Bike, Barre And Boogie For The Muscular Dystrophy Association

EXETER, NH — Fitness enthusiasts can support an Exeter boy with Spinal Muscular Atrophy during the Bike, Barre and Boogie for Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Sept. 23, 2017. Personal trainer and fitness instructor Kiira Harvey is organizing the event which will raise funds for Cohl Capparelli’s Rock N’Cohl team at the MDA Muscle Walk on Oct. 1. Cohl, a fifth grader in Exeter, has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and is the state’s MDA Ambassador. Harvey lives in his neighborhood and has been inspired by Cohl and his family.

“He is an amazing kid in the Exeter community. You simply have to meet him once and your heart will never be the same,” Harvey said. “As the New Hampshire ambassador for MDA it is his goal to raise awareness for the cause.”

The Bike, Barre and Boogie for MDA will be held for the second year at Thrive for Women, a women’s gym on Portsmouth Avenue that will go co-ed during the event. Non-members are welcome and participants are asked to make a $20 donation to attend a class, with the donations going toward Cohl’s MDA walk. Barre class will be held at 6:15 a.m. and Spin bike class will take place at 7:15 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., in the parking lot in front of Thrive. Zumba will take place in the parking lot at 9:15 a.m. Participants should register ahead of time by calling Thrive at 772-3881 or using the Mind Body App to ensure a space.

There will also be a raffle with donations from local businesses. Tickets will be on sale at Thrive and the winner does not need to be present to win. People can donate directly to team Rock N’Cohl by going to

walk.mda.org and entering the team name. Funds raised through the Muscle Walk program build on decades of muscle disease research progress, helping push science to its limits in the search for treatments and cures. The dollars raised through Muscle Walk also support MDA’s life-enhancing programs, including state-of-the-art clinics and support groups. In addition, they make MDA summer camp possible, so kids with muscle disease can enjoy “the best week of the year.”

About Thrive for Women:

The all-women’s fitness club is located at 75 Portsmouth Avenue in Exeter next to On the Vine Marketplace. In addition to classes, Thrive for Women has a full range of equipment, weight loss programs, an infrared sauna, hydromassage bed and childcare. For more information go to http://thriveforwomen.com or call 603-772-3881.