Girlfriends Fit Club thrives with female-only format

“A lot of focus is on fundraising,” Mielke said. “We work with Women in Transition and other local groups. I am big on local businesses being active in the community.”

That community feel translates to the club, which has patrons in high school all the way up to 80 years old.

“The women-only fact drew me in,” said Lindsy Lamer, a 25-year-old from Zeeland. “Guys are intimidating. It is nice not to have to worry about guys looking at you.”

It is a big confidence boost to many women.

“It is a comfortable and light-hearted, but motivating atmosphere,” said LeeAnn Sotok, of Holland. “I hate to exercise, and I love to come here.”

Working out at a gym can be intimidating — especially for women.

Muscular men and co-ed facilities can lead many women to feel uncomfortable and less likely to remain fit.

Girlfriends Fit Club in Holland Township has the solution  — a female-only facility.

The club is owned by a woman — Shawn Mielke — and run by women, classes are taught by women and the patrons are women.

“The non-intimidating factor is the most important,” Mielke said. “I have felt intimidated. Guys have a tendency to think you don’t know what you are doing. People think just because you are a woman, you don’t sweat a lot and just have this little workout we all do.”

Those feelings still are there, Mielke said.

“The goal is to have a nice community for women,” said Mielke, who bought the business from the Fit Zone for Women franchise she managed. “Plus, our equipment is specifically designed for women. Our current members always make sure to welcome new people.”

The 5,300-square-foot facility has 450 members, 20 staff members and 23 classes, such as Zumba, Yoga, Boot Camp, cardio and weight training. Child care is offered and some of the summer classes will be offered outdoors at different parks.

“Female instructors know women’s bodies better. But it is definitely more than just a workout place,” said public relations coordinator Beckie Otto, a Holland resident who started less than two months ago. “There is the community aspect of it. They aren’t just working out, it’s about building friendships. You definitely see the regular members. I was really excited to get the chance to work here.”

Christy Allen, of Zeeland, has lost 168 pounds in a little more than two years at Girlfriends Fit Club.

“It is a great comfort that you don’t have to worry about what the men are thinking about how you look,” Allen said. “I wished I had started here earlier.”

The club begins its annual Biggest Loser competition today with 2 p.m. classes every Sunday. More than 50 people signed up in advance.

“I used to do it in January, but people are always motivated with New Year’s resolutions, so I pushed it back this year,” Mielke said. “My goal is to keep their motivation going.”

People still can sign up and participate, Mielke said. Prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded to the top three places.

Local businesses working together is something Mielke has gotten behind in her four years as a business owner.

“A lot of focus is on fundraising,” Mielke said. “We work with Women in Transition and other local groups. I am big on local businesses being active in the community.”

That community feel translates to the club, which has patrons in high school all the way up to 80 years old.

“The women-only fact drew me in,” said Lindsy Lamer, a 25-year-old from Zeeland. “Guys are intimidating. It is nice not to have to worry about guys looking at you.”

It is a big confidence boost to many women.

“It is a comfortable and light-hearted, but motivating atmosphere,” said LeeAnn Sotok, of Holland. “I hate to exercise, and I love to come here.”