Free workouts for all women happening in Brecksville, Sagamore Hills

by Emily Chesnic

As stated in the theme song for “Cheers,” a long-running American sitcom television series, “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.”

That is what women of all ages and fitness levels will find with Females in Action, says FiA Cleveland community member Kelly Perrier, who now is working to establish a FiA Cleveland South chapter of the national organization offering peer-led workout classes, at no cost, in 20 states to encourage whole-body and mind wellness and cultivate friendships among women.

FiA’s outside workouts currently are offered in the Brecksville Reservation, 9000 Chippewa Road, and Sagamore Hills Park, 11550 Valley View Road, to introduce more women to the organization and establish the new chapter, said Perrier.

Once established, FiA Cleveland South will be an offshoot of FiA Cleveland, existing for women residing in the southern suburbs of Cleveland.

According to the FiA web site, the women in the community are dedicated to making each other stronger in all areas of life through activities that include bodies, minds and heart. The workouts are always free, always outside and always ending with the “circle of trust,” a time of reflection on a motivating quote or story.

Those within FiA do cheer each other on, as we focus on “no woman left behind,” said FiA Cleveland member Nahla Harik-Williams, who is helping to establish FiA Cleveland South.

“We acknowledge each individual after every workout. If you are new, you will receive a nickname,” she said. “We are here to support one another.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Perrier tried workout videos at home but did not feel motivated enough to develop a consistent exercise pattern. Her sister, however, introduced her to FiA. Perrier began joining in on FiA Cleveland workouts on Zoom. It did not take long for her to realize she wanted to be part of the community for fitness accountability and friendship.

When workouts returned to in-person, Perrier desired to give FiA Cleveland a presence on the south side of the city, holding the first FiA class in Sagamore Hills on April 25.

The workouts, about 45 minutes in length, now are taking place every Sunday at 8 a.m. in the pavilion in Sagamore Hills Park and every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Brecksville Reservation’s Oak Grove Picnic Area.

Harik-Williams said the workouts, not led by professionals, are different every time, using some of the established FiA workout moves, with anyone welcome to participate at any time.

Each workout does include cardio and strength training, as well as a warm-up and cool down with stretches, she said.

Workout mats are encouraged, and weights are optional, as the group does have weights on hand to use.

As the group grows, more class times and locations will be added, said Perrier.

The goal is to offer a 5:30 a.m. class – traditionally the most well attended class time for FiA – by early August, she said.

Harik-Williams said she found FiA after she saw her husband benefit from F3 Nation, a fitness-based program for men.

“Since we are always outside, it feels more natural for me,” she said. “Joining the group is a commitment to be there to exercise and support the entire group.”

Perrier said FiA is “more personal” than going to work out at a fitness center.

“It is so welcoming and a warm community to be a part of,” she said.

Aside from workouts, FiA members gather for book clubs, coffee and other activities as well to strengthen female relationships, Perrier said.

“It will be wonderful to have a group of strong connected women in this area,” she said. “I have met some awesome ladies already. There is no negativity around it at all.”

She is relying on women to invite others to join. Once 30 people begin to attend regularly, FiA Cleveland South can officially establish, said Perrier.

Questions from prospective members are welcome and can be sent through the FiA Cleveland South Facebook page. ∞