There are many new fitness opportunities being offered on post for the Fort Cavazos community to enjoy including the Applied Functional Fitness class at Applied Functional Fitness Center.
The class is an all-encompassing strength and conditioning class of constantly varied movements. Emily Cox, Fitness Program specialist and occasional instructor for Applied Functional Fitness, said fitness is great for building community.
“We wanted to bring a whole new grouping of opportunities as well as community,” she said. “That’s how we feel about fitness and all of the fitness programs we offer; especially about applied functional fitness, where we have the ability to not only offer an amazing outlet, but also to build a community within a larger community in Fort Cavazos.”
Jana Roman, one of the instructors, has been instructing classes like Applied Functional Fitness for eight years and also enjoys the community aspect of fitness.
“Many of the people that come in here, they didn’t know each other before and when they leave they’ve felt a different kind of relationship with somebody in here,” she said. “Then looking at what community does, not only for your mental and physical health, but if somebody doesn’t show up in class for a couple of days, we have the ability to reach out. I enjoy that functional fitness is something everybody can do, but I also think that when you have a really good community, it makes people want to come back.”
Julie Denny, Applied Functional Fitness and Reclaim instructor, said she loves coaching Applied Functional Fitness because anyone can do it.
“We have our seasoned athletes who have been doing it for years,” she said. “Then we have our brand new athletes coming in who have no idea what functional fitness is, or (what) a barbell is or anything like that. There is a wide variety of athleticism in our classes. Anybody can do it. There’s modified movements. There’s always something that someone can be doing to exercise and work out. Whether (participants have) a limiting factor or if they have an injury, we can get you moving in class.”
Roman agreed saying that the class is meant to challenge participants at the level they are at.
“We want the stimulus to look the same for everybody,” she stated. “Anytime that you have heavy weights or barbells, heavy for you, that can be really scary if you’ve never done it before. We try to make sure everybody is safe. We have options ranging from a one-pound PVC pipe or a barbell with weights on it. I think so far that (what) people are most nervous about is heavy lifting and doing something they don’t normally do. Stepping in the door is usually the biggest challenge. Once we can get people in the door for the first time, I don’t think anyone hasn’t come back.”
Roman invited those who are interested to attend the class and she plans to make it the best hour of your day.
“I would encourage people to show up and walk in the door,” she said. “We’re big on making you feel comfortable and making sure that your first class is a good experience. I’m a big fan of making this the best hour of your day. If I can do that for you I would hope that you would continue coming to class.”
Denny agreed.
“Just come in and try a class,” she said. “The hardest part is getting in the door and getting here. Once you get here you’ll see that it’s literally built for anyone.”
The Applied Functional Fitness Class is held at 9 a.m. weekdays, and at noon and 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at Applied Functional Fitness Center. For more information, visit https://cavazos.armymwr.com/programs/group-fitness-classes.