Fab Fit Mash Ups at Clearwater Mall promoting health, fitness and friendship

By inhaling collective love and support, one exhales the negativity.

Inspiring women with an early morning fitness sessions, two fitness fundies turn the piazza of Clearwater Mall into a monthly open air aerobics class. Combining Zumba, boxercise and yoga in a bootcamp setting, the Fab Fit Mash Up classes incorporate various exercises where women can be out with friends, meet new people and get their hearts, limbs and smiles working.

One half of the Fab Fit duo is yoga instructor, Gerladine Anderson, while the other is holistic wellness coach, Danielle Wright. Geraldine has over 25 years experience as yoga instructor and Danielle lends her life experiences in addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of well-being.

“During lockdown I decided to go back into fitness and wellness coaching on a full-time basis, where I mainly work with women and their body image to find a balance between work, exercise and life in general,” said Danielle.

It was the global health panic that gave birth to Fab Fit who originally ran weekly sessions before settling on just the last Saturday of every month. The goal of the fitness bootcamp is to provide a whole-body workout that builds strength and aerobic endurance. Participants require little or no special equipment to burn calories, increasing strength, boost confidence as well as improve mental health, fitness and social engagement.

The benefits of exercise can never go understated, with yoga in particular, valuable to those of all ages.

“Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility. Yoga is as good as basic stretching for easing pain and improving mobility in people with lower back pain. Regular yoga practice may reduce levels of stress and body-wide inflammation, contributing to healthier hearts. Several of the factors contributing to heart disease, including high blood pressure and excess weight, can also be addressed through yoga,” Geraldine advised.

Listing the social benefits of yoga, Geraldine added, “Yoga can mean more energy and brighter moods. It supports stress management, mental health, mindfulness, healthy eating, weight loss and quality sleep. Participating in yoga classes can ease loneliness and provide an environment for group healing and support. Yoga promotes better self-care and connects you with a supportive community.”

Urging women of all fitness levels to get involved, Danielle said, “Ladies, it’s time to invest in your health and wellness. Not only will you get to try different types of exercise and find what you love, but you’ll also get to meet new friends, challenge yourself and feel great about it. Our Fab Fit Mash-ups are the perfect opportunity for you to break out of your comfort zone, have fun and reap the benefits. So join us, bring your friends and let’s get moving together.”