Exercise group the right fit for many

It’s all about getting in shape for members of the Valley Stream Fit Club. After a successful winter session, the group now meets outdoors so members can learn different techniques to keep their bodies physically fit.

The Fit Club was organized by North Valley Stream resident Marsha Guerrier, president of the Yva Jourdan Foundation, a non-profit group. Guerrier said members of the Fit Club love that it’s free. “It costs nothing to move your body,” she said.

In the winter, the group met at Dance Xpressions in Valley Stream for its exercise sessions. Now, since the spring and summer session began in early May, training is outdoors on the Central High School track, in the shadow of Hendrickson Park.

Nicole Littrean, a friend of Guerrier’s, is the group’s fitness guru. She leads the group every Saturday morning in cardiovascular and strength exercises. Littrean said because the participants are on different levels, she tries to keep the training basic.

“The goal of it is to get people to start moving their bodies,” she said, adding that she wants them to know that exercise can be fun.

After 45 minutes to an hour of training — to music — members then cool down with several laps around the Central High School track.

Michelle Jourdan, a member of the club, said she has already lost several pounds because of the weekly exercise sessions. “I just wanted to get fit,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to get together with other people and exercise, and it’s fun.”

Jourdan said not only is she exercising more — she also does it at home for about 20 minutes per day — but she is also more aware of what she is eating. “That’s very important, too,” she said.

Her son, Anthony, a student at Hewlett High School, also comes to the sessions. “I thought it would be a great way to get in shape,” he said. “I play a lot of sports.”

Anthony said he plays tennis and football, and also runs for the track team. He often joins his mother for the daily morning exercises at home.

Leonel Alphonse, of Elmont, Guerrier’s uncle, said he joined the club because his doctor wants him to exercise more. And Mecca Davis, of South Ozone Park, wants to get fit, and fit into some of her old clothes, after having her son 19 months ago. She said her goals is to lose 30 pounds and believes she can accomplish that through regular exercise.

“I guess the biggest challenge I have is finding the time,” she said, noting that the Fit Club gives her an excuse to get out and exercise at least once a week. “I want to feel good again.”

Guerrier said new members are always welcome. Stop by the Central High track on Saturday mornings or call her at (917) 940-4395.