No excuses!

Published Jan. 30, 2017
By Steve Kotecki
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Have you already given up on your New Year’s resolution to get fit in 2017? It can be hard to keep up with those goals, especially over a whole year. There are two new classes at the Peterson Air Force Base Fitness Center that should get anyone excited about working out, being fit and maintaining their resolutions.
The first class is Functional Fitness. The class, which began in September, utilizes high intensity circuit training.
The instructors for the class are all Crossfit Level 1 certified. Classes are given several times a week, with the introductory classes given on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7 a.m.
Functional Fitness is designed to be a total body workout aimed at athletic fitness. The exercises use cardio training combined with weight lifting to try to achieve maximum results. The workouts are intense and demanding on the body.
“Good form is the key to everything you do,” said Senior Airman Garth Salmon, 21st Force Support Squadron, personal trainer. “Maintaining good form is important to making sure you reduce injury as well as maximize your effort for the results that you want.”
Besides the introductory classes, there are also intermediate and advanced classes offered on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
These classes aren’t meant to dissuade beginners because the trainers will work with anyone of any skill level.
“Being there and acting as a spotter is very important. It’s important to correct any mistakes in form that someone might have before it becomes a bad habit,” said Salmon.
Once someone has become familiar with the exercises and movements, they don’t have to attend a scheduled class. The Function Fitness room is open during normal business hours at the Fitness Center and can be used by anyone.
Besides the Functional Fitness class, there’s also a new class called Total Body Sculpting being offered at 5-6 p.m., starting Feb 1.
Total Body Sculpting is a class designed by Salmon to “get just a little bit more than toned,” he said.
“It’s not about being huge,” Salmon said, “it’s about getting your body ready for summer, getting that beach body you want to show off.”
The class uses weights, strength training and traditional movements to achieve the tone with Salmon there to give tips and instruction when needed.
Both classes, while different, are great ways to get in shape and vary up the exercises so they don’t become repetitive.
“By changing up the routine, it keeps it interesting. Otherwise it gets boring and won’t motivate people to work their hardest,” said Salmon.
“The difference between the two classes might be that Functional Fitness is aimed to increase strength and athleticism through high impact training and Total Body Sculpting is to tone the body through a steady workout that’s a little slower and more focused,” Salmon added.
No matter which class you take, you’ll be sure to get the workout you need to maintain those New Year’s reservations.
For more information and to sign up for classes, stop by the front desk at the fitness center or call 556-4462.