McChord fitness readiness class keeps Airmen, civilians fit to fight

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  McChord's fitness readiness class offers Airmen a chance to get a complete workout in one hour.

The class, which is taught three times a week at the fitness center annex, also satisfies a weekly fitness requirement for Airmen who have been placed on the fitness improvement program because they failed their physical training test.

"Your heart is constantly going during the class," said Master Sgt. Robert Snyder, 62nd Services Squadron. "That's what you need to pass the physical fitness test."

The class uses workout balls, step boards, weights and mats to give participants a complete workout, said one of the class instructors Marquelle Meisberger.

"When you go to a step class you might just get step and if you go to a kickboxing class you might just get the ball, but with this class you get a little taste of everything," Ms. Meisberger said. "It's a very well-rounded workout."

Some Airmen tend to get into a fitness rut when it comes to working out and they start doing the same things, Sergeant Snyder said.

That rut can lead to them failing their PT test, he said.

After finishing the fitness readiness class, some Airmen who had never taken an aerobic class were surprised with how much they enjoyed it, Sergeant Snyder said.

Since Ms. Meisberger started teaching the class in October, she said her attendance numbers have slowly risen from four people to 15 to 20.

"They can come to this class and get their cardio and weights all in one," she said. "They don't have to go over to the gym [to finish]."

In addition to Airmen, the class is open to civilians, dependents and retirees. The class runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the fitness center annex.