- November 26, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Twice a week, for an hour, the Village Center at Grand Haven transforms into a workout dance party led by Amy and Lewis Beilman. While the aerobics workout is designed so that men and women 30-80 years old can follow along, the routine packs a punch.
During a Friday morning class, a group of men sank into the back corner of the room and a couple women, referred to by another participant as the Energizer bunnies bounced around from exercise to exercise.
The vast range of ability and age add to the special elements of the class. One woman who has been taking the class since it started six years ago is Dorothy Allen. She has had two knee replacements and credits the Move to Music class as aiding in her recovery.
“Amy just puts her whole self into it," Allen said. “It’s not just the exercise, it’s her enthusiasm. She and Lewis are an inspiration.”
But for the Beilmans, the class participants are the inspiration. One inspiration is Marge Budzinski, 84, a cancer survivor, who never misses a beat.
“This is a healing spot for an hour, twice a week,” said Lewis Beilman, who is also a cancer survivor.
The Beilmans will use their aerobics class to raise awareness and funds for the nonprofit Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer, when they host a special Move to Music 9 a.m. April 13.
Although Move to Music is usually only open to Grand Haven residents, the special class will also be open to members of SPOHNC.
“This is the organization that was so helpful to Lewis and me when Lewis had his throat cancer,” Amy Beilman said. “They are not as well-known as some cancer groups, so anything that would raise awareness for them is helpful.”
The Beilmans also run the local chapter of SPOHNC, which meets the first Thursday of every month. Call 864-7895.
