Fitness classes offer a variety of civilian wellness options

  • Published
  • By Chuck Paone
  • 66 ABW Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Hanscom civilian employees looking to begin or sustain wellness efforts have many options available to them, but one thing is clear: they don't have to go it alone. 

"Fitness classes can be a great way for people to come in and exercise in a group setting and enjoy the benefits of camaraderie," said base fitness specialist and certified physical trainer Paul Shoesmith. "Most people who take group classes really wind up feeling like they're part of a team, and they build some great friendships along the way."
 
The Hanscom Fitness Center offers a wide variety of classes ranging from aerobics to boxing. A full list of classes, most of which are free to Hanscom ID holders, can be found at www.HanscomServices.com. 

Among the main benefits derived from joining a class is increasing one's comfort level with various exercises and equipment, Mr. Shoesmith said.
 
"We want to help them become comfortable because that allows them to gain the confidence they need to get and stay fit," he said. "Classes help people learn how to do different types of exercise, so they can vary their fitness routines." 

This is important for several reasons. For one, people often get bored with a repetitive regimen, and are less likely to stay with it as a result. 

"Variety is also important to maximize exercise efficiency," Mr. Shoesmith said. "If I do the same thing every day - even it's something like running 10 miles - then that's all my body is prepared to do, all it ever expects to do."
 
Mr. Shoesmith said that ultimate workout benefits come when all core muscles groups are worked. He also emphasized the importance of learning to exercise properly and "under control." 

"You'll get a lot more out of an exercise routine if you do," he said, noting that he often observes people who have been doing things for years without ever having learned or incorporated the right techniques. 

Classes help everyone get started - or re-started, when necessary - the right way.
"Then they'll do it the right way for life," Mr. Shoesmith said. 

This dovetails with the main intent of the civilian wellness initiative put forth by 66th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Dave 'Iron' Orr, according to Fitness Center Director Jerry Turnbow.
 
"The idea is to help people make fitness a regular, productive and enjoyable part of their life, so they'll stay healthy over the long term," he said. "Our fitness classes offer people a great way to get on that path." 

Mr. Turnbow believes people are starting to get that message, as overall class enrollment numbers were up in January and February. However, all classes still have plenty of room. 

"From the surveys we've conducted, and just from talking with people, we know the biggest factor in someone deciding not to join a class is the fear that they're not good enough at whatever the activity is," he said. 

However, the whole idea of attending classes is for people to learn and get better as they go along. 

"All of the instructors know we're going to get people with very different skill and experience levels, and we're more than willing to tailor the classes for each member," Mr. Shoesmith said. "We're also aware that some people have certain physical limitations, and we're always happy to help them work around those limitations, suggesting alterative exercises when they can't perform a certain routine." 

The bottom line, these specialists say, is that classes are not about forcing everyone to 'keep up with the pack.' Rather, they're about helping each individual maximize his or her potential. 

"It's about working with your fitness level and your skill level, and helping you maintain and improve them," Mr. Shoesmith said.