COLUMBIA, S.C. — A group of women in Columbia have found an exciting way to exercise that takes them back to their playground days.
Double-Dutch, hand games, and Hula Hooping are a kid's dream on the playground, but to the Northeast Columbia 40+ Double Dutch Club, these toys mean so much more.
"This is my me-time, this is where I can forget about being a mom, a wife, I can leave work behind and just come here and be a kid for a while," said club member, Tracey Belcher.
This group was formed in Chicago in 2016 as a way for friends to support each other exercising, and now six years later they have chapters across the country, including one in Columbia.
The women in the group meet at Hyatt Park every Thursday for time to unwind in their own way.
"I was actually looking for me-time when I found this group," said 42-year-old, Miracle Holmes. "You know you have responsibility, work, home, taking care of a parent, and this is a me-time that is actually healthy for me too, and takes me back to something I've loved doing since I was five years old."
Tedrina Boone says she joined to help with her fitness goals, but she says when she is dancing or jumping rope with 40+ Double Dutch, it does not feel like a workout.
"It doesn't feel like your exercising because we're having fun," Boone said. "We're Hula Hooping, we're line dancing, and doing a bunch of other things other than just jumping."
Women 40 and older come out each week to dance and play, and club co-captain says Ruschille Ford-Ravenell.
"My mother is the oldest member in this sub-club at 69... she does not jump but she does cheer us on with her pom-poms. She does chair aerobics, and she can line dance," Ford-Ravenell said.
The group meets twice a week and they are hoping that more women in the community come out and play.
If you are interested in joining the NE Columbia 40+ Double-Dutch Club, you can visit the website.