Dance workout proves popular

Oula is a high energy dance workout class that is choreographed to current chart-topping music hits.

The routines woven into songs blend exercises like yoga and low impact aerobics. This popular workout program that is now enjoyed worldwide was actually created by a woman from Missoula.

One local Oula instructor described it as “Magic.”

Tammy Lowry has been sweating, dancing, singing, and leading Oula classes for six years now as an adult education program at St. Regis School. On Tuesday and Thursday nights women from different ends of Mineral County join in this fun-loving movement focused time.

“It isn’t just exercise, it’s a time for you,” Lowry said. “A safe place of no judgement. A time to laugh or cry or feel any other emotion needed to be felt. Where your voice isn’t just accepted, it’s encouraged.”

Normally the school cafeteria is buzzing with pop music and ladies pounding out a beat twice a week in the evenings, but with school closures, social distancing measures, and stay at home orders Lowry has needed to get creative for her classes. This is where social media platforms come in handy.

“Some Oula instructors were doing it [online], so one of my girls suggested it to me. Initially I thought she may have been joking, but I said challenge accepted!”

On average Lowry would have five to 10 women come dance and exercise along with her during each class, now streaming online she’s having dozens dance together but apart, from near and far.

In St. Regis, Cathy Hansen is retired and new to the area, so she used weekly Oula sessions as a means of cardio and connection.

“My favorite thing about Oula is being in the company of other women, and especially doing something that is good for both your body and your soul,” Hansen said. “When she’s not busy at home in her jewelry making studio, she has tried to join in on the virtual Oula groups each week during the stay at home orders.

“I have been dancing along with Tammy on her Facebook live Oula sessions when I can. It’s fun and she is so engaging, but of course, it’s so much better when you are there in person with your fellow Oula peeps! I miss them and getting to chat and connect,” Hansen said.

Former Mineral County resident and school teacher Terri Barclay has been following along on Facebook Live with Lowry from her home in Helena.

“Doing Oula virtually provides a space to move through the chaos while practicing social distancing. Tammy provides a judgement-free, kind loving class that fits all abilities from the comfort of your home,” Barclay said. “Without the class, it is difficult to prioritize the time for self-love and exercise.”

Streaming her workouts online hasn’t been flawless.

Lowry said, “It’s never easy, but I think it’s mainly nerves.”

Using her living room as her new modified Oula studio she joked, “Getting myself focused in the camera is quite funny, I wanted to film outside, but my ground is very uneven so I’d trip more than I’d dance.”

A hard part of the coronavirus pandemic for Lowry has been the social distancing measures, she expressed, “Dancing with my fellow “Oulakins” is so much more than I realized. Seeing their beautiful faces, hearing how their week is going. Hearing awesome words of wisdom. I feel like we hold each other up each week. Missing friends and family without a doubt.”

But having reassurance from her fellow Oula members Lowry stated, “It definitely has kept me going, as I get nervous every time. Their support has meant the world. Always having words of encouragement.”

She plans to continue holding online Oula classes via Facebook Live on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. until regular in person gatherings are able to resume.