‘Sweat ‘n Stroll’ classes in session at Fort Cavazos

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Parents and fitness enthusiasts alike can partake in the communion of fitness and parenthood 9-10:30 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday at the Keischnick Physical Fitness Center.

The “Sweat ‘n Stroll” group fitness activity is provided by the Fort Cavazos Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation and is managed by Emily Cox, the fitness program specialist for Fort Cavazos.

“We started our group fitness program last September,” Cox said, “so we’re still relatively new, and it has been super, super important since day one that we start a class or a program that we can have spouses or parents — anybody who has a child at home — that want to workout are able to come work out.

“It’s for everybody,” Cox continued, “but this is particularly giving an opportunity for everyone to get a good workout. The kids are not involved — they’re just there, but to see an active parent is really important as well.”

Exercises included a mix of calisthenics as well as “stroller lunges” and other pram-integrated workouts, much to the delight of stroller-passenger Landon Younkin, 17-month-old child of Shannon Younkin, who attended the course July 15.

“I think it’s awesome that they’re starting a program like this because you don’t see them very often — especially with workout classes,” Shannon said. “It allows more moms, especially stay-at-home moms, to get out of the house and do something active because I know, sometimes, it’s really hard.

“I know, sometimes, it’s hard for me to get out of the house and go to a workout and figure out where I’m dropping Landon off,” she continued. “So knowing that I have a space that I can bring him and he’s welcome, it just makes me keep wanting to come back.”

The course aims for a full-body workout, focusing on compound exercises that stimulate the heart, making the most out of the three hours it uses every week.

“I need to make sure you’re burning calories and building muscle as well,” said Amber Williams, fitness instructor. In addition to her on-the-spot fitness training, she also discusses diet and health with her students.

“I talked to them about it,” Williams said, “because this is just getting physical to help your heart stay active so they’re able to keep up with their kids in a sense, but diet is where it’s at when you want to lose weight.

“We know that nutrition is key, so I always want to put that in their heads when we’re talking about working out,” she added.

The “Sweat ‘n Stroll” program is set to continue and joins a suite of other fitness services and activities provided by DFMWR. Children with parents must be in a stroller, car seat, pack and play or otherwise contained for the class. The first class is free. An additional nine classes can be purchased for $45 with the “Specialty Fitness Pass.” Details for the program can be found at cavazos.armymwr.com/programs/group-fitness-classes.