MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego --
A retired staff sergeant stops for a few short breaths as he studies the regimen responsible for his current fatigue before dropping to the ground and doing 10 more push-ups.
To Theadois Sigmon, the drug testing program administrator for Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, this is no regular physical training session or morning workout. The routine that pushes him and the limits of more than 50 gym-goers is Semper Fit’s newest fitness class: Operation Throwdown. Semper Fit is a department of the Marine Corps Community Services, MCRD, which helps with physical training.
Semper Fit’s goal is to get servicemembers, their families, and co-workers into the gym and make sure they return.
“This class has what a lot of others lack, a good variety (of exercises),” says Imelda Martinez, U.S. Navy certification and accreditation liaison, test evaluation and certification center, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command.
The class consists of a number of different traditional exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, sprints, and step-ups. These exercises are incorporated into several stations and rotations to target every muscle area and to prevent muscle memory from nullifying the workout.
Bonnie Axman, program instructor and personal trainer for the Semper Fit fitness center, says that accessibility is a main concern.
“We have one of the few bases in the area that has a nice, quality fitness center, with quality instructors, and open to almost everyone. Rank and employer don’t matter when you’re in PT gear,” said Axman.
Being accessible is important to Semper Fit. Axman has designed the workouts so that people of all fitness levels can participate.
“Our workouts are meant to keep people moving,” she said. “Most of the exercises are basic movements that can be made difficult.”
Adding to the convenience and effectiveness of the class, Axman sends out a weekly e-mail which includes a homework assignment as well as a set of home workouts that supplement the class workouts which prepares students for the next week’s exercises.
“The home program is one of the brilliant parts of the program,” said Brad Poser, recreation director, MCCS division, MCRD. “Bonnie is creating self-sufficiency in each of the students, as well as bolstering results that each individual can expect.”
From the start of the new year, Axman and the fitness center team are trying to capitalize on the bump in demand for fitness due to enthusiastic resolutions.
“I’m seeing a lot of new faces with this program,” said Axman. “My only hope is that we can keep them coming back!”
Continual participation is a key part of the fitness foundation, according to Axman. Working out is a lifestyle, not something you can do sporadically and expect results.
The students can look forward to a few perks besides a better waistline if they do stick around.
“We give the students a drawstring bag if they make it through the first four weeks, and a T-shirt after they complete all eight weeks of the program,” said Axman. “You’d be surprised what people will do for a T-shirt.”
Although the program is only a week old, it has shown to be one of the most successful programs of its kind at the fitness center, based on attendance numbers.
“I really attribute the success to inspiring instructors like Bonnie,” said Poser. “She’s perfect for creating a motivating class dynamic that draws people in and keeps them there.”
The Semper Fit staff are not the only ones that think this way.
“Bonnie is real tough, but she can develop a confidence in you that makes you better, and people really see a difference,” said Sigmon.
Martinez, who also uses Axman as a personal trainer, agrees that she is a tough instructor. Good instructors like Axman make the classes more effective and instill a self-discipline that you do not find anywhere else, she said.
Axman acknowledges that she does challenge her students, but believes everybody needs to be pushed, regardless of fitness level. The key is maintaining the appropriate intensity to challenge and inspire, but without scaring them off.
As people walked away from the hour-long class, they had smiles on their faces, which were drenched in sweat. Which means the throwdown was worth it, said Axman.
For Sigmon, Martinez, and many other participants, Operation Throwdown is the perfect class to bring every fitness level together with common goals. Toward those goals, Martinez recommends the class with a lighthearted warning.
“If you can take it and stick to it, you will see the payoff,” said Martinez.