MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- Service members, government employees and civilian dependents looking to tone up their abdominal muscles visited the Marine Corps Community Services "Hard Corps" Physical Training abdominals class held Monday at the depot Fitness Center.
The class focuses on strengthening the core of participants’ bodies and increasing their overall physical strength.
Each class has five levels of intensity. Level 1 is the beginner phase of the class; Level 2 is the intermediate phase; Level 3 is the advanced phase; Level 4 is the elite phase; and Level 5 the super elite phase.
"The class definitely challenges you," said participant Corinne Devin. "The different levels give you a chance to maintain form and perform the exercise correctly."
Participants worked their abdominals, external obliques and other parts of their core, using fitness balls.
Instructor Erica Dingman said that she gives people different levels of calisthenics to make the class more inviting to beginners, and to challenge the elite-level participants.
Dingman said she enjoys teaching the class because she loves to work out and help others get into shape. The abs class provides people with a good cardiovascular and strength training workout, and it is also a great way to motivate others, meet new people and build camaraderie, she said.
Devin said she comes to the class because it forces her to push herself harder than she would if she were working out alone.
“I love the abs class because there is always a different instructor,” said Devin. “Once you think you have mastered the class, a new instructor comes along bringing a new flavor to the class and all new challenges. It is amazing the amount of different ways you can work and tone your body.”
The abdominals class is featured on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m., and on Fridays at 9:30 a.m. Active duty have first priority. For more information, call (619) 524-4427.