Visakhapatnam, India – As the first whispers of dawn paint the sky in hues of soft grey and rose, VMRDA Park in Visakhapatnam becomes a sanctuary for a different kind of awakening. Long before the city fully stirs, a diverse group of women, ranging from their early twenties to their fifties, converge with a shared purpose: to embrace movement, nurture their well-being, and forge unbreakable bonds. This is the heart of the Strong Sisters Run Club, a burgeoning women-only fitness community that is redefining what it means to be strong, both physically and mentally.
Founded by Visakhapatnam-based fitness coach Monalisa Dayanand, the club has quickly established itself as more than just a running group. It is a meticulously cultivated "safe space," a haven where women can embark on their fitness journeys without the looming specter of judgment, self-doubt, or societal pressure. Every Sunday morning, this vibrant community transforms the park into a shared arena of empowerment, where individual paces are celebrated, and every stride, whether a determined run, a brisk walk, or a hesitant first jog, is met with unwavering encouragement.
The Genesis of a Movement: Overcoming Personal Barriers to Empower Others
The roots of the Strong Sisters Run Club are deeply intertwined with Monalisa Dayanand’s own transformative journey. Her early academic years were marked by an intense focus on IIT entrance coaching, a demanding schedule that left little room for physical activity. The cumulative stress of this period took a significant toll on her health, leading to a weight of nearly 100 kilograms by the time she completed her schooling.
"When I moved to Bengaluru for engineering, I was body-shamed repeatedly," Monalisa recalls with a candidness that underscores the prevalent societal pressures many women face. "I tried everything – crash diets and endless cardio – but it only left me physically exhausted and emotionally drained. At one point, I was even hospitalized. I realized I wasn’t becoming healthier; I was only becoming weaker."
This harrowing experience served as a profound turning point, steering Monalisa away from restrictive and ultimately detrimental approaches to health and towards the empowering discipline of strength training. "It completely changed my understanding of fitness," she explains. "Instead of chasing weight loss, I started building strength." This shift in perspective, coupled with consistent effort, led to a remarkable transformation over the next four years, during which she gradually lost 40 kilograms.
While her professional career initially led her into the IT sector, Monalisa’s burgeoning passion for fitness proved to be an irresistible calling. In 2015, she made a decisive career shift, becoming a certified personal trainer. Her commitment to holistic well-being is evident in her extensive certifications, which include precision nutrition, women’s physiology and fitness coaching, and neuroscience-based coaching focused on emotional health.
However, even as a professional trainer, Monalisa observed a persistent disparity in fitness environments. "Most gyms were dominated by men, and very few women came in for training," she notes. "Many were intimidated by the environment or believed running and strength training weren’t meant for them." This observation fueled a deeper conviction: that community, not just individual coaching, held the key to truly transforming women’s lives.
A Progressive Path to Fitness: Building Confidence One Step at a Time
The Strong Sisters Run Club operates on a thoughtfully designed progressive training structure, ensuring that participants of all fitness levels can join and thrive. The initial weeks focus on manageable distances, typically around 1.5 kilometers. This gradually increases by approximately 500 meters each week, allowing participants to build endurance and confidence at a sustainable pace. The ultimate goal is for every woman to comfortably complete a 5-kilometer distance, whether through walking, jogging, or running.
To cater to the diverse needs and abilities within the group, participants are strategically grouped according to their current fitness levels. Dedicated leaders guide separate cohorts of runners, joggers, and walkers, ensuring that each individual receives tailored support and encouragement. This structured approach demystifies the process of running and walking for fitness, making it accessible and achievable for newcomers.
"We want to remove the fear around running," Monalisa states emphatically. "The aim is to help women gradually become comfortable signing up for 5K and eventually even 10K events, whether they choose to walk, jog or run. Participation matters far more than pace." This philosophy underscores the club’s commitment to fostering a non-competitive and inclusive environment where the journey itself is the primary focus.
Beyond the Stride: Building a Supportive Sisterhood
The impact of the Strong Sisters Run Club extends far beyond the physical act of running. On an average Sunday, approximately 25 women gather for their two-hour session. These sessions are a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences, where conversations flow as freely as the morning air. Discussions span a wide spectrum, from the joys and challenges of parenting and navigating demanding careers to intimate conversations about health concerns and the transformative phase of menopause.
