By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
With cicadas’ songs in the background, the women groaned and laughed their way through jump squats, jumping jacks and “inchworm” walkouts.
Every Tuesday evening, the women meet in Bowling Green City Park for the Female in Action workout. The classes come with few rules, according to instructor Melissa Brock Bell, of Bowling Green.
“They are always outside. Always women. And always free,” Bell said as she prepared for this week’s class.
The exercise classes are for any ages, and any level of fitness.
And yes, the women meet in any weather.
“We are out here in the rain and snow,” Bell said. They bundle up in layers in the winter, and go under open shelter houses in the rain.
The open air classes have been able to continue during COVID restrictions.
“How perfect is this,” Bell said, gesturing to the wide open exercise area behind the new Veterans Building.
Tuesday’s class had a mixture of exercises.
“We have a different workout every week,” Bell said. “If you want muscle confusion, we pride ourselves on that.”
At one point in this week’s class, the women took their chance with the “dice of fun” – which is like a Magic 8 ball with exercises including the dreaded burpees.
Bell, who cheers on the women as they work out, has nicknames for everyone in class. Her own – Sassy Pants.
The women at Tuesday’s class had different motivations for showing up with their mats and water bottles. For some newcomers, COVID-19 was the impetus.
“I’ve just been a big lump. I need to get out of the house,” Lori Fox, of Bowling Green, said.
Next to her was Angel Bressler, of Bowling Green, who needed a break from her two young children.
“Those walls are closing in,” Fox said.
Erica Parish, of Perrysburg, said the other women inquire if she misses a class. “It’s that unofficial accountability,” she said.
Parish has been attending the classes since January. The secret to surviving the winter workouts is layers. “It’s cold. But it was motivating,” she said.
Becky Peer, of Perrysburg, said the key is to shed the layers as you go.
“It’s not as bad as you might think,” she said.
Amy Reinmeyer, of Perrysburg, started the workouts in the summer after moving to the area. “It’s very low-key, easy-going. Very welcoming,” she said.
Reinmeyer wasn’t quite ready to commit to the winter classes. “I don’t know if that’s a fair question. I’m from the south,” she said.
Females in Action is a nationwide workout program with a mission to make each other stronger in all areas of their lives – bodies, minds and hearts.
In addition to the Tuesday, 7 p.m., class in Bowling Green City Park, there are also weekly classes at Sidecut Park and Perrysburg.
“Join us and have fun. There’s a lot of laughter,” Bell said.
