SheBox focuses on helping women reach fitness goals
Janiel Brown works out Tuesday at PittFit SheBox gym, located at 122 W. Lenoir Avenue. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News
There’s a new gym for women in our area.
PittFit SheBox was created on May 1 and is located on 122 W. Lenoir Avenue. Chappriel Pitt, owner of Pettit SheBox, said he wanted to give ladies gym space in a good environment while working on their fitness goals.
“I’ve been doing fitness classes for years and 90 percent of my clients have been women,” Pitt said. “It got me thinking because sometimes women go to the gym and can be intimidated with guys watching them and it can be the same with boxing gyms. That’s when I decided to open up an all-women gym to promote getting healthier and self-defense.
“Being raised by a single mother, I’ve had the example of a strong woman all my life and I’m appreciative of strong women. I also think the gym gives a sense of empowerment, especially after stressful days, where they can just come in and get some frustration out on the bags."
Pitt said there are multiple classes each day, with six taking place on weekdays and two on weekends.
“I’m the type of person who doesn’t believe in excuses, so we have classes at different times so anyone can come in whenever they need to,” Pitt said.
Angie Pitt, co-owner of SheBox and Chappriel’s wife, said there has been a solid base of clientele, along with results being made.
“Most women come in here to get stronger, lose weight or stay in shape,” Angie Pitt said. “We had one lady tell me recently she had lost 8 pounds in two weeks and it’s great to know our clients are making great progress.”
Latesha Strickland, center, trains Janiel Brown during a workout Tuesday at PittFit SheBox gym while Janessa Gardner (white shirt) and Jahnesee Farris do individual exercises. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News
LaTesha Strickland is another instructor with SheBox. She has a strong resume, which includes teaching Zumba and aerobic classes at the YMCA of Bertie County for several years and has worked there as a personal trainer. Strickland said Pitt reached out to her due to her experience and dedication to fitness.
“Chappriel contacted me to be a part of the team and I felt like I could incorporate my style to the boxing arena,” Strickland said. “My session consists of floor work, leg work and core work — I’m not just concentrating on everyone losing weight, but also on being more lean, having more energy and living a healthier life.”
Strickland had a trio of first-time clients Tuesday with all three sharing positive remarks.
“I felt challenged, pushed and motivated,” Kinston resident Janiel Brown said. “It absolutely won’t be my last time doing this. The first day is usually the most difficult, but with the encouragement from (Latesha) I know it’s going to get better each time.”
Another Kinston resident, Jahnesee Farris, said she liked the format.
“I want to lose weight and they’re giving you great motivation here,” Farris said. “(Latesha) was very helpful, letting me know I was doing good and I’ll definitely be back.”
Kinston resident Janessa Gardner said the first session left a very positive impression on her.
“You can go at your own pace and it’s definitely fun,” Gardner said. “I’ll be back in the morning.”
Classes are taught Monday through Friday at 5 a.m., 7:20 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and noon, and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Each class lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes and while boxing gloves are offered for a session, it’s highly recommended for a client to bring her own.
The price of each class is $10 per session or an unlimited amount for $80 per month with discounts for mother-daughter duos. For additional information, contact Chappriel Pitt at 252-939-0263 or Angie Pitt at 252-268-2257.
