Norwood News

Group exercise classes usually conjure up images of tedious and demanding workouts in a room full of strangers.

But that’s not the case for the small army of women who exercise together on a weekly basis in the gym at the Holy Nativity Church in Norwood.

They’re all participants in the Belin Challenge Fitness Camp, a month-long series of “boot-camp” style classes that promote a personalized, holistic approach to getting in shape.

The fitness camp began offering women’s-only classes in August 2008 at the Lutheran Church of the Epiphany, but relocated after a January fire destroyed the building’s basement. The new location at Holy Nativity provides twice the size of the former location.

Whether racing around cones or doing jumping jacks and yelling the names of healthy foods, the classes are designed for fitness — and fun. The women in the fitness camp have become friends. They laugh and encourage each other through difficult exercises, creating a safe and positive environment.

Then there is the instructor. Wearing a whistle around his neck, and a T-shirt with the words “boot camp” on his back, Todd Belin is the program director for the Belin Challenge Fitness Camp in the Bronx.
To some people, Belin might be intimidating. But participants say they admire him and appreciate his motivational approach.

Michele Hayes, 31, lives in Norwood and is enrolled in her third consecutive fitness camp. Trying to explain why she keeps coming back, Hayes says, “It’s the women and the motivation of Todd. It’s supportive, it’s warm, and it’s fun. There are great women here, and Todd is inspirational.”

The fitness camp was once the best kept fitness secret in the north Bronx, but the camp has been gaining popularity with the community.

“We are different than most boot camps,” Belin says, explaining his approach to fitness. “We provide personal training in a fun group setting. Living a healthy, active lifestyle is the goal we try to push.”

After moving to New York City from Washington, D.C .in 1999, Belin began working as a certified personal trainer at New York Sports Club. In 2003, he began organizing exercise classes at his church, Bethel Gospel in Harlem. There, he honed what he refers to as a holistic approach to fitness, covering the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical needs of participants. Last year, when Belin and his wife moved to the Bronx, he convinced his brother, the owner of the Washington-based Belin Sports and Fitness, to expand the business and try Norwood as the next fitness camp location. They chose to start with women-only classes based on community feedback.

“We realized that women felt more comfortable [in women-only classes],” Belin says. “The fastest growing fitness center, Curves, is all women. [Women] say they like [the classes]. It’s like a girls’ night out.”
 On the first day of camp, Belin assesses the fitness level of each participant by measuring their body fat content, muscle mass, hydration level, weight, and abdominal fat. Based on these measurements, students receive a final report at the end of the camp and are regularly updated on their progress throughout the camp. 
The classes combine simple cardio and resistance training exercises and primarily utilize a person’s own body weight. “Muscles do not know the difference between weight and non-weight,” said Belin. “The only thing they register is tension.”

Belin alters each workout for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students, and says he’s sensitive to the needs of students with injuries or other chronic issues.

The fitness camp is four weeks long and can be taken from one to five days a week. The classes cost $15 per class for up to two classes a week. If you take between three to five classes, you pay $11.95 per class.

To keep students entertained, Belin reserves one day a week as “fun day,” where participants play games such as tag, hula-hoop or “musical mats” (musical chairs with yoga mats). 

Participants see dramatic changes, Belin says.

“He definitely taught us how to change our lifestyle,” said Camelle Fraser, 28, who is completing her fifth fitness camp as she prepares for a summer wedding. Fraser, along with her maid of honor, Sherie Newell, 29, both Norwood residents, have lost a total of 100 pounds together, through the class.

“Todd invests a lot in us,” said Newell. “He sets goals and he expects to see change. Todd is a fitness guru.”

Belin is planning to start a men’s fitness camp soon. He is also planning to expand the fitness camp to Manhattan in the spring. Classes are currently indoors, but will be scheduled outdoors once the weather gets warmer. 

According to Belin, there is a simple solution to change your health and fitness outlook: staying positive. “I tell my students, change your words, thoughts, and actions,” says Belin. “Once someone says, ‘I can’t do it,’ they usually end up saying, ’I quit.’ The mind controls the body, [and] the body doesn’t know what its limits are.”

Ed. note: For more information on the Belin Fitness Camp, call (917) 476-9352.