JB Charleston stays fit throughout winter

by Senior Airman Dennis Sloan
Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

11/29/2012 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Whether it's jumping rope, running, performing squats or push-ups, the community members at the Joint Base Charleston - Air Base Fitness Center are not letting the cooler fall weather put a freeze on their fitness regiments.

The fitness center offers CrossFit classes every week for community members looking to break out of their rut of just lifting weights or hours of cardio.

"We are all volunteers who take turns teaching and running CrossFit classes throughout the week," said Senior Airman Michael Sellers, a volunteer CrossFit coach from 315th Airlift Wing.

The one-hour classes consist of several different exercises such weightlifting, calisthenics and running.

"We rarely do the same workout from one day to the next," said Master Sgt. Steven Hart, 628th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant and volunteer CrossFit coach. "The whole point of CrossFit is to not get in a routine - we use muscle confusion to stay fit."

Whether a person has been performing CrossFit for years or has no experience, the coaches guide them throughout the workout.

"If someone is new we make sure to take them to the side and demonstrate the exercises so they do not hurt themselves," said Sellers. "We encourage everybody to come out and try CrossFit."

CrossFit classes are held Monday through Friday at 6 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. A class is also held Saturday at 10 a.m.

"I recommend that people try the class more than once," said Sellers. "It took me about three sessions to really understand it and get into a groove. Once that happened I was addicted and have not stopped."

The CrossFit classes are open to anyone who is able to use the fitness centers on base.

The Fitness Center offers several other fitness classes including Yoga/Pilates, step aerobics, spin and even Salsa classes for those that like to dance their way to a healthy lifestyle.

· Yoga/Pilates- Monday and Wednesday from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.
· Step Aerobics- Monday and Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m.
· Spin- Wednesday and Friday from 6:15 to 7 a.m.
· Salsa- Tuesday at 6 p.m. for beginners and 7 p.m. for intermediate.

For more information regarding the CrossFit classes and other fitness classes at the Air Base Fitness Center call 963-3347. The Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station Fitness Center also hosts several fitness classes to include: circuit training, Yoga, High Intensity Interval Training and Zumba. For more information on fitness classes at the Weapons Station Fitness Center call 764-4173.