Step aerobics class combines fitness, faith, fellowship
Posted On: Saturday, Nov. 1 2008 06:46 AM
By Sheena Williams
Killeen Daily HeraldCOPPERAS COVE – Moving what God gave you is easy at First Baptist Church of Copperas Cove's step aerobics class, as exercises help women kick, lunge and power squat their bodies and spirits into shape.
Kim Bottom has been attending the action-packed workout sessions for three years and she said that exercise wasn't the reason she initially signed up.
"My family was new to the community, so I decided to come because it is a great opportunity for newcomers to get involved in a group, get the exercise and make a lot of friends in the process," Bottom said. "The first workout I did in the class was challenging to keep up with but I just kept coming back. I've made numerous friendships and it has just been really good for me emotionally, physically and spiritually."
Motivation is a big factor in Linda Lapierre's class as she counts off each repetition while slipping a few encouraging words to her participants. Creating a comfortable place for women to come together is one of the fundamental goals of the class and one of the reasons why no guys are allowed.
"This is an outreach ministry to bring women into the church in a non-threatening environment. The number one mission is outreach and this is a women's-only class," Lapierre said.
"We don't have to worry about what we look like, how we're dressed, how we're being perceived or if anyone is looking at us like what might happen in a secular gym," Lapierre said. "We want women to feel comfortable with their bodies and this is a way to build friendships and reach out and ask people about their spiritual condition once we've made a connection. In a gym, you just exercise and leave and a lot of times you don't learn the names of the women, but here, we have friendships and we care about each other."
Having a steady balance of a "healthy spirit and a healthy body" is necessary for a stable life, Lapierre observed. So after the 30 minutes of heart- pumping cardiovascular activity and 15 minutes of body sculpting, there is a 15-minute devotion time which starts with an update on prayers and praises that the group has to offer.
A passage from a devotional Bible is read or a personal testimony from one of the participants is also welcomed. The session is concluded with a prayer.
"This class is a unique approach to reaching women for Christ," Lapierre said. "Here, we care about each other and we actually have fellowship pot-lucks. We had a lady who just had a transplant and we took her meals. So, we are almost like a Sunday school in a way where we actually make connections and friendships."
Making the friendships and learning more about God's word while getting a great workout bring balance to Bottom's life, and that's why she tries her best to never miss a class.
"This is a good way to start the day and my days can get really discombobulated if I'm not here and I really try to come every day," Bottom said.
"I've seen a difference in my health and I have more energy now,she said. "Being able to kick off my day with a devotional and being able to share prayer requests and praises, helps me get through the day."
For more information on the Christian Step Aerobics class, call the church at (254) 547-3717.