Power pump class proves successful for attendee

Published April 29, 2011
By Brandice J. O'Brien
Staff Writer

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Finally! Finally, there's something I can do!

And, by the grace of God, I'm not tripping over my own limbs, nor am I wondering how on earth I will contort my body into ways I'm sure are unnatural. Nope, this class -- offered at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays -- better suited my needs.

I went to a Thursday class and was one of roughly 25 people; most were regulars. Once again, I had no idea what was in store for me.

When I walked into the back gymnasium at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center, my friend, Marilyn, greeted me with a warm smile. She was in the process of setting up our stations, which consisted of mats, workout steps that were three levels high and light hand weights. She instructed me to grab weighted bars. I followed her lead.

I was slightly overwhelmed; I had no idea I had to set up my own station.

The hour-long class soon started. Led by a woman named Tiffany Farmer -- who's been teaching exercise classes for the past 11 years -- she wore a microphone headset and offered instructions before each set of exercises. During the actual set, she spoke commands over the blaring music.

Tiffany began the class with a warm-up and instructed each of us to perform exercises with a weighted bar. Some used dumbbells. I used the lightest bar available.

As Tiffany prepped for the next exercise, Marilyn offered tips to perfecting my lunges and squats, to which I replied, "I thought we already did that."

I think she's still laughing. When she eventually composed herself she answered, "That was just the warm-up."

Oops.

The actual workout was a more intense and longer version of the warm-up and focused on the major muscle groups. Repetition was key. Each piece of equipment was used and segments were as long as a pop or hip-hop track; they were perfectly timed.

While there were challenging aspects -- such as when Tiffany had us do a series of push-ups and I downright refused; I don't do push-ups -- the class was alright. There's no doubt Tiffany had me working my body. But, in her defense, the hour flew by.

If anyone else struggled with the exercises, they hid it well and sang along to Madonna, Ke$ha or Kenny Loggins, and tapped their toes.

By the end of the class, I was tired and sore in some spots, but not defeated. If only the class wasn't offered in the middle of my workday.