#PetePerformance: Aerobics

  • Published
  • By Michael Golembesky
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  (This article is a part of a six-week series focusing on Comprehensive Airman Fitness. For more information on #PetePerformance, Like "Peterson AFB: 21st Space Wing" on Facebook.)

Have you become bored with your regular workout routine? Why not look into the large selection of aerobics classes hosted at the Peterson Fitness Center; they are sure to get your heart pumping and muscles moving.

Being in good physical shape is a way of life for Airmen, and with aerobics many service members are having fun while maintaining that standard.

"I love Zumba. Zumba is a party, Zumba is fun, you get to scream, you get to relax and you get a workout at the same time," said Rivera Eliza Sylvette, Zumba instructor and 21st Civil Engineer Squadron water quality program manager.

The Fitness Center has contracted a larger variety of aerobics classes to choose from including Boot Camp, Boxercise, Interval, Kickboxing, Pilates, Spin Abs, Strength, Super Step, Triple Threat, Yoga Tone and Zumba. There is a small fee for the Zumba and Boxercise classes of $3 or you can purchase a monthly pass for $35.

Not only are aerobics classes fun, they can also offer a healthy way to help manage stress associated with military life.

"It is the best way to relax and work your body; its good not only for your physical body, it is also good for your inside," said Sylvette. "You get to relieve a lot of stress so it makes you more at ease with yourself, more at peace."

Aerobics may not be for everyone but Sylvette recommends giving it a try first.

"If you are a dancer at heart, you will love Zumba; if you ever found yourself dancing as a kid or dancing in the kitchen when you are cooking, you are going to enjoy Zumba," said Sylvette with a smile on her face.

In addition to Zumba, many Airmen find yoga to have serious physical benefits when coupled with other exercising regimens like running.

Maj. Tim Parker, 21st Space Wing Plans and Programs chief, is not only an avid long-distance runner but also a yoga student.

"I do it to gain greater range of motion, flexibility and to help build stronger core strength," said Parker.

Besides feeling good and staying in shape, aerobic classes also offer a lot of long-term medical health benefits.

"Aerobic exercise helps keep excess weight off when combined with a healthy diet, improves mood, boosts your immune system, increases stamina, strengthens your heart and also helps keep our minds sharp as we age," said Capt. Irena Farlik, 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Aerospace and Operational Physiology Operations office in charge. "It also reduces the risk of developing obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer."

But before you start heading to the gym to get your aerobics on, there are a few simple signup rules you need to be aware of.

Active duty service members have priority and must sign up 30 minutes prior. Family members (minimum age is 16), retirees, DOD civilians and Reservists may sign up 15 minutes prior to class time. Contractors are admitted on a space-available basis by signing up five minutes prior and must be ready to participate by the start of class.

For information about classes and how to sign-up, call 556-4462 or go to http://www.21fss.com.

 

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