Fitness Alpha

Fitness Alpha, or “Alpha on the Run” as someone called it, is experiencing enormous success. It is an excellent example of people thinking outside the box in their effort to meet people on their turf with the Alpha course.

Clarenda Price runs the course at a fitness centre in Fredericton, NB. Participants spin (bike) while watching the talks. Clip boards are supplied for taking notes. After the talk there is a stretching session, followed by a break with fruit and vegetable trays and bottled water supplied. Participants take their snack to their small group for discussion.

When Clarenda advertised the first course in the fall of 2010 she hoped for a full class of twenty. Forty-three registered, leaving many on a waiting list.

Guests shared some of their thoughts following that first Fitness Alpha course…

"I didn't start talking/opening up until the end and now I have so many questions! Hope there is a follow up because I'm going to need it."

"I now read the Bible, now know to have a ‘relationship’ and I'm wanting to help others."

"This course gave me a positive outlook on spirituality."

“I am still searching but with more purpose. I've noticed small gradual changes in my thinking."

"I feel that I have overcome a lot of tough stuff in my life on my own... not sure I need God, but it now gives me a better idea of what your faith is."

"My attitude is better. I've been looking for more meaning in my life. I actually pray now." (15 year old)

"I've had 2-3 major issues to deal with since starting this course. Usually I'd turn to alcohol, but this time I turned to God and just talked to him like you said. Problems are still there but I feel like I'm coping."

On January 4, 2011 Clarenda emailed an invitation for a new course to begin Jan. 10th. Within 24 hours the course was full, with a waiting list of five.

The morning after the first session, Clarenda found this note from a new guest posted on her Facebook wall… “Thanks for last night. I had a great time! My butt’s feeling it today, but I am super pumped for what’s in store over the course of these next few weeks.”