Super troopers: the Huguley Fitness Center is taking a military approach to challenge its members - Clubscene

American Fitness, May-June, 2002 by Peter Chandler

Most health and fitness clubs know their members are bound to experience boredom with their workouts due to repetition and fatigue. Clubs also realize that when this happens, these members may consider giving up their aerobics and/or weight training regimen. Keeping this in mind, the Huguley Fitness Center in Fort Worth, Texas, developed Basic Training--a unique, interactive program designed to keep members motivated and interested in fitness. According to those who have gone through Basic Training, the program not only provided a change of pace, it also renewed their enthusiasm for exercise.

The program, patterned after the military's physical training (PT) exercise routine, is complete with drill instructors (DI's) dressed in camouflage pants, combat boots, black cap and T-shirt. Even the participants don olive T-shirts with the word "Troop" emblazoned on the back.

Drill instructor Larry Banks, a former member of the elite United States Army Rangers and a Major in the Individual Ready Reserves, considers the Basic Training program, "a great opportunity to experience physical training--military style." He and several other drill instructors direct the groups through some of the same rigorous exercise routines used to get and keep military personnel in good physical condition. For eight weeks, the DI's also encourage participants in the same manner and push them to the same limits.

Terri Foreman, Director of Membership Services for Huguley Fitness Center says, "The program was [designed] in a domineering [manner]. For example, participants must wear their T-shirts and not miss more than three sessions. Also, unlike other group participation programs, [participants] have to answer to someone and follow certain guidelines not found in other exercise programs."

Twice a week, several classes consisting of 15 to 30 troopers begin their routine by lining up at attention in front of a drill instructor. Once enough space is established between each participant, the sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks and squats (all performed in cadence) begin. Needless to say, the outdoor routine, uniforms, highly vocal prodding from the DI and cadence create a boot camp atmosphere.

This scenario was exactly what Kent Tucker, Vice President of Ancillary Services for the Huguley Health System, had in mind when he decided to add the military's physical fitness training regiment to the clubs alternative exercise programs. "People were tired of the same routine and were looking for new and different challenges, especially after seeing reality television shows where participants were [pushed to] the limit," explains Tucker. He saw this as "an opportunity to fill the niche with something that would be fun, provide motivation and set goals."

"Even though troopers occasionally find themselves exercising in adverse outdoor conditions, such as cold, hot or wet weather, most seem to like it," says Banks. In fact, Debra Gorrondona says she went through the Basic Training program in order to condition herself to hike in the heat. Others see the program as a challenge and a test of their true physical condition. For instance, Debra's husband, Brad Gorrondona, an avid weight lifter says, "It was a challenge that made me go back to basics for total body conditioning. I thought I was in good shape until I went through the program."

Not only do participants tackle the elements of Mother Nature, at times, they find themselves training and/or taking, their final PT test after sunset. In spite of it all, they are committed to achieving their goals. In fact, several participants who were out of shape went through Basic Training more than once to reach their fitness goals.

The program has also become an alternative for those looking for something other than classical weight resistance exercises. "There are many [women] in aerobics classes who would like to gain strength, but do not want to lift weights for fear of bulking up. These particular exercises allow them to use their own body weight--in a group atmosphere--to gain strength and endurance," says Foreman.

The fitness center assists troopers in their quest for fitness by monitoring their progress during the entire program. After the completion of the eight-week training period, the final PT test is given--a test which includes not only the usual exercises, but also a timed number of laps ran around the fitness center building.

After the program, those who were physically active before, return and, in some cases, modify their workouts. Others attempt more challenging activities. For instance, several former troopers participate in a higher intensity sports conditioning class as another alternative means of avoiding boredom.

Huguley Fitness Center is just one of the many clubs who realize that new and innovative approaches to exercise are an important factor for those having difficulty continuing their physical fitness program. The apparent popularity of this program, as well as the fact that it provides the motivation, commitment and discipline needed to keep their members from giving up their fitness lifestyle, has prompted Huguley management to make their overall mission to provide wellness opportunities for the community.