BodyShop Group Fitness Gains International Attention

#morethanagym.

A simple phrase and way of life for the owners, instructors, and members of BodyShop Group Fitness, an Ellwood City Gym that has been serving members since 1997.

#morethanagym means many things for BSGF including a strong connection with members even in a pandemic. Although BSGF was forced to close its doors on March 16 with a lot of other businesses in town, the owners and instructors have worked to maintain that connection.

“We are keeping in touch virtually via a social media group,” said Valecia Davis one of the gyms three owners. “We check in daily to hold each other accountable. We also share plenty of laughs to encourage a positive mindset throughout this stressful time. The group is a great way for us to keep our mind off of what’s happening in our area.”

Davis along with the other owners Athena Pangikas-Miller and Jennifer Eller and the nine other instructors were recently recognized in an international LES MILLS magazine for their efforts in keeping their members not only connected, but motivated and moving while being confined to their homes.

Davis said she was thrilled and is honored for BSGF to be highlighted.

“It’s an honor to be featured in Les Mills Tribe talk,” She said. “It’s a big deal within the Les Mills community. The Les Mills tribe is 100 countries strong. It is Crazy to think that people around the world would read about us!”

Davis said until the gym family can be together again, self care is important. She offered some tips.

“Try and stay active each day,” she said. “Whether that’s a workout at home or a walk outside. It’s also important to focus on our mental health. Read a good book, write down what you’re grateful for, stretch or meditate. Pay attention to your self-care battery.”

She said she realizes that working out at home might not be the same, but is making the best of the situation. BSGF staff loaned out some of the equipment to members so that they could still do workouts from home. BSGF also shared the free content that Les Mills has provided and set members up with LES MILLS On Demand. Davis admits that she misses the in-person experience.

“I thrive off of the energy in the room,” she said. “I cannot wait to teach and take classes. We all really miss our time together. Even though we are working out from home, nothing beats being in the gym together.”

Davis hopes that current members will return once the gym opens and invites new members to join the family.

“Our members are all ages, and fitness levels,” Davis said. “We take great pride in being #morethanagym. It’s a great feeling hearing a new member say they instantly felt comfortable. They don’t feel intimidated. That’s our goal. We want every person to feel right at home.”

Davis said she looks forward to the day when the gym doors can open up again and welcome its members home.

“During this time of uncertainty we have to remain positive and know that our gym family will come out of this stronger than ever,” She said. “We can’t wait to be reunited.”

Normally, the club runs 30 programs a week across nine Les Mills programs: BODYPUMP, BODYSTEP, BODYCOMBAT, BODYFLOW, LES MILLS TONE, LES MILLS BARRE, LES MILLS GRIT, CXWORX, and SH”BAM.