Friends Group: Moms and Daughters on a Fitness Journey
- Stan Hecht
- Jun 17
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 24
In a place, a world where perfection might rule and scare anyone away, there is a group of Friends and their moms who solidly embrace their place, friendship, and unique abilities at Life Time. If you are fortunate enough to be in their presence, you will be greeted with a smile, a laugh and
sometimes a hug.
One morning as I was walking into Life Time for a class, I noticed a mom and daughter walking ahead of me. They were chatting and I thought, “How fun that they can do this together.” It turned out we were in the same Pilates Fusion class along with a few of their Friends.
That evening, I received a text from the instructor: I have an idea for you to write about. I messaged back, “Your biography?” Then my phone rang, and Diane Klenke was enthusiastically explaining her idea.
Diane, a fitness instructor at Life Time in Ellisville, realized that there were a few young women and their moms participating in her Stretched and Balance classes, Pilates Fusion classes and Arora Total Body classes. They always wore smiles; they chatted happily with one another and Diane could sense that they had a history together.
Lucky for us, Diane keeps her classes upbeat and happy, she also calls her students out by name and unites them with shared experiences, brainteasers, and inspiration. She is consciously aware of what’s going on in class, who can do what and who might need extra attention. Her unique gifts include creating community through her classes and sharing her infectious enthusiasm by getting to know her class by not only their name but their interests as well. Diane makes sure she says hello to each and every participant in every class she teaches.
True to form, Diane embraced this group of young women and their moms with her trademark encouragement and positive approach to fitness.
“There are elite athletes at every stage,” she begins. “What exactly defines an elite athlete? Someone who is willing to give their best effort, someone who consistently shows up and someone who can have a smile on their face as they exercise. I’ve noticed that these girls with their special abilities do all of that and more”. Their special abilities: all the Friends are young people with Down syndrome.
Life Time is a place and a community that openly welcomes a diverse population. They are known for their diversity and inclusive commitment of creating an open, responsive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Diane happened to comment on this discovery to the leadership in the club, and they encouraged her to write their story. That’s where I came in. During our conversation, Diane suggested connecting me with the group so that I could share their story. Diane knows that I love sharing Life Time stories. And I am always happy to tell a story that matters, that aligns with my values of community, kindness, friendship, and fun. A story full of light.
The next day in class, Diane introduced me to Shari, one of the moms and soon I met Jody and Rajitha. I was fortunate to be able to sit and share time with the Friends on two occasions. After the first chat with Shari Brune, Jody Pinney, Rajitha Vasishta, Pooja Vasishta, Paige Brune, Kelly Pinney and Tiffany Prapaisilp I could feel everyone getting more comfortable with talking about their experiences.
We spoke about the enjoyment of the classes they take with Diane, especially working on balance including core strength. The girls and moms explained that often their balance is impacted and so working on strengthening their core as well as practicing balance assists them outside the club. Paige also works with a personal trainer and all the girls swim year-round. Moms Rajitha and Jody also shared that individuals with Down syndrome need to exercise their brain as much as if not more than their counterparts as their cognitive abilities often change and decline faster as they age. The focus of the girls and their moms are on the advantages of using exercise to assist their cognitive skills and keep them mentally, physically, and emotionally strong as well as the wellness component of the activities and classes offered at Life Time. This includes exercising with Friends, giving it their personal best in each class and not giving up.
I reached out to see if the Friends and their moms were available for another chat and once more, we met at Life Time.
We met in our new Life Time Work Club Lounge space which provided a perfect place to be really comfortable. There’s a lovely corner which the girls happily took over.
I sat in between the moms on one side and Pooja, Paige, and Kelly on the other. They immediately welcome me in, and I feel a trust that makes me smile as they laugh and chat about their experiences. Being open and honest about their feelings regarding exercise-they know it’s important and
friendship-one of their favorite topics. They ponder how long they’ve known one another and start laughing at shared memories. I ask about their favorite parts regarding exercise. The girls all comment that they enjoy exercise more when they are with Friends.
The Friends spoke openly about enjoying one another’s friendship, being with their moms and feeling part of a larger community at Life Time. Their families have made it safe for the girls to grow into spectacular young women, confident, strong, and independent. They are open to meeting new
people and can honestly talk about their experiences of creating a healthy way of life via Life Time and all that the club has to offer.
Shari Brune shares: “As you can see and hear, these girls love to be together! We are so Blessed that Life Time is a perfect environment for them to come together, have fun and exercise! It really gives the girls a sense of community! Honestly, Diane has truly embraced the girls and has been such an encouragement in their Fitness journey. We are beyond grateful for her positive approach to exercise!”
If you are lucky enough to be around this group of women who are and will be lifelong friends, you will notice the love, kindness, and thoughtfulness apparent in everything they do. Including exercise! The girls giggle over shared exercise experiences and tough workouts and the moms have found
support among one another. “This group is family.” And they are finding enjoyment, challenge, and community at Life Time each time they take a group fitness class, jump in the pool and work with a trainer.
What exactly defines an elite athlete? Someone who is willing to give their best effort, someone who consistently shows up and someone who can have a smile on their face as they exercise. Someone who helps build and thrives within that community. Someone like the Friends and their moms at Life Time.
Expect Good. Defy Gravity! Sparkle ON. With a little help from our Friends, we can be elite athletes and accomplish anything!
Special thanks to Diane Klenke, Shari and Paige Brune, Jody and Kelly Pinney, Rajitha and Pooja Vasishta, and Tiffany Prapaisilp. As well as to Life Time, who welcomes us all!
For more St. Louis Girl Storytelling blogs and St. Louis Girl Podcasts and to find out how I empower people to discover and use their voice through storytelling:
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