It is almost 5.30am on a Sunday morning. The air is cool, the park is quiet and small groups of women begin trickling into VMRDA Park (VUDA Park). There are women in their twenties warming up alongside those in their fifties. Some tighten their shoelaces before setting off on a run, others prepare for a brisk walk, while a few are attempting their very first jog. For the next couple of hours, the park becomes their shared fitness space. Each woman sets her own pace; every finish is celebrated.

This is the Strong Sisters Run Club, a growing women-only fitness community started by Visakhapatnam-based fitness coach Monalisa Dayanand. Meeting every Sunday morning, the club is creating what its founder describes as a “safe space” where women can begin their fitness journey without fear of judgement.

“We want to remove the fear around running,” says Monalisa. “The aim is to help women gradually become comfortable signing up for 5K and eventually even 10K events, whether they choose to walk, jog or run. Participation matters far more than pace.”

Progressive training

The club follows a progressive training structure. Participants begin with manageable distances — about 1.5 km in the first week, increasing gradually by about 500 metres every week until they comfortably complete five kilometres. Women are grouped according to their fitness levels, with separate leaders for runners, joggers and walkers.

For Monalisa, the idea grew from a deeply personal journey. During her Intermediate education years, the demanding schedule of IIT entrance coaching left little room for physical activity. The stress took its toll and by the time she completed school, she weighed nearly 100 kilograms.

“When I moved to Bengaluru for engineering, I was body-shamed repeatedly,” she recalls. “I tried everything — crash diets and endless cardio — but it only left me physically exhausted and emotionally drained. At one point, I was even hospitalised. I realised I wasn’t becoming healthier; I was only becoming weaker.”

That turning point led her to strength training.

“It completely changed my understanding of fitness. Instead of chasing weight loss, I started building strength.” Over the next four years, she gradually lost 40 kilograms.

Although she later worked in the IT sector, her growing passion for fitness prompted a career shift. In 2015, she became a personal trainer after completing certifications in precision nutrition, women’s physiology and fitness coaching and neuroscience-based coaching focused on emotional health.

Yet, something troubled her. “Most gyms were dominated by men and very few women came in for training. Many were intimidated by the environment or believed running and strength training weren’t meant for them.”

The positive changes she witnessed among the women she coached convinced her that community — not just coaching — could transform lives. Four years ago, after moving to Visakhapatnam, she began nurturing the idea of a women-led fitness community. The result is the Strong Sisters Run Club, which is now preparing for its sixth Sunday gathering.

On an average Sunday, about 25 women gather for two hours of walking, jogging and running, punctuated by conversations that range from parenting and careers to health and menopause. Friendships are formed as naturally as fitness habits.

According to Monalisa, consistency is the real goal. “Running is simply about showing up. Whether someone walks, jogs or runs, every Sunday reminds her that she is capable of doing difficult things. When women do this together, it becomes less about performance and more about connection and belonging.”

Changing the narrative

The club also seeks to address myths surrounding women’s fitness. Many participants hesitate to take up running because of concerns about hormonal health, knee problems or ageing. Monalisa believes strength training, combined with sensible running, can improve bone health, preserve muscle mass and boost confidence, particularly for women approaching menopause. She also emphasises the importance of regular health monitoring, adequate Vitamin D3 and iron levels and progressive training rather than sudden high-intensity exercise.

Strength beyond speed

Recognising that fitness extends beyond running, the club is now expanding its offerings. Strength training sessions are an integral part of the programme, while yoga, physiotherapy guidance and periodic women’s health check-ups are also planned in the coming months.

For many participants, the changes are already visible. “The Strong Sisters Run Club has changed my lifestyle,” says Hyndhavi Anulekha, a member. “It encourages me to step out of my comfort zone and prioritise my health. It inspires me to wake up early, walk regularly and even start jogging. More than a run club, it has become a sisterhood.”

Sanka Hema, 52, who is nearing menopause, says the weekly sessions have given her renewed confidence. “After joining the club, I’ve become more disciplined and physically stronger. I now have the confidence to participate in a marathon, something I never imagined I’d do.”

The community is now taking its next step. On June 28, Strong Sisters will host its first women-only strength meet, open to participants of all ages and fitness levels. The event, to be held at A Step Up Fitness in MVP Colony, will feature friendly challenges including the longest plank hold, maximum bodyweight squat repetitions, push-ups and deadlifting one’s bodyweight. Beyond the competition, the focus remains on building connections. Participants can expect interactive games, healthy food, fitness giveaways, medals and certificates for winners and an opportunity to become part of the Strong Sisters Strength Club.

To connect with the club, contact 77022276360.