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St. Helens fitness instructor takes to Zoom to lead live exercise classes

Michelle Damis is keeping people active with live online group classes. And the workouts are hit.

PORTLAND, Ore. — A local fitness instructor has taken to Zoom to keep her classes in session. 

Michelle Damis decided to use the online meeting platform to continue leading workouts with people, to help them stay fit during a time when many people have shut in, and shut down.

"I was doing other meetings in this venue on this platform, and I thought why can’t I teach classes here and connect with my people who have taken my classes for years," said Damis.

Damis is leading group workouts from her home in St. Helens, and dozens of people are joining her from their homes, mostly in the Portland area.

Damis explained her reasons for starting up the live classes on Zoom several weeks ago.  

"I have a lot of clients in the vulnerable, more mature population, and they’ve already worked so hard to stay in shape and what were they going to do, as well as I was starting to get a little antsy."

The personal trainer and group exercise instructor worked at Multnomah Athletic Club and 24 Hour Fitness in the Pearl District.  But the gyms are all closed for now.  She is offering up her online classes for free, although some participants have tipped or donated to help her cause.

Debbie Lewis is participating a lot.

"I counted and I do about 12 to 14 of Michelle’s workouts a week, and I really like that they’re live. I always check the participants; are any of my friends here and then I might send them a text, we’re in class together," said Lewis.

There are hundreds of recorded workout videos people can turn to online.  But Damis says offering live classes helps motivate people to participate. And it builds a sense of community, from a distance.

"Having that connection was really important with me and with one another. And sometimes even if you can’t see everyone there you know, 'OK it’s 9:30 and there’s 30 of us, working out. And I call it together but separate," said Damis.

If you are interested in attending a workout class online, email movementmattersfitness@yahoo.com for more information. 

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WATCH: St. Helens fitness instructor takes to Zoom to lead live exercise classes

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