Chattanooga Fitness

By Joy Lukachick
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Exercise fads come and go, but some, like step aerobics, stand the test of time.

Step aerobics is 20 years old this year, but remains a mainstay at local gyms, experts say.

“I don’t see step ever going away,” said Tammy Nichols, a fitness instructor at the Sports Barn. “I use it in some form … almost always in personal training and a piece of it in aerobics.”

While step aerobics has changed some, the basic moves endure, said Ms. Nichols who has taught step since its peak of popularity in the early 1990s.

The Rush in East Brainerd offers about 40 exercise classes a week and 12 of those classes incorporate step aerobics, said the gym’s assistant general manager Corey Quentarez.

“It’s more like a base,” Mr. Quentarez said. “Step aerobics is wonderful (but) has to have some kind of variety.”

The original movements used in step are even incorporated into kick boxing classes, Mr. Quentarez said.

“We did a lot of dances,” Ms. Nichols said. “It has gone from elaborate choreography steps to basic (movements).”

There are still some diehards who still want the basic classes, said Rick O’Rear, the recreation manager for Chattanooga Fitness Center at Warner Park.

Step involves moving your body with music, Mr. O’Rear said. While it is not popular like it used to be, the classes are about getting your heart rate up, he said.

“I don’t think it’s going to fade out or go anywhere,” Mr. Quentarez said.

Let’s face it. Sometimes the gym is boring, but it doesn’t have to be. You can spice it up with yoga classes, spin classes, Pilates, stability balls, resistance bands, etc.

The winter months force most of us inside for the bulk of our cardio activity and that is why it is my pleasure to “kick it up a notch!”

Making your home in the Chattanooga area means never running out of activities to do in the great outdoors. From walking along the Tennessee River to biking across a historic battlefield or braving the rapids of an Olympic-worthy Ocoee River, the Chattanooga area offers a wealth of outdoor activities for every age and fitness level.

Although cooler months have arrived, you can still participate in one of the most rewarding and enjoyable activities, swimming. I am a member at The Rush in Chattanooga and their indoor pool is set to the perfect temperature. Using your body to propel you through the water is a fantastic way to get in shape. I also like to incorporate water aerobics into my client’s and my own regimen.

Another great activity for all ages and fitness levels is hiking one of the trails in Chattanooga’s beautiful setting. Here are a list of trails for you to check out:

• Chickamauga/Chattanooga National Military Park’s Lookout Mountain trails

• Chickamauga • Signal Mountain

• Raccoon Mountain

Thompson says biking or cycling is her personal favorite for outdoor exercise. From mountain biking to road biking, Chattanooga is loaded with cycling options for the whole family. She adds, “Biking is low-cost and low-impact on your joints. You can walk out your door and find virtually hundreds of places to bike.” Some choice locations in the area recommended by Thompson are:

• Chickamauga Battlefield

• Riverwalk

• Harrison Bay State Park

• Raccoon Mountain

To sum it up, Chattanooga has all the fitness a person can handle, call Buff Brides Fitness today to schedule your next session!