BEYONCE

introduced last summer by Tori Strickland and Sarah Wharmby, co-workers at the nonprofit Local Matters who enjoy working out to Beyonce and wondered whether others might, too.

Last June, the two organized a group workout among friends, using Facebook to spread the word.

They were stunned when 500 people expressed an interest in joining them.

Although poor weather plagued the outing — held at Nelson Park on the East Side — more than 150 Beyonce fans showed up nonetheless.

The women knew that more such workouts would follow.

“People were feeling excited, empowered — as this was around the time ‘Lemonade’ (Beyonce’s sixth album) dropped,” said Strickland, 31, of Clintonville. “It’s a testament to the energy Beyonce brings to a workout.”

Last summer, the duo hosted seven BeyFit classes at parks throughout town. All were set to Beyonce songs, but each offered a different exercise — from yoga and basic body-weight exercise to boot-camp-style

calisthenics.

In May, they hosted a baby-shower-themed cycling class at CycleBar near Powell to honor the impending arrival of the pop star’s twins. (News sources have reported that Beyonce gave birth this month.)

This summer, Strickland and Wharmby decided to do it all again — and they’ve added monthly sessions in Cincinnati, too, including one planned for Saturday.

Each event begins at 10:04 (four is Beyonce’s favorite number), and lemonade is provided. Organizers also raffle items from Ivy Park, Beyonce’s fitness line.

Strickland and Wharmby request a $5 donation; however, a few special occasions, such as the NamaSlay yoga brunch on July 8, require a paid ticket.

“We are very intentional about creating an accessible workout everyone can enjoy,” said Wharmby, 26, of Bexley. “We just want to make people feel appreciated and that we value you.

“We have something for beginners, and something that will challenge you.”

Marley Maurer said the classes provide a no-pressure outlet for exercise. The Bicentennial Park session — which focused on hip-hop moves — was the second one she has attended. The first was Sept. 4 — a session that featured cake, in honor of Beyonce’s birthday.

“It’s a lot of fun, and I like dancing,” said Maurer, 28, of the Short North. “What’s good about the instructors is they make you feel good about moving.”

When Maurer is having a bad day, she said, she listens to Beyonce for a boost, which is precisely what the workout last Saturday provided.

With about 20 participants, the class was smaller than normal — Strickland said they typically draw about 50 a month — but no less energetic.

“You all are slaying it,” she told the group as they grooved to tracks ranging from Beyonce’s early days in the group Destiny’s Child to major hits from her solo albums as well as lesserknown remixes.

Strickland, an avid exerciser, choreographs each workout.

“I pick a focus and goal, and then I pick a playlist that fits them,” she said. “The playlist is different every time. It’s basically me in my basement listening to music.”

She also tries to add variety — partner movements, calland-response sequences and exercises on the grass — so the workout is more than 20 minutes of squats.

Sometimes her workouts call for popular dance moves, such as the Stanky Legg or the Dougie.

Jennifer Dawkins, 30, hasn’t missed a workout in Columbus since the first class. The sessions work her entire body, she said, leaving her with a sense of accomplishment.

Plus, the North Side resident said, an hour of listening to her favorite artist is time well-spent.

“I love sweating first thing in the morning. Beyonce is energetic; she’s encouraging. If you have a bad day, she’ll always lift you up.”