Henrica's Story

January 11, 2025

henrica's story

As a young girl, I attended a church which held Body & Soul® classes. The ladies there seemed to have fun, but I didn't see it as something for me. Fast forward years later to 2024, there was a cool Christian music playlist playing in the car when a young lady I was with said that she loved those songs and knew them all from her mother's involvement with Body & Soul®. A few months later, after some frustration on what to do about my fitness (I've done sport, running, gym and home workouts at different stages), a lady from my church told me that she was going to Body & Soul® classes. I had just gotten married recently and had moved, so I had been looking for a gym near us, because for me, if the gym is too far, it reduces my motivation as I always prefer something nearby. I was also in a season of trying to cut costs and was put off by some of the high gym membership fees at the gyms near me. I was immediately drawn in when she told me that Body & Soul® is affordable and they have various classes, including at a church just a few meters from us! It was a no brainer, I had to go!

Not only did I find a place to get fit, but I was so taken aback by the intentionality of the music and lyrics we work out to in the classes. These songs are not only cool and vibey, but they have biblical truth. I listen to them all the time now and have been ministered to both in class and out! The fact that we pray before the class, and have a devotion and pray after the session is just a win for me. On days where you haven't done your bible reading or devotions, Body & Soul® serves as a moment with God and a reminder to go back to Him. There was a day that I was feeling low about something and the devotion in the class that morning spoke to me. From the devotion and the endorphins released during the workout, I left feeling that the burden had been lifted and I managed to get out of my rut.

I have also gained a new network of like-minded friends! In December, we dressed in 'Christmassy' workout gear and had a mini Christmas party and fellowship with each other after class. To top it all off, this January we started with a week of FIT360™ classes - this was amazing because I usually only get back to my fitness rhythm later in the year, and I tend to gain weight every December. So getting a head-start has been just what I needed this January! I mean, where else do you get all this for such a low cost? I have honestly left every class feeling refreshed not only in my body but in my soul, and I totally see why Body & Soul® is aptly named as such. I have been telling ladies about Body & Soul® and recruiting whoever cares to listen. I don't know why I didn't start Body & Soul® sooner! My life is all the better for it!

by Henrica Makulu
Student | Zimbabwe, Africa

Body and Soul® Fitness is an international Christian fitness organization that trains and equips instructors to lead a variety of group fitness programs including choreographed aerobics-style Cardio Strength & Flexibility™, cardio dance style Dance Blast™, free-weights-focused Power Strength™, boot camp style FIT360™ and Longevity FIT360™, and GOLD™ - lower impact programming for participants that are pregnant, have weight challenges, injuries, or other medical conditions. These exercise classes meet in church gyms, community centers, gymnasiums, parking lots, schools, etc. across the United States, Europe, and Africa. In-person and virtual fitness classes are available.

Key words: Christian fitness, women's exercise classes, group fitness, dance aerobics classes, Christian group fitness, Christian fitness app, FitTV, Body & Soul, Body and Soul, fitness instuctor training, low impact exercise