BodyShop To Host Jam-A-Thon: Hurricane Harvey Benefit Sept 14, 2017

Local fitness studio, BodyShop Group Fitness, will deviate from its normal schedule to host a special 3 hour hip hop inspired workout with the aim to help with the relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey.

Two weeks ago, Texas was hit with unprecedented rainfall from Hurricane Harvey. While most of the immediate needs of food and water are being met, thousands of families are returning to find their homes nearly destroyed by the damage and practically uninhabitable. The need for everyday cleaning and hygiene items is tremendous. These are some of the items the BodyShop hopes to collect.

While the event is free to everyone, member or not, the BodyShop is asking that participants bring specific items that will be donated to the First United Methodist Church on behalf of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (see details below). In addition to collecting the items, BodyShop Group Fitness will also be donating $10 for each and every person who decides to complete the entire event. This money will be sent to The Red Cross’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

The event will be focused around the fitness program, BodyJam, from world-renown group fitness pioneers, Les Mills. BodyJam is a modern choreographed class tuned to the latest hip hop, house, trap and club music. While a single BodyJam class is normally only one hour long, instructor Renae Rudy dreamt up the extended version as a high-energy dance party. “I’ve been wanting to do an event like this for a while, and the time just seemed right to be able to help out a great cause,” says Rudy. As one of four BodyShop owners, she received her degree in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University and has 16 years of certified group fitness instruction under her belt. She promises a fun time for everyone, regardless of fitness level or dance experience. The moves are broken down before building up to a massive breakout under party lights. “The routines will be changing every 20 minutes, so come for as long or as short as you like!”

Refreshments will also be provided for participants.

BodyShop Group Fitness is located at 324 Wampum Ave in Ellwood City. They specialize in group fitness classes and provide those classes through Les Mills certified instructors. Classes include BodyPump, BodyStep, BodyVive, BodyCombat, CXWORX, and of course BodyJam. More information on the gym, as well as information for Thursday’s event, can be found on their Facebook Page.

“We encourage you to come out Thursday to not only get a great workout and have a good time with others, but also to help out others in need. Texas seems far away and it may be hard to find a way to make a difference. But we can. So come, dance, and do good.”

Donation Items can be donated individually or as a set:

HARVEY HYGIENE KITS

1 Hand Towel

6 Bandaids

1 Cake Soap (not Ivory or Jergens)

1 Toothbrush in Wrapper

1 Washcloth

1 Fingernail Clipper or File

CLEANING SUPPLY BUCKETS

12-16 oz. Liquid Cleaner (like Lysol)

50 oz. Liquid Laundry Detergent

16-28 oz. Liquid Dish Soap

1 Spray Can Air Freshener (with cap)

6-14 oz. Can Insect Spray

1 Scrub Brush

18 Handiwipes

7 Sponges (not cellulose)

5 Scouring Pads (not SOS or Brillo)

50 Clothespins

100’ Clothesline

24-roll Heavy Duty Trash Bags 33-45 gal. Size

Place above in 5 gallon plastic bucket with sealable lid.