Community
Laporshia Ruffin , on left in front row , an exercise physiologist with the Anderson Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Team , assists Darrin Mitchell Jr ., right , with leading some cardio dancing exercises .
Be The Best You Darrin Mitchell Jr . leads others to healthier lifestyle Story and photos by Glenda Sanders www . meridianstar . com
Darrin Mitchell Jr .
Nestled in an area just past the playground at Bonita Lakes Park one Saturday morning in early December , a group of fitness enthusiasts was gathered . From warm-up exercises to a little high intensity training to some dance cardio , those taking part seemed to be having fun as they worked together to realize their own individual goals of becoming more physically fit .
The weekly outdoor exercise class , which first began about a year ago , is free to participants and draws a diverse mix of people . Some come each week , while others return when their schedule allows . Still , a few may see the class as they walk the trail around the front lake , and their curiosity draws them to join the group .
The classes are led by Darrin Mitchell Jr ., also known as “ DJ ,” a self-employed personal fitness trainer who is making it his mission to help others discover a healthier , happy lifestyle through his Be The Best You fitness initiative . BTBY Way of Life , a nonprofit organization , seeks to help people strive to be the best versions of themselves spiritually , mentally and physically , he said .
“ We wanted to do this to empower people and to make fitness fun ,” Mitchell said . “ We wanted to create a community of people where it doesn ’ t matter your gender , your race . It doesn ’ t matter what background you come from , you can just come out here and have fun .”
Mitchell welcomes anyone to the one-hour fitness class , held each Saturday morning with weather permitting . It doesn ’ t matter if someone is a beginner to exercising or is a seasoned fitness pro . He extends his invitation to the class to anyone who shows up or is out walking and wants to join the fun .
“ Our goal is to empower people to feel better about themselves , to feel comfortable with who they are ,” he said .
A new year is a new beginning for so many people , and Mitchell said it is a good time to start on a new path in life , to do new things and to say goodbye to old habits and problems .
Starting a fitness routine is at the top of the list for many
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