Fergies Instructional Training opened at Wyncote Commons on October 6.

Founder and president Yvonne “Fergie” Ferguson is a resident of Mount Airy, a United Kingdom native, and an ACE Certified Fitness Specialist with 25+ years’ experience. She told Glenside Local she found the space through a client’s son, who happens to own the building at 827 Glenside Avenue.

Fergies Instructional Training’s main thrust is enhancing the bodies of those aged 50 and over.

“We focus on helping people to become stronger through functional fitness movements. We use equipment like weights and kettle balls, but we also use a lot of body weight,” she said. “There’s a lot of cardio and movement because the goal is to improve and maintain agility, strength, and the overall ability to do everyday tasks.”

“The Efficacy in Aging Program” is their bread and butter, which grew from Ferguson’s experiences as a recreational therapist with multiple nursing homes.

“Everything we do stems from that program. I saw that people needed a reason to socialize and feel useful,” she said. “The classes were a way for them to be with their peers without competition. They felt like they were a part of something, so I built the program from those experiences.”

Fergies is currently running a program called “Strong Again”. Assistant trainer Venus teaches “Stretch for Life” and belly dancing classes. Additional programs and classes will be offered at the Wyncote Commons space come January.

At present, Ferguson’s space operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00am – 3:00pm.

“We’re growing each week. Neighbors have been doing a nice job spreading the word,” she said, noting that her centenarian mother attends classes as well (check her out in the video below).

Based in Germantown, the company has been around since 2009.

“We have a gym in Philadelphia with different equipment, and we also go into the Wissahickon Park and do boot camps. It’s all geared towards that age demographic,” she said. “We also offer a walking group. Wyncote Commons is a huge space. As it gets colder and people are looking to move, it’s a perfect place to do that. It’s never too late to begin or restart. It’s not what you look like, it’s about what you’re able to do.”

For more on Fergies Instructional Training, you can visit their website, Facebook page, and Youtube channel. More details about Venus’ classes below:

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Photos: Yvonne Ferguson