Civilian fitness bridges time, motivation gap

Marcie Wright, Fort Bliss Monitor staff, works out in the 18th Civilian Fitness Program at Stout Physical Fitness Center. Courtesy Photo

Marcie C. Wright,
Monitor Staff:

It was a sore Tuesday after Monday’s workout with the Civilian Fitness Program’s 18th class at Stout Gym here.

It started with a one-mile run around the track – well, the run was mixed with a few spurts of walking for me. The event was really open for interpretation; based on your ability, there was the option to run, walk or do something in between. Some chose to walk all four laps, others kept a steady jogging pace. I was treading behind a tall lady in a blue shirt, until she sped up and left me. Perhaps she was more a match for the wind than I was.

Next we headed to the gym to do circuit training. Incorporated in the circuit were one-hand pushups, squats with weights, stepping with weights, twisted sit-ups with a medicine ball, jumping and so much more. There were about 20 stations in all. Funny thing is that the weights weren’t evenly paired; one station might have two 15-pound dumbbells for one partner, while the other was left with 30-pound kettle bells to do the same exercise.

“The heavier the weight, the more effective,” barked the instructor, in response to some groaning.

Now let’s back up a bit, to March 26, the first day of the program. During that session, we were to complete several stations for a measured fitness test. The test included walking around the track, a three-minute step routine, a sit-and-reach station, bench pressing, pushups and sit-ups.

During the course of the two-hour fit-test, instructors were moderately encouraging, with words of “good job” and “you can do it,” along with other friendly greetings and smiling faces. I felt very warm and welcomed there – at least by the instructors. On the contrary, being the smallest female there I did catch a few glances and questioning looks of “why is she here?”

Let me explain: I am as skinny as Olive Oil from Popeye – chicken legs and spaghetti arms. The class was mixed with a lot of different shapes, sizes and attitudes (expected). To add to it all, I look a lot younger than I am. During the walk, I overheard a small group behind me talking about how capable I was of walking the test. “See, she can do this, because she’s already in shape.”

The reality is I am as out of shape as anyone else who would sign up to a committed workout schedule with trainers. To get into the program, you and your supervisor both have to sign and agree that you – the participant – will attend each class and consider this your duty assignment for the time allotted. I believe my supervisor approved because she watched me waddle around pregnant all last year, which resulted in a C-section delivery little more than seven months ago.

I have always had the desire to work out, and at this point I have the physical ability. What I lacked was time and motivation. So I thought if I can get my supervisor to approve, I can get my workout done at work (no brainer). Judging by my recent experiences with the Civilian Fitness Program, I am going to regain the time and motivation, with hopes of continuing a routine after the six-month class ends.

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