CAMP ZAMA, Japan (Feb. 12, 2015) -- Camp Zama's community members participated in a four hour "Fitness Fusion Festival" held Feb. 7 at Yano Fitness Center, here.
The 4th annual "Fitness Fusion Festival" included Boot Camp, Kick Boxing, Step, Burn and Sculpt, Yoga and Pilate's workouts.
Command Sgt. Maj. Rosalba Dumont-Carrion, command sergeant major of U.S. Army Garrison Japan stepped up on a stage as a Zumba instructor to kick off the Fitness Fusion Festival. Dumont-Carrion demonstrated a variety of dance moves such as Salsa, Merengue and Bachata.
Dumont-Carrion said she lost more than 100 pounds after her pregnancy by doing Zumba.
"I wanted to achieve the ability that people can feel positive about themselves (by doing Zumba)," said Dumont-Carrion.
Getting people to understand, Dumont-Carrion continued, that Zumba is not something that everyone can do, but when they come to our classes, "we are going to help (them) get to that level."
"Zumba is a way of life to me," said Dumont-Carrion. Nearly 75 participants attended Dumont-Carrion's Zumba class during the festival.
"Patrick Brown, assigned to G2, U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward), participated in the Zumba and Boot Camp workouts. "I don't know if it's guys in general, but I (was) stiff as a board," Brown said.
"I looked ridiculous out there," said Brown, but the exercises are important for your mental and physical health. The exercises can help to improve your stress levels too, he continued.
The participants had the opportunity to try massaging therapy and watching Aikido demonstrations between the exercise sessions.
Jane Kupkowski, fitness director for Camp Zama's Morale Welfare and Recreation, conducted the Kick Boxing session. "It is important to understand your health, not just physically, but psychologically, spiritually, and emotionally."
Learning about your health is important for readiness and resiliency; not only just professionally but personally, in everyday life, said Kupkowski.
Several representatives from the Camp Zama Army Wellness Center, Sexual Harassment/Assault Prevention Response Program, certified instructors and personal trainers set a booth aside to consult with the participants on their health and wellness goals.
Sgt. Mara Manning, assigned to U.S. Army Japan Band, learned about her metabolism from the equipment provided by the AWC. Manning said she learned about how her body naturally burns calories to help her achieve her goals.
"I prefer a lifestyle where I can feel good about myself," said Manning. "Service members all try to live that way."
Sgt. Phillip Talley, assigned to 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, participated in the Pilate session to learn how to relax. Talley said he considers health to be very important to Soldiers, "because your body is basically the main thing that keeps you in the Army," said Talley.
Julie Curtis, another participant, said this event was wonderful for the community.
"Any kind of emphasis put on health and wellness, and on eating right is especially important," said Curtis.
"To be fit and healthy is… better for you, your family and of course the mission of the military," said Dumont-Carrion.
Social Sharing