MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Music reverberated throughout the gym as sweaty riders cycled their way through miles of calories during a spin class offered through the Marine Corps Community Services’ Aerobics Program.
The program offers a wide-range of classes nearly every day of the week, including classes for new mothers such as mommy and baby, and stroller class. Other classes include step, spin, muscle mania, Pilates, stability ball, power yoga, Zumba, kickboxing and water aerobics.
“The program is a great way to get yourself into a healthy lifestyle,” said Yvonne Warfield, the aerobics coordinator for the Combat Center. “It is a great way to relieve stress and start your day off right.”
The East and West Gym and Fitness Centers, the Community Center and the Family and Officers’ Pools are all used for various classes. Units can also request a training session in any of the classes throughout the week.
Warfield said many Marines prefer using the Aerobics Program because they are a lot more fun than a regular run, which makes the unit as a whole more willing to put forth an effort during physical training.
“Sometimes we get guys out here who think a certain class is going to be easy, but once they do it, they find it a lot more difficult than they thought,” said Warfield, a San Fernando Valley, Calif., native. “Those guys always leave with a new-found appreciation for what we do.”
Nickie Dietz, who participates in the spin class three times a week, said the whole program is awesome, but is especially impressed with the spin class.
“It’s great to be able to come out here and burn a high amount of calories in only a little bit of time,” said Dietz, from San Antonio.
Heather Mitchell, who leads a spin class, said her class was great for everyone because it was based on how the cyclists rate their own strength on a one-to-ten scale.
“When I say go to a six, there isn’t a set number on the bike,” Mitchell said. “It is all what you perceive your six is. So my six is going to be completely different from [others’].”
For more information about the program or to schedule a session for unit PT, contact Warfield at 830-3381. To view the aerobics calendar, visit http://www.mccs29palms.com/calendars/aerobics.html.