Melanie Bernier led Punk Rock Aerobics on Jan. 14, 2017 at Once Somerville.

About 100 women attended Punk Rock Aerobics’ first class of the year on Jan. 14, 2017 at Once Somerville. PRA co-founder Hilken Mancini and Melanie Bernier led the class, which featured a cardio segment and a strength training session. Music was provided by Stephanie Melikian and Emily Arkin of DJ Sit and Spin. 

Hilken Mancini led Punk Rock Aerobics on Jan. 14, 2017 at Once Somerville.

For the cardio, Mancini and Bernier led the room with the skank, the roadrunner and other exercise moves. For the second part, participants moved to the floor to do “Pussy Riot twist” ab exercises and other muscle builders.

The class was a benefit for Girls Rock Campaign Boston, which Mancini co-founded with Nora Allen-Wiles in 2010 after meeting at the Rock ‘n Roll Camp for Girls in Portland, Oregon. GRCB “empowers girls to believe in themselves by providing a supportive community that fosters self-expression, confidence, and collaboration through musical education and performance,” according to its website.

Girls Rock Campaign Boston

Girls Rock Campaign Boston Volunteers Morgan Thomson (left) and Jaime Lederer

At the beginning of the class, Mancini cheered on her participants and encouraged them to attend the Boston Women’s March on Jan. 21.

Learn more about Punk Rock Aerobics at www.punkrockaerobics.com.