HEALTH &
Beauty
National Women’s History Month Story & Photo contributed by Kera Kester, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
March is here so it’s that time again! There are various upcoming events that probably come to mind. Some of you can already hear the thundering audiences and victory cheers during March Madness on the March 14. Others can taste and smell the mouthwatering aroma of National Ravioli Day on the March 19. Then there are those of us preparing our hearts for the deeply deserved honor we will bestow on loved ones for National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 28. Today, I want to honor National Women’s History Month! There is so much beauty in where we currently are because of the societal, cultural and historical contributions of courageous and thoughtful women! The best part – this celebration can mean something to everyone! As a lady, you can take this time to feel extra appreciated and inspired. On the other hand, you can be the encouraging guy cheering and admiring your moms, sisters or friends doing their thing! I am extremely passionate about the industry I am in. Therefore, I am loving this golden opportunity to shout out some of the movers and shakers in fitness! I am thinking of: • Margaret Abbott – the Olympic events we love to watch, she was the first American woman to ever win one!
• Ellen Latham – this single mom turned getting laid off from her job into a blessing. She is the catalyst for the development of Orangetheory Fitness. This fun 60-minute workout pushes its participants into the EPOC zone (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption). No wonder it is a multimillion-dollar gem! • Jane Fonda – whether we love her movies more than her workout tapes is an impossible decision. Not everyone has created national workout hysteria for aerobics fitness like she did in the 80s and 90s. The very first tape she did in 1982 was the highest selling video ever. Props to this woman of many talents!
There is so much beauty in where we currently are because of the societal, cultural, and historical contributions of courageous and thoughtful women!
• Alice Walters – this trailblazer was a food activist and big voice for sustainable, local and organic foods. Her nonprofit The Edible Schoolyard (established in 1995), allowed students to plant, harvest and cook fresh food as school activities. She helped many kids see how food, the world around us and health all come together.
• Serena and Venus Williams – talk about a powerhouse duo! A whole new style of play in women’s tennis was introduced with their powerful athleticism and amazing builds. Serena has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles. That is more than any other female or male during the open era! Venus has won seven grand slam titles, five Wimbledon singles championships and four Olympic gold medals. If that isn’t enough, she has been a huge voice in the sports industry for gender equality and is CEO of two companies! • Lise Lindahl – shall we talk fashion!? Many women were uncomfortable running before her brilliant mind created prototypes for what we now call the sports bra. Cue the Hallelujah choir!
38 March 2021
• Michelle Obama – yes, I am talking about her 2010 Let’s Move! Initiative. Healthier foods were brought into schools; families were supported in affording healthy meals; and kids were encouraged to have fun being physically active!
• Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks-Rock – these beautiful ladies founded Black Girls Run to combat obesity in the African American community. All races are welcome to their community group jogs and seminars that are continually lighting a fire to their growth as an unstoppable force!
• Jacki Sorensen – from the dawn of ages, women have enjoyed wild dancing with microphone toothbrushes until we break a sweat! Inspiration caught fire and moved her to invent aerobic dancing in 1969. Whenever we walk into our next Zumba class, we have her to thank! • Kathrine Switzer – in 1967, Switzer became the first woman to run a marathon. Hiding her first name to disguise her female identity, her undercover stealth did not last long as she is now a widely known trailblazer! These are just a few of the amazing examples out there that we tip our hats off to. However, I would not be able to live with myself if I didn’t give big claps to the other real MVPs – YOU! The steps and actions you take to progress health in your life and the lives of others deserves HUGE props and all the clap emojis! We have beautiful minds along with resilient, strong, endearing characteristics. You are a phenomenal creation, so keep living like it! Wishing you all of life’s best and joyful hearts overflowing with love!
