FORT RUCKER, Ala. (January 17, 2013) -- With a new year comes new resolutions for many people, and none may be more common than the resolution to get in shape and Fort Rucker has an entire repertoire of fitness options to help people get started.
From its two fitness facilities, bike trails and intramural sports options, people should have no problem finding something that fits their fitness needs, according to Aimee McDonough, fitness specialist at Fortenberry-Colton Physical Fitness Facility.
"We've got a large variety of fitness choices for people to choose from, especially when it comes to our fitness classes," she said. "We've got everything from Yoga, for stretching; weightlifting and Strong Bodies, for strength training; Zumba, for cardio; and cardio/strength intervals, for a combination workout."
There are even options for low-impact workouts like spin classes and H20 shred and tread, which utilizes weights and water resistance to give a better workout.
"Low-impact workouts are good for some people because they may have joint issues or some other type of injury, and these types of workouts are easy on their bodies," said McDonough.
Classes are held at both the Fortenberry-Colton PFF and the Fort Rucker PFF, and all together the installation offers up to 49 regular classes a week, plus weekend classes.
The classes cost $3.50 per class, $7.50 per week or $30 a month, which allows people to take as many classes they want at their leisure. People can also choose to try any one class for free, as well as any spin class for free.
Along with classes that people can take, there are other options like the rock wall at Fortenberry-Colton, or the use of exercise equipment and free weights for people who like to do their workouts individually.
For those who are just getting back into working out or working out for the first time, McDonough recommends that they take one of the classes offered to start off, or talk to one of the fitness specialists at the fitness facilities to work out a fitness plan.
"Most importantly, if people are starting their workouts, they should start out simple," she said. "If people start working out and they go too hard at it, they can get discouraged or even get injured, so it's important to take it slow. Start by walking outside or on a treadmill, or come to one of our classes that we offer and we can modify just about any class to fit the person's fitness level."
The fitness facilities also offer free fitness assessments that the fitness specialists can perform, as well as writing out a personalized workout schedule for individuals that are motivated enough and feel that they can handle the workouts on their own, according to McDonough.
For those who are less motivated, however, the fitness facilities offer personal trainers, at a cost, that can help them along.
Fort Rucker's fitness facilities also offer workouts and classes for different levels of fitness. Most of the classes offered cater to most ranges of fitness, but some, like Boot Camp, caters to those with a higher level of fitness.
"We recommend that people have at least a small base of fitness before signing up for the Boot Camp," said McDonough, adding that it's a six-week course offered three times a year in spring, winter and fall, and although the current Boot Camp has already started, people can still join at a prorated rate.
When it comes to resolutions, McDonough said that people shouldn't make a resolution to get fit, but make a life decision to do so because people tend to set themselves up for failure by setting unrealistic goals.
"I think people should be deliberate about their workouts all year round," she said. "Don't say, 'I'm going to lose 50 pounds by swimsuit season!' Set a smaller, short-term goal to maybe lose a pound by the next week -- just take it one day at a time."
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