PARMA, N.Y. — After a Greece fitness center closed for good during the pandemic, an instructor there opened her own gym to help keep ladies moving. The Women's Fitness Connection at 5071 W. Ridge Rd. in Parma is a women’s only opportunity to work out.

Longtime Greece cheer coach and retired teacher Val Snelgrove was born, raised and still lives in Greece. When RAC for Women closed, Snelgrove could not let her fitness clients go without, so she started virtual exercise classes and then found a great spot on West Ridge Road to open her own fitness center.

“I am really excited about the fact that it is a women’s only gym,” Val Snelgrove said. “There is no judgment. You just come here and have a great time.”

There are 40 classes a week for all ages and abilities. It’s a community of women to help you be your best self.

“I actually have people here in their 30s all the way up till almost 90," Snelgrove said.

"After RAC closed, I was walking all summer up until November 2021,” said Therese Bishop from Greece. “I really needed to get back into it so I started back up with Val here. Everyone is so supportive here. It's like coming home and seeing the same people you were there last time at RAC. Val encourages everyone to do things at their level. There is a whole fixture of ages and abilities here. We love her.”

Part of the community connection for Snelgrove is giving back to her beloved town of Greece. She is helping Greece Rotary collect as many new and gently used blankets for people in need through Greece Ecumenical Church.

“Anything that we can do for the community we just love to do,” Snelgrove said.

At 66 years young, she’s proving there is no limit when it comes to helping others live their best life.

If you'd like to give to the blanket drive, donations can be dropped off at The Women's Fitness Connection Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.