The Class instructor, Zoë Lepage leads GOSO participants through a warm-up!
Getting Out and Staying Out aspires to provide the highest quality programming for our Guys—we connect them with employment opportunities, offer vocational training courses, and engage with them in a rigorous educational environment. But we know overall wellness is about more than getting an education and a well-paying job: it’s about resilience, emotional regulation, and self-empowerment. That’s why GOSO is excited to partner with The Class by Taryn Toomey, a music-driven practice that exercises the body in order to engage the mind.
Last Wednesday, July 17th, The Class Instructor, Zoë LePage, and Program & Events Coordinator, Emily Chandler, visited GOSO for an afternoon of physically intensive and mentally transformative exercise. The Class method uses simple calisthenic and plyometric exercises, such as planks and burpees, to help participants reclaim their freedom and power. Its mission is to empower people through physical and mental transformation.
“Through physical movement, we ‘work out’ mental and emotional behaviors to create new tools for experiencing life. And while we lean into the power of community at The Class, we believe that it’s truly you that has the ability to reclaim your power and heal yourself,” said Zoë .
The Class combines aspects of both conventional workouts and guided meditation sessions to create a uniquely engaging experience. It goes beyond physical movement — class-takers can also express how they feel verbally, alongside each motion they do. Zoë led everyone through rhythmic exclamations that helped to release energy and put power behind the movements.
Participant Alex M. found that, “[The Class] was something different than I’ve ever done before, and much more intense than my normal workout. I really loved the music and it was motivational the way Zoë was speaking to us and encouraging us!”
Things got more intense as The Class went on!
“I really didn’t know what to expect going into The Class, and I was surprised! I just know I felt really good afterwards,” said GOSO participant, Lionel B.
Zoë remarked on how unique the experience at GOSO was: “The willingness and courage that participants had to step in and try something new was inspiring. They accessed their ability to move, express, and feel the after effect of freedom. It was a room of 14 individuals but the collective energy they brought into the space felt like a room of 400. It was a powerful experience.”
At GOSO, we are committed to a holistic approach to well-being. Being physically and emotionally well is important for our participants to find success in all other aspects of their lives.
Thank you to our friends at The Class and our volunteers, Wael Younan and Kwame Fynn, for helping us to provide another way for our participants to get excited about their health and to feel well!
SO MUCH ENERGY! Thanks to The Class!