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Free Fitness Boot Camp a Success, Instructor's Expectations 'Exceeded'

 Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine, is offering a free eight-week fitness boot camp class through March 10. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, people came out to participate.
Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine, is offering a free eight-week fitness boot camp class through March 10. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, people came out to participate.
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DNAinfo/Andrea V. Watson

ENGLEWOOD — A fitness boot camp instructor said the high turnout for her free class at Ogden Park “exceeded” her expectations on Tuesday.

“I didn’t expect 75 people to show up,” said Andrea NaTay, a certified group instructor and a member of the Resident Association of Greater Englewood.

She is offering a free eight-week fitness boot camp class for all ages that meets from 6-7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine. The last day is March 10, but NaTay said she is considering continuing the class past that date.

She focuses on cardio and strength training, while incorporating things such as kettlebells, dumbbells and steps.

Tuesday was her second week leading the class, and to keep things from getting dull, she invited DJ Dap Dluxx to mix some beats. He played popular hip-hop songs that had some of the women mouthing the lyrics and bobbing their heads as the sweat dripped down their faces.

 Katrina Redding stretches as the free fitness boot camp class comes to an end. She attended her first class at Ogden Park on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015.
Katrina Redding stretches as the free fitness boot camp class comes to an end. She attended her first class at Ogden Park on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015.
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DNAinfo/Andrea V. Watson

NaTay said there will be something different every week.

First-timer Katrina Redding, 39, said a friend invited her and she had no idea what to expect, but she plans on returning.

“It’s an awesome class. I think just being around people motivates you more,” she said.

Nichole Vaughn, president of the Ogden Park Advisory Council, participated in the class as well, and said the community needed this opportunity.

“It’s extraordinary, this is what Englewood needed. This is an opportunity to get fit in the community and it brings the community together and restores that sense of pride,” Vaughn said, who added it also creates awareness about other park programs.

It’s not too late to attend a class, but don’t be late, said NaTay, who stressed to her full class that doors will be locked at 6:01 p.m. because she starts on time.

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