Former Rockets Power Dancer Sparks Fast-Spreading Fitness Craze in Houston

April 6, 2012 - PRLog -- Every Monday and Wednesday evening, dancer turned fitness instructor, Tammy Robicheaux Harris, has been attracting over 200 women and men on a regular basis to her Soul Grooves class at Lifetime Fitness Lake Houston. These are unheard of numbers in an industry where a great crowd usually means 30-40 people in any given group fitness class. Soul Grooves, a modern cardio dance class, is a motivating alternative to the regular fitness routine. In a club-like atmosphere, it keeps people moving, inspired and in an upbeat, positive frame of mind as they reach their fitness and personal goals. Starting in 2009, Harris' hour-long class was once confined to the standard studio suited for about 50 people and even then routinely brought in anywhere from 80-110 members. Now due to demand, the class has relocated to the fitness club's gymnasium and makes the Lake Houston location one of the top performing Lifetime Fitness clubs in the country. Harris, a recent recipient of the Lifetime Fitness National Artistry award, describes the experience as a workout that involves varied choreographed cardio dance routines and inspires people to get fit and feel healthier all while enjoying the time of their lives.

What has this extremely diverse group of people willing to groove together in cramped quarters is more than the sweat-inducing, heart-pounding dance romp through the Billboard charts. Armed with the desire to inspire, Tammy Robicheaux Harris' charisma has caused a stir that brings veteran fitness junkies and novice exercisers together for a unified fitness experience. She's part cheerleader, part drill instructor and a powerful inspirational speaker with a down-to-earth, genuine approach to connecting with her class. Her passion for the health, happiness and well-being of her beloved Soul Groovers spills onto the stage alongside slick, but easy to learn, dance moves. As a testament to Tammy's own inspirational bent, the class is filled with doctors, lawyers, cancer survivors, teachers, housewives, pastors, musicians, firemen, executives and entrepreneurs who all have their own inspirational stories to share.

What: "Get Fit Houston"-A Free, Family-Friendly Outdoor Cardio-Dance Event

When: Saturday, May 19th, 2012, 9:30-11am

Where: Jones Plaza (Louisiana @ Capitol), Underground parking on site.

The May 19th celebration is open to the public and families are welcomed, though no childcare will be provided. Suggested age for participating children is 7 and up. Jones Plaza parking will be made available and public restrooms are on site. Free smoothies and snacks are provided and Soul Grooves memorabilia will be available for purchase. Participants are strongly encouraged to arrive up to 30 minutes early and to bring water, sunscreen, a towel and sunglasses.

Michele R. White, a pastor new to the class only recently offered in Katy,Texas hopped on her motorcycle to attend the original and much fabled Lake Houston Soul Grooves class all the way out in Humble: "From the very first class I was hooked! Soul Grooves is much more than a class; it's a movement that will touch your heart, body and SOUL! Tammy encourages, inspires and ignites each and every Soul Groover even after the last song has ended." Now with the central location of the free May 19th event at Jones Plaza, Houstonians won't have far to go to get in on the action! See Quotes below from Soul Grooves participants about the life-changing benefits of the class:

Nisha Kikunga, Nurse & Cancer Survivor: “Finding out at the age of 32 that I had breast cancer was devastating to say the least. Amazingly, my Soul Grooves family helped lead me from the edge of despair into a new and more improved me! Their love, support and prayers made being totally healed (inside and out) a reality and for that, I am forever grateful!”

Jade Simmons, Concert Pianist: “I was always a weight lifting, boot-camp kind of person. I came to Soul Grooves for a very specific fitness goal that I figured would take me 2 weeks, then I was supposed to go back to my usual routine. After the first class, I knew Iʼd found something special with an instructor even more awesome than the dance moves she was teaching! Soul Grooves became a place to physically challenge myself, it served as a pick me up, a place where I could let go and one of my main weapons against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. On any given day, I need Soul Grooves for a different reason. 2 years later, it still works for every single one of them.”

Elena Mathoupoulos, Student at University of Texas, Austin: “Soul Grooves is the only workout that I would wake up at 7 am for, so that I can make sure to have my oatmeal and make it to the gym in time to get a spot in line at 8:15 for a class that starts at 8:45! All because of the energy, enthusiasm, and sincere love that Tammy and the other groovers bring to EACH and EVERY class!”

Arianne Bellizaire, Self-Employed: "I keep coming back to Soul Grooves each week because not only does it strengthen my body, but it also feeds my SOUL! Tammy is such an inspiration, and the community of Soul Groovers that I see each week has made me feel so much more connected to the Humble community! There is nothing like it anywhere else. We are so blessed to have Tammy in our lives!"

Carmen Burton, SG Participant: “It has been nearly three months since I've been a committed member of the SG clan. I gotta say, I think it's changed my life! I know that sounds super dramatic, but never before have I enjoyed working out. Never before have I looked forward to exercising. When I can't make it to class, I am grieved and I feel like I am really missing out on something great. Not only is this workout fun, but it produces results. In my first ten days, I lost pounds and inches. What I gained was a greater appreciation for taking care of my body.”

Greg Dorsey, Government Worker: “My experience with Soul Grooves has been above and beyond a pure joy. Tammy has a divine way of motivating, encouraging and uplifting EACH of her students. I have been to aerobic classes nationwide and Tammy's Soul Grooves by far is the Best class I have ever been to. I schedule my day around it!”

Stephanie, SG Participant: “The day after I turned 30 I was diagnosed with arthritis and as a pre- diabetic. I knew I had to get my life back. It took me a year to really own what was happening to me. I tried one Soul Grooves class and immediately loved it. It took me back to being a dancer in high school. It took me a few more months to FINALLY put myself first and make the commitment to exercise every day. Last spring, I started going to Soul Grooves about once a week. In the summer I became addicted and went to every class offered during the week. I am now happy to say that almost a year later, I have lost over 60 pounds! I FEEL fabulous and no longer suffer from arthritis pains nor am I pre-diabetic. I am ADDICTED to the way Soul Grooves and Tammy make me feel.”

Kelly, SG Participant: “Each participant of Soul Grooves has a unique reason for attending. Although our motivation is varied we all receive the same blessings. It's great to enter the gym and feel the joy of others around you. We all fall in sync during our 1-hr class and we use that time to block out the worries of the outside world. Our bodies and souls are fed during our time at soul grooves. I describe it as our Lake Houston version of Flash Mob-Style Dance. I just love it and Tammy keeps it fresh. The entire Soul Grooves team keeps me coming back for more.”