Aerobics: another way to get fit Published Aug. 31, 2006 By Senior Airman John Gordinier 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- With the new Air Force fit to fight standards, many Air Force members are hitting the gym and the track to get into shape and may be unaware of other options that are available. Shaw aerobics instructor Shaunna McDonough instructs many different types of free aerobics classes, which are available at the fitness center to help Shaw members become more healthy and flexible. "Some of the classes that are available include kickboxing, body sculpting, spin, piyo, turbo kickboxing, step and masters," Mrs. McDonough said. Kickboxing classes are available from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, she said. Once the class is over, a 30-minute sculpting class follows, which helps tone the muscle after the cardio workout. "One-hour spin classes are Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.," Mrs. McDonough said. "Spin classes are performed on a stationary bike and it is great, especially for aerobics beginners, because it has no joint impact at all but has very high cardiovascular levels." The piyo class is a combination of pilates and yoga, which greatly improves a person's stretching and flexibility, she said. "This class is great for beginners as well and is available Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 6 to 7 a.m.," Mrs. McDonough said. "The turbo-kickboxing classes are mainly for people who have been doing aerobics for a while," she said. "Beginners might not want to start in this class because it is designed to really sky rocket the heart rate for a serious cardio work-out. This class is available Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m." One-hour step classes are available Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 a.m. and are followed by a 30-minute sculpting class, she said. "The masters class occurs Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m.," Mrs. McDonough said. "This class is an instructor's class, which means we will switch things around every class. We might do weight training, step or kickboxing; it is always a surprise." "Aerobics is a great exercise to improve a person's heart, activity, mental ability, self image and flexibility," she said. "In fact, some of the weight training in aerobics will prevent osteoporosis."