First Strides North Myrtle Beach

First Stridesâ is a proven-fitness program that was started in Allentown, PA in 1997. The goal of founder Jane Serues was to introduce and help women train safely for an all-women's 5K walk and run called Women's 5K Classic. Much to her surprise, the first class had 150 participants and the program grew each year since then!

Many women know they should do something to improve their fitness but they have had little success with gym classes or sports teams in their youth or attempts to start programs as adults. Perhaps sport and activity were not promoted by her parents or Physical Education classes weren't fun or nurturing enough to make them confident in their ability to do anything physical. Many are self-conscious and fear they will look foolish, especially if there are men around.

The structure of the First Strides workshops was set-up to be educational, safe and encouraging. The course is 12 weeks long which allows participants to start from almost no activity and gradually progress from week to week to the 3.1 mile (5K) distance. There are mentors of different abilities, ages and shapes that are successful fitness walkers or runners that offer their experience, knowledge and encouragement. This allows the class to be split into smaller groups of similar abilities. All of this led up to their participation in an all-female 5K walk and 5K run event. IT WORKED!

Over 60-85% of the registrants succeeded in completing the 12-week workshops and participating in the race. Many of them found training partners and lifelong friends. Most of them surprised themselves with their accomplishment ... they did not consider themselves athletes and yet they were able to participate in a 5K race (walking, running or both!) and continue on with this fitness lifestyle for years to come.

First Stridesâ grew from one 12-week fall session in Allentown per year to a 2nd spring session in Bethlehem, PA. Then two area Community Centers began programs and found them to be popular. The Allentown First Strides added a 2nd night. Now there are 9 different workshops each year in 5 different locations in Pennsylvania. Class sizes ranged from 70-320. Over 9000 women have been touched by First Strides.

Founder Jane Serues recently moved to the Grand Strand area and left capable leadership in Pennsylvania to carry on the successful programs. Now Jane wants to start a program here on the Grand Strand ... she misses the friendships and the satisfaction of introducing girls and women to the many, many benefits that a consistent exercise program can bring.