For the past two years, personal trainer Christy Jenkins has been assisting those recovering from cancer treatment get back to normal by helping them perform corrective exercises in a one-on-one setting. She also helps people reach their fitness goals through a boot camp comprised of 15 people.

Jenkins’ business is called Signature Fitness by Christy. She started the business about two years ago, offering classes in local parks, but about a month ago she moved her classes to a gym located in Picayune. From time to time she may bring the class on a field trip so they can be held in the fresh air.

That means however, that her clients will need to have a membership with the gym in which her class is held at 210 Highway 11 N.

For those just interested in her classes, the gym offers a $20 membership for six weeks. That cost does not include Jenkins’ fee, but the client will have full access to the gym during those six weeks.

She offers two types of classes, a boot camp comprised of up to 15 students for six weeks, or one-on-one classes.

Jenkins said her first step is to hold a consultation with her new clients to determine their needs.

The second step is to determine the person’s goals, whether that is to increase their strength and work out muscle imbalances, or to cut inches off their waistline.

As a breast cancer survivor, Jenkins knows that chemotherapy takes a lot out of a person.

After treatment, many people may feel inclined to avoid physical activity, but Jenkins said it’s especially important to continue regular workouts even on bad days.

Jenkins said she likes to think of her classes as a method of women empowering other women. She has seen firsthand how friendships have formed during her boot camps.

Childcare is also offered, and the children are cared for in the same room as the workout session so parents can keep an eye on their young ones.

While she is holding her classes in a gym, she hopes within three years to have a location of her own.

Boot camps focused on cardio are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6 p.m. and typically last an hour.

Boot camps focused on strength are offered on Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. and again at 6 p.m.

Boot camp classes can accommodate up to 15 people for six weeks, so advance scheduling is required.

Cancer recovery classes are offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Each session is scheduled in advance.

Jenkins can be reached by calling 601-916-0449.