“Hands up!”
The woman at the front of the exercise room gave commands in a manner that was less drill sergeant and more close friend on a mission.
Ruth Ann Dreyer exercised to the rhythm of the MercyMe song that filled the room one recent weeknight, and women in the Body & Soul Fitness cardio and strength training class followed her lead. The enthusiastic group could have been at any gym, but they were at church, The Springs Church of Christ in Edmond.
It was easy to see why the international Christian fitness nonprofit continues to appeal to Oklahoma women as the each class member raised her hands in step with Dreyer’s instructions and the accompanying contemporary Christian music.
“Hands up if you’re wondering
How you can ever explain
What amazing grace did to you
Hands up and say Hallelujah!”
That enthusiasm and energy were on full display when Dreyer, a Body & Soul regional director, recently led the effort to host the “Recharge 2024 Body & Soul International Fitness Convention” at Delta Hotels by Marriott Midwest City at the Reed Conference Center. Body & Soul leaders and participants welcomed many of the ministry’s fitness instructors from around the world for four days of annual training, workouts and testimonies and classes.