Stepping up your New Year’s fitness goals

At the end of every year, there is one daunting thought that many people have on their minds after all of the holiday celebrations: “What is my New Year’s resolution?”

One of the most common goals people set is to become more fit, whether by shedding holiday weight or gaining some extra muscle for their summer beach vacations. For people living on Ramstein, this goal is made easier thanks to the extra services provided by the Northside and Southside fitness centers.

The fitness centers provide classes such as indoor cycling, core performance, Zumba, toning and many more. The goal of these classes, according to Adriana Holmes, Southside Fitness Center director, is to help guide people toward a healthier lifestyle.

“I think we do an excellent job at offering a variety of classes for all fitness levels and needs,” Holmes said. “There’s a class for everyone.”

These classes are for people who have either no experience working out or are grizzled veterans, and the instructors are a key part of them, according to Senior Airman Aaron Blackmon, 786th Force Support Squadron command support staff and fitness class participant.

“There are a variety of classes for me that do a very good job at keeping me entertained and all-around fit,” Blackmon said. “The fitness professionals will help you attain a reasonable goal and stay consistent with it. It’s what has kept me coming back.”

Holmes believes that if there is one factor that prevents people from going to exercise, it’s being nervous.

“Advice I would give to anyone is to not be intimidated by any class,” Holmes said. “New Year’s fitness goals are just the start, and to keep yourself motivated, you have to set small attainable goals. Don’t be hard on yourself if you have a bad day at the gym.”

Blackmon also had words of advice for people looking to set physically challenging goals for the upcoming year.

“I strongly suggest people not just set goals for the new year, but for the rest of their lives,” Blackmon said. “Use your New Year’s goals as a platform, and then elevate yourself. It’ll be more rewarding in the end.”

For more information on how Ramstein’s fitness centers can help you achieve your New Year’s fitness goals, contact the Northside Fitness Center at 06371-47-8085 or 480-8085, or the Southside Fitness Center at 06371-47-0294. To view the fitness centers’ schedules, visit www.86fss.com/fitness/fitness-centers.