Whether it's in the morning when the sun is rising or in the evening when the sun sets, pop music blares through speakers as a group of strangers meet on the grassy fields at the Sebastian Soccer Association inside North County Park.

Nearly 40 people regularly show up and lay down yoga mats and weights.

To some the scene might seem a bit odd, but for many of these participants it's the favorite part of their day.

With hugs and high-fives, the camaraderie is evident among members of Remix Fitness, a workout group that encourages folks to get outside and exercise for free at their neighborhood parks.

'We're really just trying to impact as many lives as we can and get the community out and active,' said Kristy Lawton, who began Remix in June, with her husband, Jay, and a group of workout buddies. 'I think that all communities need a free, positive atmosphere to workout at and that's what we really promote.'

Before joining a similar fitness group three years ago, Lawton was out of shape, overweight and searching for a solution other than the gym. She found working out doesn't have to be lonely, boring or cost a lot of money.

'By working out with other people, I was able to increase my fitness and it's something that I got passionate about and it changed my life,' said Lawton, who took personal training courses, but decided not to seek certification.

This, in part, was to encourage more people to start up groups across the Treasure Coast.

'We don't want people to feel like they can't do it unless they pay the money to be certified,' she said 'We're not personal trainers, we're just a group of people who like to workout and invite the community to come join us.'

The group has 16 coaches who rotate two per day. With workouts changing daily, they try to incorporate aerobic and strength training, including yoga, running, hand weights and high-intensity interval training. Exercise modifications are demonstrated so everyone can work at their fitness level.

'As a group, we want to show people you don't have to pay a lot of money to go to a gym to get fit and the best part, you grow friendships along the way,' she said.

Participants start out as strangers, but after awhile become like a family where members support one another, Lawton said.

Group support while meeting personal training goals keeps Sebastian resident, Victoria Meneses, coming every week.

'It's the energy. It's outdoors, you don't have to pay and the coaches are great and keep pushing you to meet your goals,' said Victoria, who joined with her sister, Daniela Meneses.

'It's different each time and that's one of things I really like,' Victoria said.

Sebastian mother Jennifer Lombardino appreciates that it's free.

'I want to be healthier and be more fit for him,' said Lombardino, pointing to her toddler son who joined her at the workout, where children are welcome.

'I like that it's a friendly atmosphere and that you can work out at your own level and they don't push you, but encourage you,' she added.

For some, Remix serves as a community.

'You can't compare gyms to this, this is a lot more personable,' said Remix coach Janet Achin. 'There's one on one, there's accountability and encouragement and everyone accepts you for who you are.'

Although the Remix coaches sell health products, they said that's not the group's focus and no one is pressured to buy anything. The goals are to get people active and build a healthy community.

'We want to reach as many people as we can and help as many people as we can,' said Remix coach Christin Cole.

'It's definitely your own journey and everyone's is different,' Cole said. 'As long as I stick to my goal ... these are the people that are going to help get me there.'


What: Remix Fitness Free Workout Classes (Workouts include running, lifting, jumping, laughing and everything in between, including themed sessions.)
When: 5 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, rain or shine
Where: Sebastian Soccer Association inside North County Regional Park, 9400 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian or Liberty Magnet Elementary School (rain location), 6850 81st St., Vero Beach
Cost: Free
Information: 772-473-0916; or visit


In addition to free daily workout classes, Remix Fitness also hosts free community wide events including:

  • Glow Run, 5K Run for Fun (walk, ride, stroll): 8 p.m. July 29, Riverview Park, 600 U.S. 1, Sebastian
  • Family Fitness & Fun Day: 6 a.m. July 30, Riverview Park, 600 U.S. 1, Sebastian
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