It is within this open and supportive atmosphere that genuine friendships blossom. The shared pursuit of fitness becomes a catalyst for deeper connections, forging a sense of sisterhood that transcends the park’s boundaries. "Consistency is the real goal," Monalisa emphasizes. "Running is simply about showing up. Whether someone walks, jogs or runs, every Sunday reminds her that she is capable of doing difficult things. When women do this together, it becomes less about performance and more about connection and belonging."
This emphasis on belonging and collective strength is a cornerstone of the club’s ethos. It addresses the often-isolated nature of fitness pursuits and replaces it with a powerful sense of community support. This collective encouragement can be a powerful motivator, especially for women who may have previously felt intimidated or unsupported in their fitness endeavors.
Challenging Narratives and Embracing Holistic Well-being
The Strong Sisters Run Club actively seeks to dismantle prevailing myths and misconceptions surrounding women’s fitness. Many women hesitate to embrace running due to concerns about hormonal health, potential knee problems, or the natural effects of aging. Monalisa, with her expertise in women’s physiology, addresses these anxieties head-on.
She advocates for a balanced approach, highlighting how strength training, when integrated with sensible running practices, can significantly improve bone health, preserve vital muscle mass, and bolster confidence, particularly for women approaching or experiencing menopause. Furthermore, she stresses the critical importance of regular health monitoring, ensuring adequate levels of Vitamin D3 and iron, and prioritizing progressive training over abrupt, high-intensity exercises.
This holistic perspective acknowledges that women’s health needs are unique and often change throughout their lives. By providing evidence-based information and fostering an environment where these concerns can be openly discussed, the club empowers women to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Expanding Horizons: Strength, Wellness, and Future Endeavors
Recognizing that true fitness encompasses a broader spectrum than just running, the Strong Sisters Run Club is actively expanding its offerings. Strength training sessions are now an integral part of the program, providing participants with the tools to build functional strength and resilience. Looking ahead, the club has ambitious plans to incorporate yoga sessions, provide physiotherapy guidance, and organize periodic women’s health check-ups in the coming months.
The transformative impact of the club is already evident in the experiences of its members. Hyndhavi Anulekha, a dedicated member, shares her profound appreciation: "The Strong Sisters Run Club has changed my lifestyle. It encourages me to step out of my comfort zone and prioritize my health. It inspires me to wake up early, walk regularly, and even start jogging. More than a run club, it has become a sisterhood."
Sanka Hema, a 52-year-old participant nearing menopause, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the renewed confidence the weekly sessions have instilled in her. "After joining the club, I’ve become more disciplined and physically stronger," she states. "I now have the confidence to participate in a marathon, something I never imagined I’d do." These testimonials underscore the tangible and deeply personal benefits that the club is providing to its members.
The Next Chapter: A Celebration of Strength and Community
The Strong Sisters community is poised for its next significant milestone with the upcoming hosting of its first women-only strength meet on June 28. This event, open to participants of all ages and fitness levels, will be held at A Step Up Fitness in MVP Colony. The meet will feature friendly challenges designed to celebrate effort and camaraderie, including the longest plank hold, maximum bodyweight squat repetitions, push-ups, and the empowering challenge of deadlifting one’s own bodyweight.
Beyond the competitive spirit, the overarching focus remains on building connections and fostering a sense of shared accomplishment. Attendees can anticipate a day filled with interactive games, nourishing food, exciting fitness giveaways, and recognition for winners in the form of medals and certificates. This event also serves as an invitation to become part of the burgeoning Strong Sisters Strength Club, further expanding the community’s reach and impact.
The Strong Sisters Run Club is not merely a fitness group; it is a testament to the power of collective strength, supportive sisterhood, and the profound impact that a safe and encouraging environment can have on women’s lives. As it continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beacon of empowerment in Visakhapatnam, proving that by running, walking, and building strength together, women can indeed achieve their full potential.
For those interested in connecting with the Strong Sisters Run Club, please contact 77022276360.
