Fitness studio encourages members to ‘go red’ to raise heart disease awareness

AGAWAM – The first Friday in February is all-out red. National Wear Red Day encourages people to wear the bold color to raise awareness about heart disease, something that affects one in three women, according to the American Heart Association.

While this day shines a light on heart disease awareness, Active Lifestyle Fitness, LLC is going one further. From Feb. 1 to 7, Active Lifestyle Fitness will be hosting “Go Red for Women” Week. 

The studio is encouraging members to wear red while they work out, post pictures on social media to spread the word and to donate at the studio. At the end of the week, the studio will match the donation. 

Owner of Active Lifestyle Fitness Ashley Brodeur said that she wants her members to be aware of heart disease and the ways that exercise can help combat it.

“The statistics are staggering,” Brodeur said. “I think it’s important to bring attention to that and help our members realize that they’re doing a lot of good for themselves by exercising.”

Especially for this week, Brodeur said that staying active is for more than dropping a pant size or two; it is to keep you fit in other parts of your life, as well.

“I think it’s important to keep our members educated that exercise isn’t only about fitting into a bikini for the summer but keeping your brain and your heart healthy,” Brodeur said.

She said the she hopes “Go Red for Women” Week will encourage people to start thinking about the benefits of exercise for long-term health and begin making time for it in their daily schedules. 

Above all, though, Brodeur said she hopes people walk away learning more about symptoms of heart disease in women.

“We kind of all know the stereotypical symptoms of heart attacks, but a lot of women get nauseas, a headache, an upset stomach and lie down and go to sleep and don’t wake up again. It’s terrifying,” she said. “I don’t think we think about women and heart disease quite as much as we think about men and heart disease. Perhaps people will start looking into symptoms and causes.”

Brodeur said classes are open to the community, and those interested in signing up for a class at Active Lifestyle Fitness during “Go Red For Women” Week should reserve a spot by emailing info@activelifetsylefitness.com or calling 519-9641.