Ocracoke Exercise Options Expand, Waistlines Shrink
Prosecco flowed and glasses were raised to celebrate the groundbreaking of Angie's Gym.
Owner Angie Todd hopes to have the facility built and open by July 1. The gym will have cardio equipment, weights, a sauna and showers on the first floor and space for exercise classes on the second floor. Fees will probably be in the neighborhood of $60 a month, said Angie, who will also offer daily and weekly memberships.
After more than two years teaching exercise classes on a voluntary basis, Angie is turning her avocation into a vocation. Most people are excited about the new gym. "I hear, 'I can't wait. When does it open?'" said Angie, who laughed and added, "I hope that's the case when it's time to pay for membership."
Angie's Turbo Kick classes quickly found an enthusiastic and dedicated following. This spring she added pi-yo classes. Sara Clark is also certified to teach, and will help Angie's Gym offer a full schedule with different options, like Zumba and "the hip hop hustle if Sara and I get brave enough to teach it," said Angie.
Hopefully yoga will also be on on offer. "I know an outstanding yoga instructor" who lives on the island, said Angie. She encourages anyone with an interest in teaching to talk to her.
The women and men who attend Angie's classes love the boost it gives them. "Make sure you say that Angie is a rock star," said Karm "the Arm" Laton.
"Of course I go to turbo kick. Have you seen my [tush]?" said Jen Buday, who praises Angie's infectious energy. You get an intense workout and it feels like hanging out with friends, she said.
Mary Ellen Piland said she is so glad Angie is embarking on this new venture. She, too, flaunted her form as evidence of Angie's skills.
Angie moved to Ocracoke about ten years ago. In 2005 she met her husband, Andy, a longtime resident of the island. Their daughter, Catherine, was born in 2006. Catherine's favorite exercise is "lifting weights." Andy is the contractor on the new business behind their home on Sanddollar road, but won't be a gym rat. "I'm a runner and a surfer. And I work," he said.
Angie will either leave or modify her current position as a Hyde County social worker when the gym opens.
She and Sara rewarded themselves for completing a recent half marathon with piles of strawberry waffles, and were celebrating the new gym with wine and cheese. Catherine was happy, too, because Angie let her have a second cupcake.
"You're lucky tonight because Momma's dream is coming true," Angie said.
