Feel Good Friday – Xcel 2 Fitness – NWIndiana by Lisa J. Photos provided.
Being a mom of both a boy and girl, I have had my challenges and my triumphs, but I have been lucky enough to have never faced or celebrated either alone. For some, however, that is not always the case. So, programs that lend a hand, and their heart to helping our children grow, are programs that we cannot spotlight enough. One of those incredible programs just happens to be a Hometown Happenings’ sponsored program. Xcel 2 Fitness-NWIndiana is doing for our young boys, what Girls on the Run is doing for our girls — giving them stepping stones to a brilliantly bright future.
They say it takes a village, but it takes heart and soul to be that village. That heart and soul, and the passion behind Xcel 2 Fitness can be felt from their Executive Director, Barbara Gederian Muckel. I had the privilege of hearing the story of how Barbara brought Xcel to NWI, and while the story is one that stems from seeing a need and the determination to fulfill that need, it is also one of true excitement and desire to help young boys grow into confident young men.
What is Xcel 2 Fitness – NWIndiana? 
Xcel 2 Fitness is a nonprofit organization serving kids (3rd through 6th grade) through fitness and character development. Xcel 2 Fitness is carried out through a 6-week curriculum teaching speed, agility, strength, balance and cardio while embedding character development, teaching the importance of reaching for their passion, building the right team around them, and having the grit to overcome their obstacles in pursuit of their dreams in an exciting team-based atmosphere. After the 6-week program is complete – all schools in the area meet at the Dream Chaser Challenge to take on the obstacle course challenge together with their teammates.
What is Xcel 2 Fitness’ mission statement or philosophy?
We are passionate about serving our youth with excellence, with teamwork and with GRIT!
How did Xcel 2 Fitness start in this area and what has been the impact?
I’ve been involved with the girls’ program, Girls On The Run, as a coach since 2012, and currently a Board member. I found that boys were craving a program equal to the one that was available for the girls. After researching for several months, I contacted the founder of Xcel 2 Fitness, Stephen Vaughn, and after my first conversation, I knew this was the program for our boys here in NWIndiana. I’ve been Executive Director of X2F-NWIndiana since March 2016, with our inaugural season in the Fall of 2016. We are now starting our 6th season! We have impacted (after 5 seasons) about 500 boys and we are now in 2 counties.
How can a school or volunteer get involved?
This program is available throughout all 7 counties in Northwest Indiana. Any elementary school, recreational 
program, church or club is encouraged to have an Xcel 2 Fitness team! We welcome ALL volunteers, sponsors and donors! I am always available to talk to a school, church, or recreational program director about this amazing program. They may contact me at
219-713-5101 or email me at barbaram@x2f.org. They can also check us out at www.x2f.org/nwindiana.
From all parents who now know they are not doing this parenting thing alone, thank you! Thank you X2F-NWIndiana for having the heart and soul to be the village and thank you for giving our boys a light on the path to a future instilled with courage, confidence and Grit!
To contribute to this amazing cause please check out Xcel 2 Fitness – Northwest Indiana website at www.x2f.org/nwindiana or sign up for the Hometown Happening’s Beast Boot Camp 5K on Saturday, April 6th, 9 am at the Lake Co. Fairgrounds.
See you there!!