Grief, Sweat & Tears: A Unique Approach to Healing

It’s a club no one wishes to join, but those involved find comfort in shared experiences.

This spring, around 25 individuals came together for a dual-session of volleyball and spin classes, aptly named “Grief, Sweat, Tears.” The atmosphere buzzed with both energy and emotion, as conversations flowed naturally—almost like chatting at a local bar—yet the underlying topics focused on loss and grief.

Margot Lichtenthal, a participant who lost her father to suicide, noted, “It’s definitely not something people bring up easily. But when you connect with someone who really knows what you’re going through, everything changes.” She shared how she initially sought solace in solo Pilates post-pandemic, yet struggled with feelings of loneliness despite being in a support group.

After her cousin introduced her to this group, Lichtenthal felt a mix of skepticism and curiosity. “It seemed different,” she admitted, “but I was eager to see how it felt.” Her experience affirmed the belief that physical activity can be a valuable outlet for emotions intertwined with tragic loss.

The session kicks off with a workout aimed at alleviating the physical symptoms tied to sadness, followed by social interaction—participants bond over their shared experiences.

Interestingly, Lichtenthal, who considers herself quite open, found it surprisingly easy to share her story with others she had just met. “In a crowded room, it’s easy to feel isolated. But here, there’s this unspoken understanding,” she explained. “Expressing my feelings in a more casual context turned out to be far more therapeutic than I anticipated.”

Fitness…and Recovery

The initiative, conceived by Betsy Kaplan, emerged after she suffered the loss of her father to suicide in 2018. Kaplan felt a rush of energy that therapy couldn’t quite quench, making her turn to exercise for comfort.

She reflected, “I truly believe in talk therapy, but combining movement with emotional expression can be incredibly powerful.” She began reaching out to fitness studios and quickly discovered the idea resonated with many.

Interestingly, those who attended the first class included individuals who had also experienced significant losses; some found solace in the shared understanding. Kaplan remarked, “Grief is everywhere, and connecting with others can really help.”

Participants need to fill out a form detailing their loved ones, helping foster a community focused on understanding and support.

Initially, some classes were offered at reduced rates, directing a portion of proceeds to grief-related charities. However, Kaplan is now transitioning to a paid model, ensuring the sessions remain accessible.

Kaplan believes, “Being in a fitness environment and allowing yourself to both sweat and cry can be a revelation. It’s become a vital part of my routine.”

A Healing Practice

Grieving can often feel like a deeply isolating journey. Jenna DeNapoli, a nurse and content creator, felt this keenly after losing her father to cancer in 2018. Coming from a background where discussing emotions felt taboo, she initially found it difficult to share her feelings.

However, after engaging with grief on social media, DeNapoli was invited to join a Grief, Sweat & Tears class and discovered a unique sense of connection. “Being with others who understand can be incredibly validating,” she shared, though she felt ambivalent about being a part of the group. Nevertheless, she admitted she wished she had started sooner.

Embrace the Process

According to Kaplan, Grief, Sweat & Tears isn’t designed to replace traditional therapy but aims to create an open space for emotional expression without the constraints of conventional settings. The group’s social media activity balances empowerment with humor, eliciting mixed reactions.

Participants often share their stories during sessions, particularly around significant dates linked to their grief. For example, Anthony Martin recounted feelings of anxiety while speaking about his mother, who passed away from cancer. Yet, he felt supported by the community he found there.

Each person attending these events carries a shared sense of loss but often departs with a fresh perspective on their grief. “It has encouraged me to be more intentional about my feelings,” Martin remarked.

For Lichtenthal, the gatherings serve as a reminder to fully process and acknowledge grief rather than simply masking it. “We often resort to quick fixes for painful emotions,” she acknowledged. “This community instead encourages us to honor our past while moving forward.”

Growing interest in these community gatherings has prompted inquiries about launching similar initiatives in cities like Chicago and Dallas. Moving forward, Kaplan looks to cultivate a space where friendships can blossom and networks grow amid shared experiences of grief.

“It’s remarkable to witness the connections forming, as people exchange numbers and share hugs, creating their own community marked by shared grief, sweat, and tears,” Kaplan concluded.