LANDOVER HILLS, Md. —

If you put a preacher in a pulpit, you’ll get a homily. If you put minister Joyce Winters in a gym, you still get one high-intensity homily. 

Two days a week, Joyce Winters takes the microphone at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden Family Life Center for her popular senior exercise classes. 

“Arms up, heads up, come on!” the 79-year-old woman shouts as rows of seniors listen loyally. The next hour is full of workouts modified for their capabilities and needs; although it’s mostly made up of the joy of Joyce. 

But despite her natural fit leading the class, Joyce Winters is in a volunteer role she never expected to have. She spent much of her life as a nutritionist at D.C. public schools in addition to her duties as a minister. 

“You are outta your mind,” Joyce Winters said when asked what she would have replied if someone told her 10 years ago that she would be teaching fitness. 

But Joyce Winters believes surprising things can happen when you follow faith. She started leading the classes at the church recreation center at the encouragement of her husband, Lawrence Winters. 

“When she talks, it just demands attention,” Lawrence Winters said. 

Joyce Winters’ classes quickly became one of the church’s most popular offerings. She is known for incorporating her own original music and distinctive personality into the workouts. 

“I think [participants] love the class,” Joyce Winters said. “They don’t love me. They love what I do.” 

Chances are its both the class and Joyce Winters, who continues to deliver some of her greatest sermons from the sideline. 

This story is part of WUSA9’s ongoing series “The Heart of It,” which highlights inspiring and emotional stories from the DMV and beyond. If you have a story suggestion for Sean Martinelli, you can email [email protected]