SALEM, VA -
Running through the halls of Salem High School has changed some student's lives.
"I've lost a total of 40 pounds" said Michaela Utz, a Salem High School junior. "It amazes me. I look back at old pictures and I'm like ‘wow, did I really look like that?' It embarrasses me to look back and see myself like that."
Utz is one of more than a dozen students staying after school to exercise.
"I'm a completely different person" said Utz.
Personal trainers from Spa Fit in Salem volunteer their time every Tuesday and Thursday for the free after school class.
"We're trying to teach these kids that exercise should be a part of their daily living" said Stevie Long, a certified personal trainer and Spa Fit co-owner.
"[They] Get a good workout without people looking at them strangely. 04 what we like to do is make them feel comfortable and good about themselves when they come in here there's no pressure at all" said Teke Abshire, a certified personal trainer and Spa Fit co-owner. "It just boosts their confidence, it makes them secure, it makes them happier."
The mother - daughter team teaches students healthy eating habits, exercises they can do at the gym and at home.
"I feel so much better than I did, eating the things I do, I don't even want to go back to the junk food" said Utz.
The teen's story is motivating others.
"I like coming here and working out with my friends. It's a fun environment and you feel good after you leave" said Ashley Goodfellow, a Salem junior.
"It feels amazing, I never thought I would be the type of person who changes someone's life because of exercise, it makes me really happy" said Utz.
The class encourages each other to get healthy and stay healthy.
