MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- Think you’re strong? Think again.
Service members, government employees and civilian dependents looking to tone up bulging bellies or rock their abdominals should visit the Marine Corps Community "Hard Corps" Physical Training abdominals class held Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays at the depot Fitness Center.
The class focuses on strengthening the core of participants’ bodies and increasing their overall physical strength.
Each class has five levels of intensity. Level 1 is the beginner phase of the class; Level 2 is the intermediate phase; Level 3 is the advanced phase; Level 4 is the elite phase; and Level 5 the super elite phase.
"The class definitely challenges you," said participant Glenda Braden, program manager, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. "The different levels give you a chance to maintain form and perform the exercise correctly."
Participants worked their abdominals, external obliques and other parts of their core, using fitness balls.
Instructor Ron Rivera said that he gives people different levels of calisthenics to make the class more inviting to beginners, and to challenge the elite-level participants.
Regardless of the level difficulty, the classes can put stress on the body making it important to allow time for the muscles to rest between classes.
"I definitely encourage people to take the class about two times a week," he said. "Although, the abdominals are a fast-twitch muscle, they do need time to heal, and the threat of injury is still there."
Rivera said he incorporates Western and Eastern physical training philosophies in his classes. "The Western philosophy on physical training focuses on the quick and easy approach," said Rivera. "Eastern Philosophy encompasses a broader workout."
Rivera added that he likes to focus on the entire core of abdominals throughout his classes, therefore incorporating both styles.
Patrons include military members, Department of Defense employees and military dependents. "Sometimes I think that some of the men are returning to my class because some of the females are kicking their butt," said Rivera.
First Sgt. Craig E. Burnett, drill instructor, Company 1st Sgt., Co. C, said he goes to break away from monotonous workouts.
"I will have been in the Marine Corps for 22 years in December," said Burnett. "Doing the (Physical Fitness Test) and the three-mile run, 100 crunches, and 20 pull-ups has become muscle memory. I have to break away from that."
The abdominals class is featured on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m., and at 9:30 a.m. on Fridays. Active duty have first priority. For more information, call (619) 524-4427.