Thibodaux Rec provides women opportunity to stay strong

In its two years of existence, the Strong Women program of the Thibodaux Recreation Department has provided women the chance to lose weight, get in shape or simply stay active by offering one-hour classes three days a week.

The strength-training program, started in 2007, has continued to see significant growth since its inception, growing from just 15 original members to 61 current members.

It’s exactly the response Thibodaux Recreation Director Ron Alcorn and Debbie Melvin, with the LSU AgCenter in Thibodaux, had in mind when they decided to start the program at Peltier Park in Thibodaux.

“We have two generations of family who participate,” Alcorn said. “We’re constantly growing. Our room is only so big. I may have to make a phone call to Trudy Clement at the Harang Auditorium in Thibodaux and ask to use some of her space, the program is doing so well right now.”

The women gather in Thibodaux three times a week so instructor Monica Stock can whip them into shape.

There are two classes on each day. The early session is from 7 to 8 a.m. and the final session is from 9 to 10 a.m. There’s also a 30-minute stretch period in between for those who want to stay late in the morning session or come early for the later session.

“Monica (Stock) added this core training class in between the 7 and 9 sessions,” Melvin said. “So anybody that wants to stay after the 7 a.m. can or those from the 9 a.m. can come early. This grew from about three or four people that would stay to about 10 or 15.”

The purpose of the strength-training program is to help with bone density, according to Melvin.

Despite originally being designed for women ages 50 and over, all ages who want to be a part of the program are accepted.

“You start losing bone after 30, so that’s why you really need to make sure that your muscles are stronger,” Melvin said.

As one of the original members of the group, Nancy Licalzi of Thibodaux said she’s noticed a big difference in her two years in the program.

“All this just gives you so much energy,” she said. “(The program) keeps getting bigger and bigger. It really is a good time.”

Licalzi said she originally joined the program to lose weight and get in a little better shape.

She admitted noticing a difference right away since she wasn’t exercising as much before.

“It’s great to have a program to help me do that,” she said.

The program uses various weight-training exercises, as well as stretches to get the heart going.

Not much has changed since the program started except the core training class and the number of repetitions done.

At first the participants were doing 10 reps. That has now become 30.

As the instructor, Stock said she sees a huge difference in the women over time.

Many who couldn’t get on the floor are now doing so with ease.

“They didn’t want to get out of their chairs, so we started doing stretches in the chairs. We’ve progressed to where they are doing stuff on the floor,” she said. “The ladies compete with themselves so there is no pressure. It’s what you can do and at the pace you want. If they are injured, they don’t stop coming. If their shoulder is bothering them they just stop lifting with that side.

“It’s also very affordable,” she added. “You can’t find a program anywhere else that is $35 for eight weeks and gets the results these women are getting.”

Barbara Benoit travels every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from Labadieville. As a founding member, she too has noticed an increase in her workout.

“I’m up to 10 pound weights right now,” she said. “I’ve worked out at the gym and everything before but it’s nothing like this. I’m able to hold my grandkids without hurting. I can bend my knees better and really this whole thing is making me think a lot better.”

With the results the women in the program are seeing, Alcorn said it is important that it keep growing.

He wants it to get to a point where they are using the Warren J. Harang Auditorium in Thibodaux.

“We want to continue building the program so it can continue to grow,” he said. “They are experiencing weightlifting and it’s become a great atmosphere. They’ve all become friends and acquaintances and it’s improved their quality of life.

“All they need is a mat. We supply the first set of weights,” Alcorn added. “We’re just glad to be able to offer the service.”

Participants in Thibodaux Recreational’s Strong Women program stretch during Monday’s core training class. The strength-training program meets three days a week is designed to help women maintain bone density. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER