Volunteer instructor helps keep deployed military fit to fight

Photo By Kevin Nichols | Tech. Sgt. Joann Clifford, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineers Squadron plans and operations noncommissioned officer in charge, deployed from the 914 CES, Niagara Falls ARS, N.Y., leads a Zumba fitness class at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Feb. 25, 2016. Fitness classes such as these are designed to help keep deployed members fit to fight and are led by volunteer military and civilian instructors.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.01.2016

Story by Master Sgt. Kevin Nichols 

386th Air Expeditionary Wing

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - Staying fit to fight during a deployment can sometimes be a challenge. However, thanks to volunteer instructors some otherwise unavailable sports activities are made possible.

One such volunteer has turned her enthusiasm and dance ability into an opportunity for others to stay physically fit. Tech. Sgt. Joann Clifford, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineers Squadron plans and operations noncommissioned officer in charge, deployed from the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York, gives of her time and talent as a Zumba instructor.

Zumba is a high energy aerobic workout based mostly on Latin and Hip Hop dance styles. Its health benefits include increased cardiovascular activity and the ability to burn 700 calories in an hour.

“It’s also a lot of fun which makes it a cardio routine that is easier to stick with than most other exercises,” said Clifford.

Clifford had been taking Zumba classes for about a year and lost a total of 30 lbs. During that time she became good friends with the instructor that taught the class who encouraged her to become a licensed instructor.

“I wanted to teach because I wanted to be able to pass my success along to others who may be struggling to get fit and have fun doing so.”

Having been an instructor stateside for the past year, Clifford saw a base advertisement here looking for volunteer fitness instructors.

“I noticed [the Force Support Squadron] was looking for certified instructors for all ranges of classes via [their] newsletter. All I had to do was present a copy of my certificate and my CPR card to be added to the schedule.”

According to Clifford there are fitness challenges to overcome in a deployed environment.

“I think there are a number of challenges that we face here,” said Clifford. “The workers in the dining facility give out overly large portions which can lead to over eating if you aren’t careful, and some Airmen work an off schedule which can interfere with a good workout routine. Zumba is often geared more toward women, though a lot of men enjoy it as well. Since many things in the military are geared more toward men, this class will offer women more variety in their workout choices.”

After the challenges of staying healthy while deployed are over it is equally important to stay fit at home.

“Fitness is always important because if we are not physically healthy we are not able to fully engage in life. Whether its family time or work, everything suffers when we are not physically at our best,” says Clifford.

• Date Taken: 03.01.2016
• Date Posted: 03.24.2016 09:57
• Story ID: 193379
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)