GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – A new fitness class is in town that not only helps you get in shape, but also teaches you how to control your anxiety.
It’s called LIFTanxiety and it was started by two women in Grand Rapids who describe it as movement group therapy that focuses on reducing your anxiety through movement and reflection.
“Many people use their exercise routine as a way to manage anxiety, or they find it helps. So it’s kind of a by-product of our program, it’s actually the focus, ”says Bethany Deblaay, founder of LIFTanxiety.
Bethany Deblaay is also a psychotherapist who uses body-centered work in her counseling practice and recently took up Olympic weightlifting and partnered with Crossfit trainer Michelle Loverin at the 8th Day Gym to create LIFTanxiety.
“We give participants a real-time challenge that might make them a little anxious, but then we can use what we just learned and the technique we just learned to implement it. when we may feel a little anxious, “says Michelle Loverin, founder and coach of LIFTanxiety.
Deblaay leads the class through various techniques and teaches them how to deal with fear when it comes.
“We teach our participants not how to make something disappear. But how do you actually deal with your fear so that you don’t feel stuck, ”says Deblaay.
And you don’t need any experience to take the courses. LIFTanxiety is about being ready to do something challenging.
All courses are limited to 10 people, the teen courses are for 12-18 years and there are also adult courses.
For more information on the summer dates, visit their Facebook page LIFTanxeityGR or email liftanxietygr@gmail.com.
