REXBURG — Strength training is not a field typically full of women.
Brittany Ames, founder and head coach of Girl’s Night Fitness, is trying to change that.
Originally from Puyallup, Washington, Ames grew up in a very active setting, becoming involved with CrossFit, a high-intensity exercise regimen.
When she moved to Rexburg to attend Brigham Young University-Idaho to earn a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, she started attending the local CrossFit gym and quickly noticed something was different.
“There weren’t a ton of moms my age or a lot of women in general; it was a little bit more male dominant,” says Ames. “I was like, why aren’t more women here?”
As she spent more time in Rexburg, things began to add up.
“I started thinking about the demographic in our community, that a lot of women were home during the day and taking care of kids, and a lot of them haven’t been exposed to any sort of weight lifting,” says Ames. “I also knew that the traditional cost is a little bit high for many women in our community.”
This gave Ames the idea to start a women-only workout class that focused on strength training, empowering women and building community.
“I wanted to create something that is affordable, that is at a time when they don’t have to get babysitters when they can utilize their husbands to stay home with kiddos, and that will feel like a safe environment that’s all women,” says Ames. “With those three goals in mind, it’s just kind of formed this idea for the class.”
Girl’s Night Fitness opened in 2022 and has since seen a large number of women looking to improve their bodies, minds and social lives.
According to Ames, the class is held in a group format twice a week. Ames instructs everybody together through strength training and cardio exercises.
“It starts with strength training, but what I feel passionate about is that it trickles out into their everyday lives,” says Ames. “When these women feel like they can do something hard or lift something heavy, trying something that they’ve never tried, that carries into all aspects of life.”
Katie Wood, an avid Girl’s Night Fitness member and mom of two young children, says it took a lot of courage to go to her first class, but every moment of anxiety was worth the benefits.
“I used to feel super bad for myself because I didn’t have any friends. It was so lonely,” says Wood. “Once I took the chance and went to class I made instant friends because everyone is so nice and kind.”
During one particular class, Wood was especially tired. After a day full of chasing her two kids and working as a social media manager, she didn’t have much energy.
“I was just really not feeling it that day,” says Wood. “We were running lines, which are the worst.”
Eventually, everyone in the class except Wood had finished their running exercise. But you wouldn’t have known because the women all decided to run together until everyone was done.
“A lot of the women came and ran with me the rest of the time, even though they were finished,” says Wood. “It almost made me cry because that’s what we need, is a community of people to cheer you on.”
According to Wood, Girl’s Night Fitness has helped her make immense progress in the physical, emotional, and social aspects of her life.
“It’s a very supportive, loving, safe place for women,” says Wood. “One thing I’ve learned as an adult is the only way you’re going to make friends is you kind of have to put yourself out there and be willing to mess up, and know it’s okay. Everyone in the class is learning and everyone’s growing.”
To learn more about Girl’s Night Fitness and to inquire about attending, visit their Facebook or website.
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