Women's History of Fitness Evolution

March is Women’s History Month. Long before our founder Sabrina came into our lives, there were many other women that made women’s fitness what it is today. Let’s look back on the history of fitness and the women that built.

Fun Fact: Gymnasiums date as far back as Ancient Greece serving as places for

training and public competitions. The word gymnasium comes from the Greek word gymnasion, which by extension means “place to train naked”.

Funny play on words, but, please don’t. =)

1920's - Women were encouraged to keep workouts at home. At this time, stretching was the exercise of choice and it was taboo for ladies to sweat in public.

1930’s – The pioneer of women’s bodybuilding Abbye “pudgy” Stockton, affectionately referred to as the “queen of muscle beach”, displayed strength in the “manly” sport.

1940's – The YMCA launched their groundbreaking exercise classes and finally women were exercising more in public facilities, all while wearing dresses, skirts, and even heels.

1950's - Lotte Berk was a German Nazi refugee in London. Her vision encouraged women to be strong and in touch with their sexuality. Berk created Barre classes in her basement.  

1960’s – Aerobics and exercise were marketed to the general population. Finally, inclusive of the importance for women to be more physically active.

1970’s – The Olympics birthed a running movement in both men and women. Jacki Sorensen and Judi Missett started Jazzercise in 1969.

1980’s – Jane Fonda came onto the scene when she released her work out videos on VHS tapes so women could work out in home, on their own time.

1990’s – Suzane Summers marketed to women everywhere with the ThighMaster. Ellen Latham lost her job in 1996. As a single mother, she opened her own studio and developed what is now Orangetheory Fitness.

2000 – Jillian Michaels put us through the ringer with her high intensity cardio and weigh training workouts for total body fitness.

2009 - Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks-Rock founded Black Girls Run with a goal to help tackle the growing obesity rates in the African American community.

Aren’t you proud to be committed to a lifestyle that we woman have built

just over the last 60-70 years?!

Be a part of writing your own woman’s history and join our community.

If you haven’t committed yet, come check us out! First class is always free!

1)      Download the app: TruFit (red and black logo)

2)      Create an account.

3)      Select Class from Schedule

Slim Thicc is our Saturday class that will get your weekend off to a great start!

The Waist Game started in 2016 and is growing!