Fitness that's fun and free Published Sept. 2, 2010 By Steve Hoffmann 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- With the New Year's resolutions hopelessly forgotten and the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the many fitness classes being offered on base -- and they're all free. Since February 2009, contractors have been teaching fitness classes for the Keesler community. These classes are designed to expose participants to total body fitness -- aerobic, anaerobic, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, strength and endurance. "We don't like to call them workouts," said Jaime Denmark, contract fitness director. "These are group fitness classes. Anyone and everyone can come -- advanced, intermediate or beginner." Zumba, a class inspired by Latin and international dance, is one of the most popular classes being offered. "It used to be if I had 10 people, that was a good class," said Ms. Denmark. "At Keesler, we are seeing 40-50 people in attendance regularly at 6:30 a.m., and some are in their 70s." Every class but yoga fits the criteria needed to qualify as a "fitness improvement program" course. Airmen who have fallen back on PT can take these classes to help them catch up on their fitness level. However, the majority of people who take these classes are family members and dependants, civilians and contractors on base. "People are very pleased with the classes and instructors," said Ms. Denmark "Most of the suggestions we get are for more classes and more times." Right now, there are eight classes offered at the Dragon Fitness Center. All instructors are nationally licensed and certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid. There are currently 50-60 hours of classes per week being offered. Here is a list of classes and their descriptions: Boot camp -- Early morning intermediate and advanced class designed to improve both cardio and strength conditioning. It's a perfect class for starting your day off on the right foot. C30/C30 -- 30 minutes of cycling and 30 minutes of circuit training for improving cardiovascular endurance as well as strength training for all major muscle groups. Cycling --A high-energy bike class designed to improve overall cardiovascular endur-ance and conditioning. Kick boxing --An intermediate class which incorporates karate kicks and blocks designed to improve cardiovascular endurance and conditioning. Pilates --A mind-and-body class combining a method of exercise and physical movements designed to stretch, strengthen and balance the body. Pilates concentrates on a systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns to improve core strength and balance. Step aerobics -- Basic cardiovascular step class to serve all skill and conditioning levels. Yoga --This mind-and-body class incorporates basic Hatha Yoga breathing techniques, balance and core exercises and relaxation exercises designed for improving one's overall quality of life. This class is a great stress reliever. Zumba --This class is a fusion of Latin and International music and dance themes that creates a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system. The routines feature aerobic fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms to tone and sculpt the body. Zumba utilizes the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning and total body toning. It is a mixture of body sculpting movements with easy-to- follow dance steps. For more information on fitness center programs and services or to download a schedule of classes, visit www.keeslerservicesus/fitnesscenters2.html