Darrin Mitchell Jr . of BTBY Way of LIfe offers a free exercise class at Bonita Lakes Park on Saturday mornings that is open to anyone . In middle photo , Mitchell is joined by Laporshia Ruffin for a dance routine .
people , but some may feel a little self-conscious and are not comfortable joining a gym where others work out on a regular basis , he said . Coming to an outdoor class , where participants are at different skill levels in their fitness training can sometimes be a good motivator .
“ I knew Mississippi was one of the unhealthiest states , so instead of complaining about it , I decided to do something about it ,” Mitchell said .
“ I wanted to create a positive , a unified and a loving atmosphere ,” Mitchell said . “ You just come out here and be free and be yourself .”
The number of people who attend the class fluctuates from week to week .
“ It can range from 10 to 20 ,” Mitchell said . “ I have had 40 out here before when it first started .”
During the hour , he goes through an exercise routine mixed with calisthenics , some high intensity interval training and a little cardio dancing . Laporshia Ruffin , an exercise physiologist with the Anderson Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation team , usually helps Mitchell come up with each week ’ s dances .
“ That ’ s what everybody loves . They love dancing ,” he
BTBY Fitness Class
When : Saturday mornings 10 a . m . during winter months 9 a . m . spring and fall 8 a . m . hot summer months
Where : Bonita Lakes Park
For more information : @ BTBY Way of Life on Facebook and Instagram
said , laughing . “ We usually do three dances .”
Kathy Evans , who was at the class with her daughter , Cortney Evans , said she used to work at a fitness club where she would often see Mitchell with his clients . One day he invited her to his class at Bonita .
“ We came out here one Saturday , he had invited me saying he had a free class that meets at Bonita ,” she recalled . “ So me and my daughter , we came out here one Saturday and I liked it . We both liked it .”
For her , Evans said exercising was not so much about losing weight but helping to tone and strengthen her muscles . She follows Mitchell ’ s exercises and routine at her own pace . “ I needed strengthening and toning because I have a lot of health issues ,” she said . “ With him , he ’ s always saying he ’ s not worried about losing the weight because if you are doing what you ’ re supposed to , you will lose it . Now it has been eight months , and I have truly enjoyed the journey .”
Angelina Dearman , who also knows Mitchell through his work as a personal trainer , just happened to join the class that Saturday morning by chance . She said her four children ’ s busy schedules usually prevent her from participating , but that she follows along with the group ’ s routines in social media
28 • MERIDIAN LIFE