Happy Women’s History Month! At VIDA, we celebrate women every day, but this month, we’re shining a light on the trailblazers who broke barriers in fitness and paved the way for future generations. Learn more about the incredible women who transformed the fitness space for all.

Catharine Beecher Stowe

In the 19th century, women’s fitness was often seen as purely recreational. Catharine Beecher Stowe, an educator and writer, was one of the first advocates for physical education for women. At the Hartford Female Seminary, she introduced calisthenics as a structured form of exercise for students, promoting movement as a key component of women’s health. Her work laid the foundation for women’s physical education programs and challenged the notion that women are frail.

Strongwomen and Charmion

In the early 20th century, a type of female vaudeville trapeze artist known as “strongwomen” emerged in stage productions and circuses. Strongwomen performed feats of strength for entertainment, such as acrobatics, wrestling matches with men, and weightlifting. They were also some of the first women in modern history to publicly showcase muscular physiques. In 1901, a trapeze act featuring a strong woman named Charmion brought mainstream attention to the idea that women could train for strength. These performers challenged traditional notions of femininity and contributed to the broader acceptance of women in strength-based sports.

Lotte Berk

A professional dancer turned fitness pioneer, Lotte Berk developed what we now know as the Barre method. After fleeing Nazi Germany and settling in England, Berk created an exercise system designed to build core strength and flexibility while reducing injury risk. She later opened a women-only fitness studio, and her method remains a cornerstone of modern training. Today, Barre classes are widely practiced for their low-impact yet highly effective approach to strength training. Check out our class schedule and try a Barre class in her honor. 

Jacki Sorensen

In 1969, Jacki Sorensen revolutionized group fitness with the creation of aerobic dance. Initially tasked with designing a jogging program for Air Force wives, she found that movement set to music was far more engaging. Her high-energy cardio workouts gained national recognition, leading to the widespread adoption of aerobics in gyms and fitness centers. At their peak in 1981, her programs had 170,000 students and 1,500 locations worldwide. Now known as the “mother of aerobic dancing,” Sorensen was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in 2007.

Honoring the Legacy

The fitness industry continues to evolve, but the contributions of these pioneers remain foundational. Their work not only advocated for women’s fitness and gender equality but also helped shape training methods for all. Feel empowered this month with our special group fitness classes, fueled by the energy of female artists, music, and culture. Check the schedule and RSVP for class in the VIDA app. See you there!

Written by: Bonnie Zhu