Part 2: a conversation with fitness instructor Aisha Hardeman
CORDELE, Ga. — You own your own fitness gym or fitness center and tell us a little bit about that. Like, when did you open and what has your journey been like starting to open your own gym and then getting to where it has evolved to today?
“Well, so I always had it in my mind first that I wanted to open a gym. I had a rug in my bathroom and it said, “Aisha Gym 2021.” 2022 came, no gym yet, of course. But, it’s something that I manifested that I really, really want to have my own gym. I love going beyond helping people. I just don’t want them to come in the gym and just like, work out. I want to make sure they’re using it right. I want to make sure that if they have a disability, that they’re getting the care that they need. So, with that being said, when I started, one of my friends was like, you can do it in my building. My first fitness class was in someone else’s facility. She didn’t charge me anything and then another friend let me use hers,” said said Aisha Hardeman, owner, Fitness by Isha.
“So, then, I thought, I got to get my own. So, I talked it over with my husband and he was like, go for it. And, so, the next day I went to signed for my building, and that’s where I started doing my boot camp sessions, my dance sessions, my step sessions, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), all in one studio. I worked for one year straight, nonstop, just me alone. So when October 22’ came, that’s when I did the studio and within a year we were a full size gym. I always tell people, it had to be God just letting me do his will. But, I do know I manifested it, so I’m just grateful,” said Hardeman.
But when it comes to being a seasoned veteran in the fitness industry, what were some of the challenges that you faced when you first got started or even now, and how did you overcome those challenges?
“Well, the challenges, when I first started, was learning my way on my own. I didn’t have anyone to direct me or show me how to do it or you know, how to set up my computer system with. I had to figure it out all on my own. So that was my most challenging part. On the logistics side, on the other side, I love to work with everybody, men, women, black, white. I just want to see more of everybody collaborating,’ said Hardeman.
Happy Black History Month!
We’re committed to bringing you more inspiring stories, so be sure to come back as we continue to highlight outstanding individuals throughout Black History Month.
Join us tomorrow evening at 6 pm for the third and final part of this interview with Aisha.
De’Andra Jacobs reporting.
Copyright 2024 CBS 44 South Georgia. All rights reserved.
