PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT has been working hard since 2011 to encourage young women to live healthier lives and break a sweat. Every month, PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT and it’s college chapters encourage students to make positive life choices to improve their physical and mental health through exercise, teamwork, nutrition, networking, gratitude and community service by throwing fitness parties called “sweat shows.” On Saturday, September 16th, PGS threw its biggest sweat show to date called PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT fest Atlanta. As one of the reporters and interns for the organization, I had the opportunity to attend the ultimate sweat sisterhood festival and experience an unforgettable day of fitness, fun, and friendship. Keep reading for the full rundown of the festivities.
At 11:30 a.m., Sweat Sisters arrived at check-in and were ready to get the day started. The over 500 women that arrived were immediately greeted by energetic volunteers and a venue that was absolutely beautiful.The Georgia Railroad Freight Depot was decked out with beautiful decor and had plenty of spots to snap insta-worthy photos. The fitness festival officially kicked off with a special welcome from the host Rashan Ali and the founder Aeshia DeVore Branch. Then, students from Dance 411 did a routine on stage to get the crowd hyped up before working out. Throughout the day, guests had the chance to break a sweat with some of the top fitness trainers and health leaders such as Dr. Crystal Jones, Lauren Powers, Double Dutch Aerobics, Chelcie Scott, and Lauren Smith. Guests also had the opportunity to take a break from working out and visit the vendor village, grab a bite to eat from food trucks, or get pampered in the beauty lounge. During the event, we also took a pause from sweating to honor a few women who are health enthusiasts and consistently empower other women through fitness. The award recipients included longtime PGS supporter Keri Hilson, Rasheeda Frost, Nic B, Estelle Archer, and Zakia Blain.
Once the workouts and award ceremony concluded, it was time for Sweat Sisters to participate in the Sweat Makes Cents challenge. Participants had to complete 100 jumping jacks and each jumping jack they did raised money to fund PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT’S fitness programs and scholarships for teen girls. After completing the challenge, Propel and Life WTR then donated $5,000 to the organization for its dedication to fighting childhood obesity.
Once the challenge was over, guests were soon moved into the indoor part of the venue for the closing ceremony. Dance 411 dancers hit the stage once again to show off a special routine to Keri Hilson’s hit record “Pretty Girl Rock.” Following this, Branch and Ali thanked the event’s generous sponsors- Adidas, Propel Water, Life WTR, Everyone Products, and the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment- and all 500 sweat sisters for coming. Branch even let the audience know that PGS Fest 2017 would be back and even better next September. To get an in-depth look at PGS Fest 2017, visit PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT’s Instagram (@PrettyGirlsSweat) and Twitter (@PrettyGirlSweat). There is also a chapter here at GSU where you can follow on Instagram @prettygirlssweatgsu.