SWEAT, STRENGTH, & SISTERHOOD

They met in PAC’s Met Strength class, but their bond is far stronger than any workout routine. Paige, Casey, and Sara are three women who have forged an unbreakable friendship through their shared passion for fitness.

Paige, born in New Orleans but raised in Mandeville, has deep roots in the community. A former Playland employee and PAC swim team member, the gym has always been a family affair. Her mom and brother still frequent the gym, making it a cherished part of her life. Casey, originally from South Texas, found her way to Belle Chasse while her husband served in the Marine Corps. Her journey led her to PAC, where she discovered a new sense of community. Sara, hailing from Bayou Des Allemands, has blossomed since joining the gym. She’s grateful for the friendships she’s cultivated in this welcoming environment.

Their journey together began during a MetStrength class in the PAC weight room, surrounded by the clinking of weights and the rhythmic thump of music. Met Strength is a class designed to build strength and increase the activity of lean muscle fibers. The girls didn’t know each other well at the start of that class, but the camaraderie forged in those grueling workouts brought them together.

“We started as workout buddies, but we quickly realized we had so much more in common,” says Paige. “We’d spend hours after class just chatting and laughing. It was like we’d known each other forever.”

Their friendship has evolved beyond the gym walls. They’re each other’s cheerleaders, confidantes, and adventure partners. Whether it’s trying a new workout class, texting throughout the day, or talking for hours about ghosts!

“Fitness has given us so much more than just strong bodies,” says Casey. “It’s given us a strong friendship.”

Sara adds, “We’ve learned that pushing our physical limits can also push our personal growth. We’ve supported each other through tough times, celebrated each other’s successes, and grown together as individuals.”

As they continue to lift weights, run miles, and challenge themselves, these three women are living proof that the gym can be more than just a place to work out. It can be the starting point of lifelong friendships.