Whitside Fitness Center was busy Feb. 9 for the Sweetheart Health Fair. With February being Heart Health Awareness Month, the event was an opportunity for patrons to try out the various fitness classes, said Bailey Rodarte, fitness specialist, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
"They are fun and highly active activities that don't make you think about working out," she said. "We have great instructors and personal trainers who are energetic and get you moving, while still catering to the needs of every patron in the class. Our goal for next year, is to have more resources from Fort Riley available at the event for informational purposes, such as [Army Wellness Center], Nutrition, etc."
Eight sessions of classes were available for patrons to try including yoga, Zumba, MixxedFit and more.
Brittany Consiglio, wife of 2nd Lt. Matthew Consiglio, 101st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, said she enjoyed the cycling class instructed by Sarah Ruhle, fitness specialist, DFMWR.
"I've been taking her class, and I've been trying to take it as much as I can," she said. "I heard that they were doing it for free this morning, so I definitely wanted to try it again. Usually, I can only do like 45 minutes because I get tired. But this was a whole hour today. So, I thought I'd try and make it the whole time -- and I did it."
Tami Hibbs, an instructor at Whitside Fitness Center said she enjoys teaching the TRX-HIIT class because she loves showing people that anyone can work out.
"No matter what their level," she said. "It's important for your heart, no matter who you are. No matter what you look like. You don't have to be into fitness like all the trainers are and all the instructors are. Because obviously, we have a passion for it. But some people are just here because they know what's important. I want people to realize that anybody can do it, so I think it's great."
Rodarte said fitness is extremely important for people to maintain, not just during Heart Health Month but every month.
"With the rate of heart disease, diabetes and obesity continually going up, I believe people are starting to become more aware of their health and they are making changes, she said. "Fitness Classes may not be their solution, but maybe they are doing personal training. Either way, our overall goal is to provide the resources and services to help provide our patrons to meet their goals they desire."
She said anyone struggling with getting into working out because of being nervous about being judged should give it a chance.
"I was just like them at one time," she said. "We get so inside our own mind about taking classes. We feel like we may be singled out or embarrassed because we say, 'I can't do that exercise perfectly.'
"Ultimately, you have to start somewhere," she said. "The biggest step you will ever take is that first step into the studio. Once you've gone through a class with our instructors, you walk out thinking, 'Oh, that wasn't that bad.' While still feeling you got a great workout. Then you get up and do it all over again. It's a never-ending battle. But the more you do, the more confidence you will build in yourself."
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