FORT KNOX, Ky. — Zumba. Yoga. Step aerobics. HIIT training.
These are just a few of the many fitness classes and opportunities Fort Knox Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation provides the community for some fun ways to get in shape. Gammon Fitness Center is home to all of these and more based on customer feedback.
“I talk to the patrons who go to classes, and I ask them if there’s something new or different that they would like to see,” said April Robinson, manager of Gammon as well as a personal trainer. “A lot of the classes are based on class participation. If a class isn’t doing well, we try a different day or time that works better.”
As a result of feedback and analysis, Robinson said they have come up with what works best for patrons here.
“It was quite the puzzle, but we finally figured it out,” said Robinson.
HIIT Training.
Called High Intensity Interval Training, HIIT (pronounced HIT) classes focus on cardio and strength within the same workout. Experts say the real value of HIIT is when trainers alternate short bursts of timed anaerobic exercise with brief periods of recovery.
The goal, according to the experts, is to reach exhaustion by the end of each session.
“We have a variety of HIIT classes,” said Robinson. “They all have the same end result, but they’re just structured a little differently.”
One of those classes is what Robinson calls “Body Bootcamp,” featuring circuit training. Robinson said an Army colonel leads the classes on Monday and Wednesday mornings and uses the circuit training concept to help Soldiers prepare for the Army Combat Fitness Test.
“He does a variety of circuit training that helps people get stronger for the ACFT, so he’ll have weighted exercises and endurance exercises,” said Robinson. “He works on cardio – a lot of things you need to focus on for the ACFT.”
Though the intent is to improve fitness test scores, any authorized member of the center can participate. Authorized members include Soldiers, retirees, civilian employees and their family members.
Spin classes.
In the past, spin classes have been popular among Fort Knox community members. Like the Body Bootcamp, spin classes are run by Soldiers. Classes at Gammon are on Thursdays at 6 a.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.
Robinson said spin classes might be her favorite way to get fit.
“Spin class is one of those things you can never be stronger than the bike,” said Robinson. “There’s always improvement for everyone, whether it’s your cardio, whether it’s your strength – finding that inner motivation to dig deep.
“It’s really you against the bike.”
Zumba.
Probably one of the more popular classes now, Zumba instructors offer a variety of dance styles and music. The classes are run by paid FMWR instructors.
Part of what Army leaders call Holistic Health and Fitness, or H2F, Zumba, yoga and other fitness regimens are featured in theArmy Field Manual 7-22, released in 2020. What made the update revolutionary, according to Army officials, is an acknowledgement that individual Soldiers’ needs are different.
As a result, Zumba provides an opportunity for Soldiers and civilians alike to mix fitness with dance.
“One instructor is actually a retiree. She retired from the Army,” said Robinson. “She has volunteered for years doing the Zumba but she’s now an employee.”
Robinson said all the instructors are highly knowledgeable, having taught their classes for years.
Yoga.
Another member of the holistic H2F model is yoga. Robinson said they have two instructors who lead those classes.
One class, led by a paid MWR employee, meets on Tuesday nights and focuses on more traditional forms of yoga that works on body strength through a flow of poses. The other instructor is a spouse of a retiree and focuses her classes more on mobility.
“The mobility classes are going to work more on range of motion and stretches that encourage it,” said Robinson.
Robinson said they regularly come up with new exciting ways to keep patrons motivated.
“We always try to do special events with our group fitness classes,” said Robinson. “I once did what I call a ‘Spinmosa’ class. We had a spin class and then after that, they got a mimosa.”
Another popular twist to the classes is what Robinson calls “Wine and Yoga.” Those are often conducted at Camp Carlson. Another big event is the annual Zumba marathon.
Fun with fitness.
Robinson said one important factor they have learned from all the classes is the ebb and flow of participation.
“We kind of go with it,” said Robinson. “We have learned that you have to promote it, get the word out that these classes are variable. That’s where a lot of my focus has been.”
Robinson said having fun while hanging out with others is the best part of all the classes.
“I love it when people have a good time as they’re working out,” said Robinson. “I get asked a lot, ‘Is this class better than this class?’ and ‘What’s the best exercise?’ It’s really about whatever keeps you moving. If you’re not going to enjoy it, you’re not going to stick with it.”
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Editor’s Note: The main information site for interested patrons to go is the Fort Knox FMWR Facebook page HERE. There are also posters located at the various fitness centers. For more information, call 502-624-4033.
