Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. -- With national obesity on the rise and health concerns becoming a more relevant issue than ever, people are constantly seeking ways to improve their fitness levels and overall health.
One of the many fitness classes offered at the AS-4400 Fitness Center aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River is the Functional Toning class.
The class covers many fitness aspects that are desirable to improving your overall health and wellness.
“We perform the class in a circuit fashion, spending a set amount of time at a number of different workout stations,” said Michele Hughes, AS-4400 group fitness instructor. “The benefit of circuit training is it keeps the body constantly moving and you maintain a constantly-elevated heart rate.”
The workouts in the class vary, are interchangeable and can include weight, cardio and core training.
“I like to have the exercises arranged so that one is a functional toning workout and the next is cardio,” said Hughes. “This way the class can keep in a constant state of motion with an elevated heart rate without over exhausting any certain body part.”
The workouts included can range from weighted jumping jacks and Bosu ball toe touches to bicep curls or tricep dips.
“I love how interactive the class is,” said Tonia Brown, class participant. “The class is a great workout because it covers not only the muscle-toning aspect but cardio as well and it’s great for the whole body.”
The workouts in the class can be modified in a number of ways. Changes can vary from using heavier weights to those modifying the form to make them easier.
“The way that the class is structured and the instructors who lead it are perfect,” said Christina Jordan, class participant. “The class is great for everyone and the instructors keep you constantly moving and motivated.”