We had the good fortune of connecting with Claudine Cooper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claudine, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
I left my hometown at 18 years old. Not for college. Not for a study abroad program. Not with friends. Not with family. All by myself, I navigated new places, new people, new cultures and new experiences. That was 5 cities ago and 30 years ago, but as I look back, I know that leaving home was the best, most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started teaching group fitness classes back in the 1990’s. There was no social media in those days, so my exercise classes grew by word of mouth. Little by little, coast to coast, I began to build a community of like minded individuals. People who were attracted to my unique brand of teaching. I don’t just teach people how to do squats. I teach people how to show up authentically. During my workouts, I share stories about how I overcame poverty, trauma, and mental health challenges. With the onset of social media, I was able to reach people IRL and build an even bigger community online. Over the last 25 years, my work has gone from teaching group fitness classes in a small neighborhood gym to reaching people all over the world.
In 2020, I started a non-profit organization FREE COMMUNITY WORKOUTS, Inc. and opened a local wellness studio called THE GRACE SPACE in Inglewood, California.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever my out of town family & friends come to town, here’s the INGLEWOOD starter kit: COFFEE @ Hilltop INGLEWOOD
BEACH WALK @ Dockweiler
LUNCH @ Martin’s Cocina on LaBrea
Take a nap, because rest is essential
BUTTS & GUTS workout @ THE GRACE SPACE
KARAOKE @ The Nile Bar on market street

NEXT DAY
Coffee @ SIP & SONDER
Shopping @ SABRAK BOUTIQUE
Create content @ LACREATESPACE
Live music @ THE MIRACLE THEATER
Soul food @ Dulan’s
Late night cocktails @ THE WOOD on market street

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
For the last 19 years, I’ve been blessed with a supportive husband and three amazing children who understand that my wellness work is my passion, my purpose and my calling. There are times when my work takes me away from my family. Their patience and understanding deserves to be recognized.

Website: www.claudinecooper.com

Instagram: @fitwit3

Twitter: @fitwit3

Image Credits
Photos by Porterhouse LA, fullimage360 and HPC

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.