Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women in Fitness & Wellness History
Women’s History Month is all about recognizing & celebrating strong women who challenge the status quo. Part of that celebration is not forgetting those who came before us. We want to remember and commend the women who made the wellness & fitness space what it is today. In remembering and recognizing these women, we continue to carry their torch.
Women’s History Month Fitness Pioneer: Lotte Berk
Lotte Berk was a pioneer fitness instructor who is best known for creating what we know as barre. She used her dancing background todevelop her own method of exercise that focused on targeting specific areas for strength and flexibility. She was born in Germany at the turn of the century and actually fled Nazi Germany in 1930. Her impact on fitness is long lasting with her workout continuing to be taught around the world.
Burnalong instructor Susan Hittle continues to carry Lotte’s torch by teaching Barre on the Burnalong platform. Susan’s background is a BS in Dietetics, and is certified in several variations of Barre. Her classes are set to music — with no dancing experience required. A class with Susan is guaranteed to leave you feeling empowered and strong.
Women’s History Month Fitness Pioneer: Serena Williams
Serena Willams is an influential athlete and role model that hardly needs an introduction. Serena has had a profound impact on how women are looked at in sport, and continues to be a role model for girls in the athletic space. It is fair to say Serena has revolutionized women’s tennis with her powerful style of play.
While she was the first African American woman since Altha Gibson in 1958 to win a Grand Slam single title — she now also holds the title of winning more Grand Slam single titles (23) than any other woman or man during the open era.
She is making her mark off the court with her philanthropic mission, inspirational clothing line, and her continued example for women in sport across the globe.
Shay Hill is a Burnalong fitness instructor & owner of Ca-L’a Fitness. Shay continues to carry Serena’s torch by inspiring & energizing everyone through her classes. Through Shay’s program you feel empowered conditioning your muscles and burning calories to become the strongest and healthiest version of yourself. We are so thankful to have the inspiration and motivation Shay gives us every day.
Women’s History Month Mental Wellness Pioneer: Mary Whiton Calkins
Mary Whiton Calkins was born in 1863 in Hartford, Connecticut. Mary was an American psychologist who became the first female president of the American Psychological Association. While she rightfully earned a doctorate degree in psychology from Harvard, the university refused to award her a degree because she was a woman. In spite of this, she became an influential figure in the development of early psychology and taught many students through her position at Wellesley College. Mary is best known for her work with Self – Psychology and Inventing paired-associate technique.
Burnalong instructor Darlene Marshall embodies the same power of resilience that Mary Whiton Calkins demonstrated throughout her life. Darlene is a valued member of the Burnalong community, continuing to help us facilitate our resilience, communication and overall growth. Darlene regularly holds workshops in wellness, well-being, self care and fitness. She continues to raise the bar and further the work that Mary Whiton Calkins started all those years ago.
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Here at Burnalong, we continue to recognize, celebrate, and build upon the foundation laid before us by these influential women. By recognizing, and continuing to learn the stories of these women, we are able to insure their everlasting impact on history. We thank our instructors who continue to make impacts everyday on the wellness and fitness space.
Celebrate women’s achievements. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality. Not only this month – but every month.
If you’d like to learn more about what Burnalong can do for you, schedule a quick call with us.
