on to year three of our fitness journey together, the workouts might get a little tougher and the bantering back and forth might increase but then again, I'm sure the Boogie Babes are ready to handle it with a lot of laughs, a lot of smiles and a lot of good times had by all. Great job ladies!