Day 10 - Stepping Stones

As with the typical holiday season, there is sure to be an overindulgence in home-prepared meals, contributing to those dreaded “Holiday 15 lbs”. Here in Iraq it is no different. As dining facilities have begun to prepare luscious feasts well in advance of Christmas, the effects have become more apparent. Stuffed and sluggish, troops can be seen stumbling away from the table, full of holiday goodness, looking for a place to lay their head for an hour or two.

Being at war means being prepared for combat at a moments notice. As blouse tops are stretched thin, several Marines have taken the initiative to combat excess weight gain. Three times a week, a step class is conducted during the busiest hour normally reserved for dinner. Growing in participants, both by choice and leadership direction, the class has been making drastic changes in many lifestyles here in the desert. As packages arrive in the mail full of sugar-filled snacks and as shelves of chocolate bars empty daily, the need was apparent.

As the music begins and warm ups have been conducted, its off to a well-needed hour of exercises. Each day has proven to be a challenge as different muscle groups are targeted, with and without the aid of weights. As instructors complete movements in front of the class, a mirror provides him a way to ensure everyone is able, and capable, to perform as well.

Each day, a different playlist is loaded onto his MP3 player, varying the speeds of each workout. On days where tempos are often slow and relaxed, weight bars are used to add resistance, steps are raised a few inches. As dreaded Wednesdays come, the music is fast and the heart is racing. These are the days one is truly put to the test in their physical performance.

One of the amazing things about the class is the amount of teamwork displayed. When one struggles, exercises are often repeated. As others encourage, obstacles are easily overcome. When one reaches the point where they believe they can no longer continue, the point where most would give up, they look to their brothers- and sisters-at-arms for support. Even in an environment as common as a gym workout room, anything is possible.

Not only has step class proven to increase the health of those who participate here, it has also increased morale. This day, instructors and students alike stepped to remakes of familiar Christmas tunes, brandishing Santa hats, candy cane socks, or a snowman scarf. As requests have poured in from numerous people and playlists have expanded, the duration of the holiday season is sure to be one combining excitement and fitness into one.

As the clock reaches 1630, music continues to play as cool downs are performed. Today, we were not only working out our muscles, but we exercised our spirits. Group exercises such as step class provide us a way to bond with each other, to unwind from a stressful day of work, and a stepping stone to better overall health. Walking out of the door, drenched in sweat-soaked clothing, I vow to never attend the class again, as I typically do after every session has ended. Muscles sore, I stagger towards the men’s locker room, maneuvering past a group of bystanders. As they stare with a look of confusion, I realize their upcoming fate…they are the next class for the evening.