HEALTH
Jayne Herman and Emily Davis
Stronger Together FiA (Females in Action) workouts strengthen women’s confidence and build lasting friendships.
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BY KATHY BLAKE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA GLANTZ
It’s 5:15 am, a final serving of stillness before the sun colors the horizon. A dozen or so women gather in workout clothes at a Wilmington park. Some are young mothers, some are businesswomen, some are pushing Social Security. They meet to exercise, regardless of weather, and to support and encourage each other in a camaraderie that stretches deeper than a mere “Good job!” while jogging in place. They’re at the park to strengthen not only their bodies, but also their hearts and minds, through friendships that overlap into discussion groups, lunches and coffee socials. Workouts are the foundation; confidence, security and sisterhood grow from it. Females in Action — FiA — has a presence in 15 states, and North Carolina has 22 chapters. FiA Cape Fear started in 2017 and holds 14 workouts a week, scattered among eight locations in Wilmington and Leland. Most are predawn; a few are early evening. Everyone is welcome. Everyone fits in. “We are really good about pointing out new people and encouraging them,” says Emily Sobul, regional leader for the Cape
Nicki Brown, Stephanie Johnson and Alexis Phillips
The group cheers on Christine Ambriz.
Spring 2021
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