(Editor's note: This is part of an ongoing series focusing on Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation fitness classes that provide different options for the Fort Rucker community to improve its physical well-being and stay resilient during the service's ongoing warfight.)
FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Soldiers and Families here can build "Strong Bodies" through fitness classes held at Fortenberry-Colton Physical Fitness Facility.
The classes are designed to strengthen them physically and mentally.
Strong Bodies instructor Brian Bearman said both seasoned athletes and those just initiating fitness regimens will enjoy his "full upper- and lower-body workout."
Sessions incorporate squats, wall sits, sit-ups, push-ups, free weight exercises and more.
Bearman said he focuses on timed workouts and not numbered repetitions. Performing for designated amounts of time - 30 seconds to one or two minutes - causes athletes to push themselves to greater muscle tension, resulting in better workouts.
"Come ready to work," he said. "I challenge my class. The energy is there."
Conducting combined cardiovascular and strength training sessions about three times a week leads to fast, effective physical fitness level improvements, he said.
Military spouse Sandy Fales began attending Bearman's classes in January, and said she's seen tremendous results.
"It's a great workout. It's physically challenging and fun," she said.
Fales noted she could hardly perform any push-ups initially, but now she lasts through several minutes. Also, since becoming a Strong Bodies regular, she's lost 20 pounds and several inches.
Staff Sgt. Felix Ramos, "Flatiron" Air Ambulance Detachment flight operations noncommissioned officer-in-charge, said he joined the classes "because I'm in the military and I have to keep in shape. It's more fun (than other workouts)."
He encouraged his co-workers and friends to try Strong Bodies to increase their Army Physical Fitness Test scores.
Bearman said all training equipment is provided. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and sneakers and bring water bottles to classes.
Attending 60-minute Strong Bodies classes can burn 500-900 calories, depending on intensity and participants' individual body compositions, he noted.
To supply themselves with sufficient energy, people should eat balanced, nutritious diets, incorporating healthy whole-grain carbohydrates, Bearman added.
Class schedules are available at <a href="http://www.ftruckermwr.com/PhysicalFitnessFacility" target="_blank">www.ftruckermwr.com/PhysicalFitnessFacility</a>. Sessions are $3 per class, $5 per week or $20 for one month. To register, call 255-3794.
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