By Payton Tholstrup
Pictures are courtesy of Natosha Hevelone
Natosha Hevelone’s fitness journey began in December of 2022.
After training hard for about a year and going to the gym three times a day, Hevelone realized what she was doing was the opposite of healthy. “I was starting to have body image issues,” she said.
Hoping to find a workout she would enjoy, she began attending MixxedFit classes in Manhattan with her friends. MixxedFit is a people-inspired fitness program that combines explosive movements with bodyweight toning.
The drive there and back to Manhattan became time-consuming, taking up about four hours of her day anytime she would attend a class. When a training opportunity to teach a class of her own came up, Hevelone jumped at the chance.
“I’ve always liked dancing,” she said, adding that Clay Center doesn’t have any other dance fitness programs.
The class is beginner-friendly. Hevelone shows the modified version to participants first, then shows level two, so if anyone wants to challenge themselves they can.
“The class is a lot of repetition on counts of 4, 6, and 8 beats. It’s fun and some songs go by fast, but others are slow and easier. It’s all about rhythm.”
MixxedFit is held at Happy Hippie, where she rents a studio space. The class is not affiliated with Happy Hippie’s yoga membership; the class rates and membership for MixxedFit are separate.
“The first class is free to see if it’s something you would like,” she said.
Classes are on Sundays and Tuesdays at 5:45 pm. Those interested in attending can reach out to Hevelone by messaging her on Facebook or sending her an email at nhevelone@gmail.com
“A lot of students have requested songs, and I try to turn them into something we can dance to,” she said. “It’s fun to try new things.”
For those wanting to start their fitness journey, Hevelone said believe to achieve. “Do not go in thinking you need to be 100 percent all the time. If your body needs modifications, do it. If your body needs rest, do it. Don’t get discouraged and keep moving.”
