Can you handle the distance?

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tammie Ramsouer
  • 673d ABW Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Red faces, burning legs, sweat--soaked towels and loud energetic music fill the atmosphere during one of the most challenging fitness classes offered at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's fitness centers.

Service members and family members looking to get in shape without the impact of running have the opportunity of participating in spin class. The class offers people the opportunity to build muscle tone, relieve stress, burn calories, and increase their cardio endurance. 

Cassie Krieg, an instructor for the 673d Force Support Squadron, said she was hesitant about participating in spin class for the first time in Fairbanks, Alaska.

"Since my husband is an active duty member, we were stationed at Eielson Air Force Base," Krieg said. "While there, I wanted to lose some baby weight after having my kids and decided one day to take the spin class their fitness center offered. I fell in love with the class right away, although it really kicked my butt. It was a difficult workout."

Krieg's first experience with the spin class inspired her to become an instructor.

"We moved to England after my initial intrigue with the class and found out there, I could take certification courses to become an instructor," Krieg said. "I was hoping, once I became an instructor, I could help other people enjoy spin as much as I do."

Once moving back to Alaska with her family, Krieg looked for a position at the Buckner Physical Fitness Center as a certified spin class instructor.

"I was put on the schedule as a substitute at first," Krieg said.

The position soon had her instructing the class five days a week.

Kassandra Brooks, a fiscal officer with the University of Alaska Anchorage and a military spouse, has been attending spin class for the past year and a half.

"I wanted to start going to the gym," Brooks said. 

She wanted to do more cardio workouts, but she hated running and found out about the class through social media.

"I happened to be on the JBER Wives Get Fit Facebook page," Brooks said.  "Cassie is always on the page saying how wonderful the class is, not just because she is an instructor but because it is fun. So I decided to give it a try."

She said she was very nervous before her first spin class. However, Brooks enjoyed the group setting.

"It makes me feel better to be working out with more than just a few people," Brooks said. "It gets me to exercise harder and do my best. The music makes it that much better as well."

Both the Buckner Physical Fitness Center and Elmendorf Fitness Center offer the class at different times throughout the week for the convenience of all their patrons.

"This class can be tailored to anyone of every fitness level," Brooks said.

During spin sessions, participants of the class can set the tension on their spin cycles giving them the opportunity to exercise at their own pace.

"I recommend this class to anyone and everyone," Brooks said.

For more information about the spin class or other fitness classes offered at the fitness centers call 552-5353 for the JBER-Elmendorf office or call 384-1308 for the JBER-Richardson office; or visit their website www.elmendorf-richradson.com.