ENGLEWOOD — Englewood resident Keon Price has lost 50 pounds since participating in a fitness boot camp class.
The classes are conducted by Englewood native Andrea NaTay, who also organized the community’s first “Ditch the Weight & Guns 5K Walk & Run.” NaTay, a certified group instructor, is owner of Forever Fitness Chicago. The first eight-week session kicked off in January 2015. After the first session was such a success, NaTay brought it back in August to Hamilton Park Cultural Center for a low cost.
The sessions focus on cardio and strength training, incorporating kettlebells, dumbbells and steps. Price calls NaTay an “answered prayer to the Englewood community.”
“My friend and I had been praying for some time for different resources to be made available to the community so that we could have access to some of the stuff like other communities do," Price said.
Before NaTay came, Price said she was doing a cleanse, but she needed more guidance. She said she never thought she could lose 50 pounds.
“It was so hard, but it was a good challenge,” Price said. “It was fun, and Andrea is just a blessing.”
Frances Odume said she enjoys NaTay’s classes because she can feel comfortable.
“From just the first day I went there she made me feel at ease because she said this is a no-judgment zone,” Odume said.
She’s been getting a lot of compliments since she lost 30 pounds. She said her body is more toned and there's more definition: “It feels good when I see people I haven't seen in years ... people say I look good and ask what am I doing.”
NaTay does more than just lead the exercise routines: Her business also offers nutrition workshops for those who want to expand their healthy lifestyles.
There are other places people can go to work out in the neighborhood, like the Chicago Park District and the Salvation Army, but participants said Englewood needs more options like the ones NaTay offers.
“It’s a humbling experience knowing the gift bestowed upon me impacts others in a positive manner,” she said. "My ultimate goal is to help decrease the alarming rate of heart disease, obesity and cancer within the Englewood community through fitness and nutrition."
The next boot camp session starts Monday. The class will meet Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7-8 p.m. at Hamilton Park Cultural Center, 513 W. 72nd St. It will run Jan. 4 to Feb. 26. Monday classes are free. Wednesday and Thursday drop-in rates are $5, or people can pay $75 in advance and save $5. Sign up at www.Forfitchi.com/bootcamp.
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