Visakhapatnam, India – As the first hint of dawn breaks over Visakhapatnam, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink, a vibrant community begins to stir. It’s 5:30 AM on a Sunday, and VMRDA Park, usually a tranquil expanse, transforms into a hub of energy and sisterhood. Here, women of all ages, from their twenties to their fifties, converge for a shared purpose: the Strong Sisters Run Club. This burgeoning women-only fitness initiative, spearheaded by Visakhapatnam-based fitness coach Monalisa Dayanand, is more than just a running group; it’s a sanctuary, a "safe space" meticulously crafted to empower women to embark on their fitness journeys without the shadow of judgment.
The Genesis of a Sisterhood: A Personal Journey to Empowerment
The genesis of the Strong Sisters Run Club is deeply rooted in Monalisa Dayanand’s own transformative experiences. Her journey through demanding IIT entrance coaching during her Intermediate years left little room for physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle that, coupled with stress, led to her weighing nearly 100 kilograms by the time she completed school. This personal battle with her physical and mental well-being took a significant turn when she moved to Bengaluru for engineering.
"I was body-shamed repeatedly," Monalisa recalls, her voice tinged with the memory of past struggles. "I tried everything – crash diets and endless cardio – but it only left me physically exhausted and emotionally drained. At one point, I was even hospitalised. I realised I wasn’t becoming healthier; I was only becoming weaker."
This harrowing experience served as a profound turning point, shifting her perspective from a relentless pursuit of weight loss to a focus on building strength. "It completely changed my understanding of fitness," she explains. "Instead of chasing weight loss, I started building strength." This paradigm shift led to a remarkable transformation over the next four years, during which she gradually shed 40 kilograms.
Breaking Barriers: A Career Shift Driven by Passion
Despite a successful career in the IT sector, Monalisa’s burgeoning passion for fitness eventually called her to a different path. In 2015, she took the bold step of becoming a certified personal trainer, armed with extensive certifications in precision nutrition, women’s physiology and fitness coaching, and neuroscience-based coaching focused on emotional health. However, her professional journey revealed a persistent challenge: the male-dominated environment of most gyms and the palpable hesitation of many women to engage in fitness activities.
"Most gyms were dominated by men, and very few women came in for training," Monalisa observes. "Many were intimidated by the environment or believed running and strength training weren’t meant for them." Witnessing the profound positive changes in the women she coached, Monalisa became convinced that community, not just individual coaching, held the key to transforming lives. This conviction, coupled with her move to Visakhapatnam, fueled the idea for a women-led fitness community. Four years ago, this vision materialized into the Strong Sisters Run Club, which is now celebrating its sixth successful Sunday gathering.
A Sanctuary for Fitness and Friendship: The Strong Sisters Experience
Every Sunday morning, VMRDA Park becomes a vibrant tapestry of female energy. Women in their twenties warm up alongside those in their fifties, lacing up their running shoes for a brisk walk, a gentle jog, or their very first attempt at running. The atmosphere is one of mutual encouragement and shared effort. Each woman sets her own pace, and every accomplishment, no matter how small, is met with heartfelt celebration.
The club operates on a progressive training structure designed to build confidence and endurance gradually. Participants begin with manageable distances, typically around 1.5 kilometers in the first week. This distance is then increased by approximately 500 meters each subsequent week, ensuring a steady and comfortable progression towards completing a 5-kilometer run. To cater to diverse fitness levels, the women are thoughtfully grouped with dedicated leaders for runners, joggers, and walkers, ensuring everyone receives tailored support.
"We want to remove the fear around running," Monalisa emphasizes. "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 inclusivity and personal growth.
Beyond the Run: Building a Holistic Community
The Strong Sisters Run Club fosters an environment where conversations flow as freely as the endorphins. During their two-hour sessions, which typically see around 25 women gather, discussions span a wide spectrum, from parenting and career challenges to health concerns and the intricacies of menopause. Friendships blossom organically, mirroring the development of consistent fitness habits.
"Running is simply about showing up," Monalisa asserts. "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 collective experience and mutual support is a cornerstone of the club’s success.
Addressing Women’s Health Concerns Through Fitness
A significant aspect of the Strong Sisters Run Club’s mission is to dismantle prevalent myths surrounding women’s fitness. Many women hesitate to embrace running due to concerns about hormonal health, knee problems, or the natural effects of aging. Monalisa, with her specialized knowledge, advocates for a balanced approach that integrates strength training with sensible running. She firmly believes this combination can significantly enhance bone health, preserve muscle mass, and boost confidence, particularly for women navigating the menopausal transition.
"We educate our members on the importance of regular health monitoring, ensuring adequate Vitamin D3 and iron levels, and advocating for progressive training rather than sudden high-intensity exercises," Monalisa explains. This proactive approach to health education empowers women to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Expanding Horizons: Strength Beyond Speed
Recognizing that 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, and the club has ambitious plans to introduce yoga, physiotherapy guidance, and periodic women’s health check-ups in the coming months. This holistic approach aims to provide comprehensive support for women’s physical and mental health.
The impact of the club is evident in the personal testimonials of its members. Hyndhavi Anulekha, a dedicated member, shares, "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, 52, who is nearing menopause, attests to the club’s empowering influence: "After joining the club, I’ve become more disciplined and physically stronger. I now have the confidence to participate in a marathon, something I never imagined I’d do." These personal narratives highlight the profound and tangible positive changes the club is fostering within the community.
The Next Chapter: A Strength Meet for Empowerment
The Strong Sisters community is poised for its next significant milestone: the inaugural women-only strength meet. Scheduled for June 28th at A Step Up Fitness in MVP Colony, this event is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels. It will feature a series of friendly challenges designed to celebrate strength and camaraderie, including the longest plank hold, maximum bodyweight squat repetitions, push-ups, and deadlifting one’s bodyweight.
Beyond the competitive spirit, the meet’s core objective is to foster deeper connections and celebrate collective achievement. Participants can anticipate engaging interactive games, nutritious food options, exciting fitness giveaways, and medals and certificates for the winners. This event also serves as a stepping stone to the potential formation of a dedicated Strong Sisters Strength Club, further expanding the community’s reach and impact.
To connect with the Strong Sisters Run Club and learn more about their initiatives, please contact: 77022276360.
The Strong Sisters Run Club stands as a testament to the power of community, empowerment, and a shared commitment to well-being. By providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, Monalisa Dayanand and her team are not just helping women embrace fitness; they are building a sisterhood that strengthens individuals and enriches the fabric of Visakhapatnam.
