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Stay fit through holidays with strength training class

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The free Muscle Max strength training class at the Fitness Annex is available to help anyone with base access maintain their fitness through the holiday season and year-round.

"This class offers a full body, balanced workout," said Alison DeCaro, health promotion coordinator at Eglin's hospital and class instructor.  "When someone comes to me wanting strength training to improve their fitness, I refer them to this class to learn proper form and technique."

The class targets the major muscle groups, utilizing dumbbells, body weight, medicine balls and weighted bars, all of which help with core stability and balance, said DeCaro, who has been teaching some form of the class here for 18 years.

Tech. Sgt. Adrienne Tarin-Yatco, of the 96th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, has attended the class for two years.

"I'm more of a cardio person," she said.  "I like to run a lot, but I also need to incorporate building and strengthening my muscles.  The class helped target different parts of my body that I previously neglected."

DeCaro said the strength training class is great for someone just starting out, a service member needing a little help to pass their fitness test, or a retiree who wants to maintain fitness in their later years.

Janet Torrey, wife of retired Air Force Lt. Col. Paul Torrey, has maintained her strength training regimen for 12 years.  "It keeps me in shape and healthy," she said.  "I'm getting older, and I need to stay flexible and active.  I recommend this class to anyone."

DeCaro said physical activity and fitness is her passion.  Staying physically fit decreases the chances for obesity; lowers stress, blood pressure and cholesterol levels; and promotes better eating habits, she added.

The search for a solution for her chronic back pain brought Ghada Laroux, of the 782nd Test Squadron, to the class a year-and-a-half ago.

"Since I've been coming to the class, I don't have pain anymore," she said.  "My back muscles have gotten stronger.  It's an awesome class.  I can't wait for Tuesdays and Thursdays to get here."

DeCaro believes collective support makes strong individuals. 

"People seem to work out better in a group environment, when they're supported by others," DeCaro said.  "They tend to push themselves harder in class, than they would if they were out there on their own."

Class sizes vary during the holiday season depending on schedules, said DeCaro.  The average class size is 15 to 20 people, but DeCaro usually sees an increase after New Year's Day.

Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon.  For more information, call 883-8020.