Fort Bragg facilities offer group exercise classes

By Tina Ray/ParaglideJuly 13, 2012

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fitness is about better health, not about burning calories or watching on a scale.

It's the message that Tammi Nelson, a group fitness instructor at Hercules Fitness Center on Pope Field, tries to convey to everyone who takes classes at the center.

On Friday, Nelson was conducting a spinning class of Soldiers, Family members and civilian employees who are in pursuit of better health.

"It's obviously a great cardiovascular workout, but it also helps create definition and build muscle in the lower body," said Nelson, who is a longtime fitness instructor and an Army spouse and mother.

Exercise benefits various muscle groups including the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings and bicep brachii, said Nelson, who holds various certifications including ones with the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and with the American College of Sports Medicine.

Spinning burns 600 to 800 calories an hour, but clients should focus more on wellness than on the number of calories burned, Nelson said.

Why?

There are many variables that affect the amount of calories burned such as body mass index, age, body type and gender, that it's a moot point.

For Bethany Bailey, an Army spouse who has been attending spin class for three to four months, the workout has its advantages.

"It gives me energy. It's fun. It's not a boring workout," she said.

A Soldier (name withheld) said he began attending the class on the recommendation of his first sergeant.

"It's pretty intense," he said.

Korynn Drake, Hercules Fitness Center manager, said she is a regular participant in spinning class and enjoys it because of better health and fitness.

Spinning class is just one option for customers, said Nelson, who also teaches a muscles class (uses barbells to build strength), zumba and yoga.

While recent changes to Fort Bragg's group fitness menu include a $3 charge for exercise classes at Towle Courts and at Dahl and Hercules fitness centers, discounted punch cards are available for purchase at Leisure Travel Services in the Reilly Road Mini Mall.

Punch cards will be offered with no expiration date for $25 for 10 classes and 30 classes for $65. Single class tokens will be available at the Hercules and Dahl fitness centers and at Towle Courts, but exact change will be required for token purchases.

For more information, visit www.fortbraggmwr.com or call 432-6493.