Aerobathon gets blood pumping

Photo By Pvt. Kourtney Grimes | Army Sgt. 1st Class Rene Bauer with the J1 JPC dances to the bumping Zumba music at Deinich Gym, March 12. The Zumba class Bauer is participating in is the first event of the MWR sponsored Aerobathon.  

GUANTANAMO BAY , CUBA

03.12.2014

Story by Pvt. Kourtney Grimes 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – “Step, two, three, four and kick, two, three, four,” echoed off the walls at Denich Gym alongside upbeat music, Tuesday at the MWR’s Aerobathon. This heart-pumping event, open to all MWR patrons, featured some of the exercise classes offered at the gyms on post every week but in a marathon style.

This intense workout session wasn’t the first of its kind here at GTMO. The evening’s agenda consisted of 20-minute sessions of Zumba, step aerobics and kickboxing, giving the participants a good idea of what the classes are really like.

“We host Aerobathons each quarter,” said Joseph Belt, MWR coordinator. “It provides the community a taste of what we offer on our group exercise schedule. It helps answer any questions about class descriptions.”

While some are opposed to exercise classes and stick to the gym, Belt explains that, because the classes are composed of traditional exercises, they are sweat-inducing workouts that leave you sore for days. For example, movements like curls, bench presses and jumping jacks are often incorporated into power training classes.

Beyond being a great workout, the sessions are a good way for colleagues to hang out away from the workplace and relieve some stress.

“Fitness classes build community,” said Belt. “Groups of friends or co-workers can link up to relieve the day’s stress by going to a group cycling session.”

By the reactions of the patrons who attended, it is evident that the Aerobathon was successful.

“It was really challenging,” said Lt. Cmdr. Temperance Huffstetler, staff judge advocate, Naval Station Guantanamo. “It was a great way to see all of the classes they offer. I hope they continue to offer the variety and number of classes offered here.”

Belt is planning to continue to offer this class again in the summer. It’s a great way to get units exercising together outside of the gym.

“It shows them [troopers] that we are here to support the mission and fitness is the mission,” said Belt. “An active unit is a great unit. Physical fitness is an important asset that keeps the forces in top shape to complete any mission.”

• Date Taken: 03.12.2014
• Date Posted: 03.20.2014 15:45
• Story ID: 122308
• Location: GUANTANAMO BAY , CU