An inspirational fitness and dance guru who has been a ray of sunshine throughout the darkest days of the Covid-19 pandemic has received recognition from one of her grateful members.
Nicola McAleenan, 30, from Netherton, was nominated for our Say It With Flowers award by Paula Jackson for her selfless dedication to her community during the pandemic.
Nicola, a “bright, bubbly and motivational” Clubbercise instructor, who runs the NSTAR dance and fitness studio, based in the Parochial hall in Craigneuk, has been inspiring her members during lockdown by hosting a range of classes via Zoom, as well as posting inspirational messages on her Facebook page to promote health, fitness and wellbeing and encourage others to look after their own mental health.
Paula said: “Nicola had to put things on hold during the pandemic, but it didn’t stop her from helping everyone. She found other ways of teaching classes, doing live classes over Zoom during lockdown. When the first lockdown lifted, she did outdoor classes with a two-metre distance.
“She also set up a Facebook page so that everyone could check in and connect with other clubbers and put up inspirational posts to keep us all motivated.”
And despite experiencing her own struggles, she has provided a guiding light and continued to selflessly support others.
Paula explained: “Her clubbercise classes have brought some form of normality back. She keeps us all motivated and pushes us to reach our goals.
“Some of us have lost our jobs during the pandemic, but these classes have helped us to get back to some routine.
“When I started clubbercise I was a very shy person, I have loads of confidence now. People see a massive difference in me and I am now fit and healthy, thanks to Nicola.”
And when Paula told us about Nicola’s nomination, we were delighted to oblige by providing these beautiful flowers, courtesy of our friends at Pixies Petals.
“I think she will be shocked to receive these flowers because she doesn’t know how much we appreciate her,” said Paula.
