Center Baptist Youth visit Fitness Worldwide Gyms
Center Baptist Church’s Youth Group visited Fitness Worldwide Gyms on Saturday, June 20. After being treated to a full tour, the group enjoyed using the equipment, walking the trail and a delicious lunch. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
On Saturday, June 20, the Center Baptist Church Youth Group traded screen time for gym time at Fitness Worldwide Gyms, located at 1032 Pearl Street.
Youth Director Augelisa Hickman and church member Mae Helen Burch, the Darlington County Tax Collector, organized the event with help from Darlington County Auditor Angie Suggs and Darlington Mayor Curtis Boyd, who owns the gym. Burch said the goal was to get young people moving in a healthy way instead of spending all their time on social media.
Certified trainer Crystal Dunham gave the group a tour and taught them how to use the equipment safely. For many, it was their first time on a treadmill, barbell, or rowing machine, and nerves quickly turned into excitement as kids cheered each other on through their first reps. With equipment for legs, arms, core, and balance, everyone had something to work on, and trainers made sure each exercise was done correctly.
After the workout, the group cooled down by walking the trail around the gym, where conversation flowed easily. The morning wrapped up with a shared meal before everyone headed home.
The event combined faith, community, and fitness, leaving the kids a little stronger and more confident — and showing them that the best kind of “scrolling” might be the kind their feet do on a treadmill.