CityView Magazine

18 Januar y 2021 COVER STORY BE STRONGER THAN YOUR EXCUSES BY KIM HAST Y | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY BURNHAM F rom the start, the energy, the enthusiasm and the encouragement inside the gym were strikingly contagious. "You're looking good, girl," was the mantra of the day. "You're doing great." ey are five women of all ages and all from different walks of life, facing life's pressures from a variety of perspectives. A couple of them knew each other, but most were meeting for the first time. But as soon as they gathered around the weights and the resistance bands, it was if they had known each other for years. Call it the Sisterhood of the Kettle Bells. "You are all so strong, beautiful and inspiring," said the youngest, 22-year-old Ally Copenhaver, who has already learned the power that lies in finding not only your own strength, but in helping others find theirs. 18 January 2021 Top Alicia Banks Left Jan Ervin, right Ally Copenhaver Middle Alysse Stewart Bottom Rachel Burbank Five women of all ages and all from different walks of life are facing life's pressures from a place of strength. How does the saying go? A rising tide raises all ships. Strong women just naturally gravitate toward helping each other. It's a spirit that comes in particularly handy as we emerge from one of the most difficult years many of us have ever experienced. As we move into a new year, allow us to introduce you to these five strong women and to toast their spirit of resilience, optimism and determination. Each of these women will tell you that one of the best ways to face life's challenges is through challenging yourself. And while they all make it look easy, they've all had to overcome challenges in their fitness journey. Life's burdens may seem heavy at first glance, but they are oen just like that barbell in the gym that appears full of intimidating weights. Take a deep breath, bend your knees and hold on with a firm grasp. You just may find that you are stronger than you think.

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