Those Fitness Chicks in Oak Forest; Fitness Plus a Whole Lot More

Losing weight is hard for women, this is no big revelation. Since embarking on my journey to lose weight, I have been bombarded with conflicting information, pushy health club reps and aggressive salespeople touting the latest and greatest weigh loss remedies. What I find harder than counting calories or passing on dessert is finding a place that I can get a great workout with some support; a place to exercise and have fun. Well ladies, I discovered a studio where you can receive education, support and a great workout, and it is right around the corner.

Those Fitness Chicks is an exercise studio located at 6006 159th St right here in Oak Forest, but it really is so much more. Upon walking into Those Fitness Chicks, I wasn’t sure what I expected, but laughter was not even on my radar screen. The body camp class that I attended was tough and a great workout but more than that it was fun.

Shay Hamlin, the owner behind Those Fitness Chicks is called Coach Shay by her members and loyal followers. You would never know it by looking at her tone and strong physic, but she too, struggled with weight in her past. After giving birth to her son, she reached her tipping point at 260lbs and diagnosed with high blood pressure. The doctor told her that she would be on medication for the rest of her life and that is when Coach Shay was born.

She dug into nutrition and exercise reading all the information she could and starting on her journey back to health. In one year, she lost over 100 lbs. and gained a new lifestyle and a love of exercise and fitness. She began to excel in the exercise classes she took, and someone suggested that she should teach, and a new passion was born.

Shay was working at UPS as a successful account executive but during her free time, she began to teach classes, locally at first, at her church and community centers and as she gained popularity she started to branch out. She got her Pilates and personal training certification and at one point led classes at Oak Forest Park District.

This is where she met Jamie Margraf, her friend and the motivation behind her decision to leave the corporate world and follow her passion. After 7 years of working at UPS full time and teaching classes part time, she decided to take the plunge and left her corporate job behind, becoming a small business owner and full-time coach.

Her mission statements speak volumes to the type of work she does with the woman who enter her studio.

“Those Fitness Chicks mission is to empower women to reclaim their health! To help the busy woman short on time. Single moms doing it all. Women who are juggling work or school, family, friends, romantic life. The woman wanting to manage her health, weight, or diet; But don’t know where to start, or simply lack the willpower. The woman that needs an escape and "Me Time" from the chaos of everyday life. We are a community of women supporting one another on the journey to a new and fulfilling lifestyle."

She does not just lead exercise classes, she gets to know you and your struggles, she informs and guides you. Lawanna Carter who credits Shay for helping her loose 65 lbs, said it best, “She always inspires me”.

Those Fitness Chicks has everything you could really want in an exercise program. They have a variety of classes, including Cardiobox, Zumba, Interval Training, BodyCamp, and Personal Training. She has a variety of packages which can meet your needs, whether you are all in or still getting your feet wet. You can find out all about the classes, packages offered and sign up for classes by going to her website, www.thosefitchicks.com.

Those Fitness Chicks is not just about body but mind also. They just added a social night for called Wine and Straight Talk. It takes place the first Friday of every month and its goal is to connect like-minded woman in a fun and casual atmosphere. You will be sure to leave with a few new friends and a relaxed attitude. This meet up is a BYOB and light refreshments are provided.

Those Fitness Chicks is local, affordable and a great value for woman to pursue their health and fitness goals while getting the support and encouragement we all need. I personally will be at her Zumba class on Wednesday. I will save you a spot!

Those Fitness Chicks is located at 6006 159th Street in Oak Forest on the second floor. You can call (708) 232-3109 for questions.

You can find Coach Shay at www.thosefitchicks.com or leave her a message on her Facebook page.