Fort Rucker Families 'stay in shape, have fun'

By Russell Sellers, Army Flier StaffMay 27, 2010

Fort Rucker Families 'stay in shape, have fun'
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Fort Rucker Families 'stay in shape, have fun'
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation treated Commissary patrons to a Family Fun Fitness Festival May 21-23.

Passersby had the opportunity to see demonstrations of various exercise and training techniques available to them at the Fortenberry-Colton Physical Fitness Facility or in the comfort of their own homes.

"This is a good opportunity for kids and Families to find out about different activities they can do that help them stay in shape and have fun at the same time," Caroline Driscoll, fitness program coordinator for DFMWR, said. "It also lets them see the caliber of instructors we have available at our gym."

Jo Walker is a personal trainer at Fortenberry-Colton where she teaches a jump rope class. As a demonstrator Friday, she hoped to spark interest in her classes.

"Jump rope is something anybody can do and it's a lot of fun when you add music to it," Walker said. "I'm hoping people will want to come out to the gym and sign up for the course after they've seen it demonstrated."

Walker started jumping rope as a hobby but it quickly turned into something more and she wants to pass that along to as many people as possible. The festival was a good way to get more attention from the community, she said.

DFMWR Recreation Delivery System Program Manager Brian Jackson was the event coordinator. He also hoped to see a positive response from the community as a result of the festival.

"We hope that (the demonstrations) and information offered will help people make better choices with fitness and eating habits," Jackson said. "But, we also hope people will enjoy themselves in the process."

Along with jump rope, participants watched Zumba, Yoga, core strength training, ab workouts and hula hoop demonstrations.

"This was a good way to promote the partnership between places like the Commissary and the post," Col. Yvette Kelley, garrison commander, said. "It's also a wonderful way to showcase what programs are available to (Soldiers and Families)."

Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers also participated in the festivities by giving participants an opportunity to experience the effects of intoxication with a set of "fatal goggles."

"(The goggles) warp a person's vision and lets them see what it's like when they've had too much to drink," Melissa Archuleta, a BOSS volunteer, said. "We hope this will show people they're not OK to drive if they reach this point."

In addition to the demonstrations, DFMWR also gave away prizes to people who decided to participate in certain activities. Adults and children were given chances to win a free round of golf at Silver Wings Golf Course if they could sink a single putt, or a free game at Rucker Lanes for bowling a strike at the prize booth.