Finding strength in community

For many, fitness is more than just exercise—it’s about connection, confidence, and rediscovering a part of oneself that may have gotten lost in the shuffle of daily life. This belief could not be more true for Alyssa Woodyard, the newest group fitness instructor at the Paris Rec Center.

Growing up in an active household with a Kinesiology professor for a father and a family that prioritized movement, staying active has always been second nature to Woodyard. After a lifelong swimming career that culminated at the University of Illinois, she was eager to find a new outlet to stay motivated and connected with others.

“Leading group fitness classes felt like a natural fit,” she said. “I was finishing my education degree and loved the idea of combining my passion for teaching with my love for exercise.”

Though her journey in fitness paused when the gym where she taught closed in 2019, life had other plans. After welcoming her first child, she found herself drawn back into the world of group fitness, this time at the YMCA in Champaign.

“It felt like I had found a missing piece of my ‘old self’ again,” she said.

After relocating to the Paris area with her husband, AJ, and their two young sons, she’s bringing her talents and infectious energy to the Rec Center. The move came after years of balancing life in Champaign with her husband’s family farm in Paris. When the opportunity arose to buy a home near the farm, they jumped at the chance.

“It’s been a big adjustment, mostly for me,” Woodyard explained. “But I’m really looking forward to raising our boys on the farm and becoming more involved in the community.”

Since her first visit to the Rec Center, she’s felt welcomed with open arms and is eager to build the same strong relationships she had in Champaign.

“Fitness is so much more than a workout,” she said. “It’s about community, confidence and realizing just how strong you really are.”

“I’ve had the privilege of working with such a wide range of participants, from people who are stepping in the gym for the first time, to young moms-to-be, to people training for a cross-country bike ride and everything in between,” Woodyard said. “Seeing people’s confidence grow, hearing that they can do things they didn’t imagine were possible for themselves and helping people learn to enjoy and look forward to exercise always feels like a success to me.”

When it comes to leading her classes, the approach is simple: work hard but have fun doing it.

“Exercise shouldn’t feel like a punishment,” she said. “I focus on creating workouts that can be modified for all levels, with a strong emphasis on form and safety.”

For those feeling intimidated about stepping into the gym or starting strength training, she has some words of encouragement.

“It’s okay to be a beginner,” Woodyard said. “I completely understand how overwhelming it can feel, which is why I love leading classes. I always make sure workouts are accessible and modifiable. And if there’s enough interest, I’d love to start a true beginner-level class.”

Woodyard’s biggest tip is to find movement that is enjoyable—whether it’s dancing, swimming, walking or lifting weights—with a reminder that small steps add up.

“Life is busy and unpredictable. Sometimes, you only have 20 minutes for a walk, and that’s perfectly okay. Something is always better than nothing,” she encouraged.

When she’s not leading classes, the trainer can be found chasing after her two boys, gardening or cheering on the Illini basketball team with her husband. And, if you ask her about the future of the Rec Center, she’s especially excited about the reopening of the pool.

“I joke that I spent most of my childhood underwater, so getting involved with the pool is definitely something I’m looking forward to,” she said.

The excitement is mutual for Rec Center executive director Erin Hutchison.

“I am overjoyed to welcome Alyssa to the Rec family,” Hutchison said. “Given her background, experience and enthusiasm, I anticipate the community to embrace her with open arms.  Helping others make positive steps in their wellness journey and achieve their fitness goals is courageous and kind, which is something we could all use right about now.”

Above all, it’s the people who keep Woodyard coming back and the people who are the reason behind her excitement to begin teaching classes in Paris.

“The relationships are my favorite part,” she explained. “Exercise is so much more enjoyable when you get to do it with others. We really do bring out the best in each other.”

Woodyard began teaching “Full Body Strength” classes on Tuesdays. The class is free to Rec Members and pre-registration is not required. Classes continue at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays; it uses a mixture of dumbbells, bands and body weight exercises.

Her “Cycling with Alyssa” classes also began on Tuesday. The moderate-level class is adaptable for beginners and veterans alike. Woodyard’s spin class requires participants to pre-register.

More information about the classes and registration information is available by contacting the Rec Center at 217-466-9622.