'Workout Girls' of Hartland open to new members

Twice a week, the Workout Girls of Hartland like to get together and get some steps in; they think others should know about their gatherings at Hartland Evangelical Lutheran Church, and consider joining in.

 

Judy Hendrickson started the Workout Girls in 2015: “I got the idea when I was in a group down in Albert Lea. They were called the Bone Builders. I got the idea I should try it here in Hartland;  I started asking around, and here we are.” The Workout Girls have been meeting for 10 years now, and say they are feeling healthier and looking better because of it.

 

The group meets at 9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, taking holidays off. Hendrickson says now that the Christmas and new year celebrations are over, group members decided, “It’s time to get back to it.” They meet in the Hartland Evangelical Lutheran Church basement. Group member Jan Kalbow elaborates, “On Thursdays we also have coffee and treats afterward, like a reward. It usually takes us between 45 minutes to an hour. Then we’re done.”

 

For those who enjoy workouts where participants toss cinder blocks and flip giant tractor tires, this isn’t that. Instead, since these ladies are on the upper side of 50, they enjoy simpler, more ordered workouts which start with the basics and go from there. Breathing and blinking exercises provide a foundation. At a recent session, Hendrickson began with, “All right ladies, four deep breaths in and out.” She then keeps track by counting out loud; sometimes the others join in counting, but the majority just breathe in and out in peaceful silence. Then there was simple blinking. Things got steadily harder with head nods, then rotating. Also among the exercises were arm lifts, arm circles, toe scrunches and chair stands.

 

Feet changed positions to something called a ‘sober walk,’ one foot in front of the other, then a heavy lean forward, back, left and right. Perhaps the most intense exercise was a set of leg squats, but Hendrickson pointed out “pain equals gain” in the fitness world. Some group members use weights during the exercise. Hendrickson explains Thrivent provided the funds to purchase both the weights and a container to carry and store them.

 

Breaks are built into each day’s program, and group members can always sit for a spell. Afterwards they have water and share some time visiting. Said Kalbow, “We think this is a good way for people to get out of the house and do something, especially in the winter–get the blood pumping. Afterward we catch up on town talk and see who’s doing what; that’s always a plus.” Hendrickson added, “We are looking for others to join. All you have to do is show up at the Hartland Evangelical Lutheran Church Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. We’ll be waiting for you!” Once the new community center in Hartland is finished, these ladies will be moving their operation there, but for now it’s at the church.