Warrior athletes train with versatility

Photo By Sgt. Tyler Vernaza | Warrior training is one of several fitness classes offered by Marine Corps Community Services Semper Fit for Marines and Status of Forces Agreement Personnel on Okinawa. The goal of each class is to teach service members ways to stay healthy, physically fit and reach personal physical fitness goals.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

03.18.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Tyler Vernaza 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - Service members and Status of Forces Agreement personnel can participate in warrior training at the Camp Hansen North Gym to stay in shape and add diversity to their physical fitness routines.

Warrior training is a workout program held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Camp Hansen Gym and is targeted toward the warrior athlete.

Each session incorporates the entire body and provides a physical training environment that breaks up the monotony of regular physical training sessions, according to Earl Strong, fitness instructor with Marine Corps Community Services.

“The best part of the training is that it’s so versatile and accommodates most ages,” said Strong. “These are simple, functional exercises to keep the body healthy and strong.”
It has clearly become an advantage in the fight to stay in shape, condition for sports and improve physical fitness and combat fitness test scores, Strong added.

“The workout they did is a metabolic workout, where they worked on cardiovascular conditioning and muscular endurance,” said Strong. “Done correctly, they should be burning calories even a day or two afterwards.”

To accomplish the goal of getting the most arduous workout in the shortest amount of time, participants often do squats with barbells, kettle bell lifts and 200-meter sprints after warming up with planks, pull-ups and lunges.

“I love coming to warrior training. It’s a great workout and it’s something new every day,” said David Figueroa, participant.

Figueroa, a regular at the Camp Hansen Gym, attends the class with many of the other young Marines who call the gym their home away from home.

“It’s a butt-kicker,” said Ian Brady, warrior training enthusiast, who brought his wife along. “I’ve been here a few times and I keep coming back because it’s never the same thing twice.”

To learn more about how to stay in shape, or to get involved in a fitness class, call or visit any MCCS fitness center or join MCCS on Facebook.

• Date Taken: 03.18.2011
• Date Posted: 03.18.2011 00:27
• Story ID: 67248
• Location: OKINAWA, JP