Aerobathon seeks to spark fitness interest

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica McConnell
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Team Minot Airmen and their families spent three hours working up a sweat during the McAdoo Sports and Fitness Center's Aerobathon here, Nov. 3.

"The aerobathon is an event that challenges individuals to work out for three entire hours," said Marliana Hwa, lead fitness instructor at the fitness center. "The three-hour long session included a mix of many different styles of aerobics, ranging from Circuit, Zumba, Spin, TurboKick and many more. There were two different sessions going on to allow participants to choose which type of workout they preferred."

The sessions rotated approximately every 15 minutes to allow participants to take part in the variety of workouts. Hwa said changing the sessions every fifteen minutes was beneficial to participants in many ways.

"Participants were able to work many different areas of their body," said Hwa. "Training ranged from whole body toning sessions to cardio sessions. Rotating the sessions also helped participants stay engaged in the workouts and therefore made them more likely to make it through the three-hour span. Aerobathons are designed to be similar to that of a marathon."

Hwa said individuals were encouraged to participate for the whole three hours for the best results, however it was not required.

"The aerobathon was open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for people to come and go as they please," continued Hwa. "If participants needed a break or didn't want to try one of the sessions, other activities at the fitness center were available. There was also a schedule posted to allow participants to pick and choose what sessions they wanted to partake in."

Not only did participants get the chance to work out, but they also had an opportunity to learn about many of the different services the base has to offer to help Airmen and their families maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"Living a healthy lifestyle includes physical fitness as well as mental and emotional stability," said Hwa. "The Health and Wellness Center was there to provide information on their services along with personal trainers and certified nutritionists."

Hwa believes the aerobathon and fitness fair were good events because it gave people the ability to see all types of services the base offers in one fun-filled day that was free.

"During the fitness fair, participants were able to meet one on one with nutritionists to help them set personal goals for losing, maintaining, or gaining weight," said Hwa. "It was also a great way to come out and support all those who were volunteering to put this event on."

For more information on the types of classes offered, check out their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/McAdoo-Fitness-Center-Aerobics-Classes/304377019574579 or search for: McAdoo Fitness Center Aerobics Classes. For more information, contact Marliana Hwa at marliana.hwa@hotmail.com.