Fort Knox FMWR offers several ways to stay healthy year-round.article

Fort Knox, Kentucky — Zumba. yoga. step aerobics. HIIT training.

These are just a few of the many fitness classes and opportunities that Fort Knox Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation offer our community, offering fun ways to stay healthy. Gammon Fitness Center has all of these based on customer feedback.

“I talk to the regulars who go to my classes and ask if they would like to see something new and different,” said April Robinson, Gammon’s manager and personal trainer. “Much of the class is based on class participation. If I’m not doing well in class, I try a different day or time that is more effective.”

After feedback and analysis, Robinson said they found what works best for patrons here.

“It was quite a mystery, but we finally figured it out,” Robinson said.

HIIT training.

HIIT (pronounced HIT) classes, known as high-intensity interval training, focus on cardio and strength building within the same workout. Experts say the real value of HIIT is that trainers alternate short periods of anaerobic exercise with short periods of recovery.

The goal, experts say, is to reach exhaustion by the end of each session.

“There are a variety of HIIT classes,” Robinson says. “The end result is all the same, just the structure is a little different.”

One such class is what Robinson calls “Body Bootcamp,” which features circuit training. Robinson said the Army colonel leads classes on Monday and Wednesday mornings, using circuit training concepts to help Soldiers prepare for the Army Combat Physical Fitness Test.

“He does a variety of circuit training to help people get stronger for the ACFT, so he will be doing weight training and endurance training,” Robinson said. “He’s working on his cardio. He’s working on a lot of things that he needs to focus on for ACFT.”

The goal is to improve physical fitness test scores, but any certified member of the center can participate. Certified members include soldiers, veterans, military civilians, and their families.

spin class.

In the past, spin classes have been popular among Fort Knox community members. Similar to body boot camp, spin classes are also run by soldiers.Gammon classes are Thursdays at 6 a.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Robinson said spin class may be her favorite way to stay healthy.

“Spin class is one of those things where you can’t get as strong as you can on the bike,” Robinson said. “There’s always improvement for everyone, whether it’s cardio or strength. It’s about finding the inner motivation to dig deep.

“You’re actually competing against the bike.”

Zumba.

Probably one of the most popular classes currently, Zumba instructors offer a variety of dance styles and music. Classes are run by his paid FMWR instructors.

Some of what Army leaders call holistic health and fitness – H2F, Zumba, yoga and other fitness regimens – are featured in Army Field Manual 7-22, released in 2020. There is. Army officials say what makes this update revolutionary is the realization that: Each soldier’s needs are different.

As a result, Zumba offers soldiers and civilians alike the opportunity to combine fitness and dance.

“One instructor is actually retired. She retired from the Army,” Robinson said. “She volunteered for Zumba for years, but she’s now an employee.”

Robinson said all of the instructors have been teaching classes for years and are very knowledgeable.

yoga.

Another member of the holistic H2F model is yoga. Robinson said there are two instructors who teach those classes.

One class, led by a paid MWR employee, is held on Tuesday nights and focuses on a more traditional form of yoga that builds strength through a series of poses. Another instructor is the spouse of a retiree, and her classes focus on mobility.

“In the mobility class, we will be working more on range of motion and stretching to encourage it,” Robinson said.

Robinson said he regularly comes up with new and exciting ways to keep patrons motivated.

“We always try to have special events with our group fitness classes,” Robinson says. “I once did what was called a ‘spin mosa’ class. We took a spin class and then got mimosas.”

Another popular twist for classes is what Robinson calls “wine and yoga.” These are often held at Camp Carlson. Another big event is the annual Zumba Marathon.

Have fun with fitness.

Robinson said one of the key elements he learned from every class was the rise and fall of participants.

“We’re all for it,” Robinson said. “We learned that we need to promote it and get the information out that these classes are variable. That’s where I’ve been putting a lot of focus.”
Robinson said having fun with others is the best part of every class.

“I love seeing people working out and having a good time,” Robinson said. “I’m often asked, ‘Is this class better than this?'” “What’s the best exercise?” It’s really all about what keeps you moving. If you aren’t going to enjoy it, you won’t be able to continue doing it. ”

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Editor’s note: The main information site that interested patrons should visit is Fort Knox. Click here for FMWR Facebook page. Posters are also posted at various fitness centers. For more information, call 502-624-4033.