As a dedicated attendee of Les Mills Combat classes at the New York Sports Club (NYSC) for the past year, I've become part of a community that is both invigorating and inspiring. Each week, I join a full class of individuals committed to their health and wellness. It is more than just a workout; it is a powerful communal experience linked to our shared endeavor of staying fit and active.

Recently, the NYSC administration announced the discontinuation of Body Combat and other Les Mills classes. This decision affects not only me, but the scores of other attendees whose lives have been positively impacted by these programs. These classes play a crucial role in many of our lives; they provide an essential exercise outlet, a spirit of camaraderie, and a vital resource for those living in a city grappling with an unsettling rise in violent crime.

Instead of these high-energy, results-driven classes, NYSC plans to replace them with Pilates. While Pilates has its own benefits, it does not serve the same purpose or meet the same needs as Body Combat and other Les Mills classes. We are not asking for a swap—we are asking for the programs we love to remain available. Members should have the option to continue engaging in workouts that empower, challenge, and bring them together.

The cancellation of such valuable classes may also potentially impact the overall health of club members. A study by the American Psychological Association shows that group exercise settings can be instrumental in reducing stress and improving mental health (APA, 2018). This makes these classes not just a fitness resource, but a mental health resource as well.

We urge NYSC to reconsider the cancellation of Body Combat and other Les Mills classes and to acknowledge the profound role they play in the lives of many of their members. By signing this petition, you are supporting not just the continuation of an exercise class, but the sustaining of a community that bolsters mental and physical well-being. Please, lend your voice to our cause. Sign the petition.