Posted: Monday, June 23, 2008 12:00 am
Fit Camp aims to inject fun into fitness
By Steve Lathrop
Albany Democrat-Herald
It's designed to get you healthy but in some ways, the Fit Camp at Fitness Experience in Albany is a little nostalgic.
Deana Wyland, who instructs the camp, runs things much like a high school physical education class with maybe a touch of military discipline.
Wyland is the Fitness Director and site manager at Fitness Experience. In Albany since 1997 as part of the Gold's Gym franchise, it is no longer involved with Gold's and has reverted to its original name.
With an emphasis on not just the need, but also the joy, of exercise, Wyland has launched several programs to stress her point. Fit Camp is one she hopes injects fun into the workout experience.
"It's designed for that. It makes you feel like you are back in P.E.," said Wyland.
She conducts two camps with classes twice a week over a six-week period. About 36 students participate.
There are some personal touches one might not see in a high school class. Nutritional guidance is a vital part of the camp and participants keep comprehensive notebooks concerning their diet and physical activity. They are weighed and measured prior to classes.
"We set nutritional goals. Helping alter their diets is part of this," says Wyland of the hour long classes. "Weight loss is a big deal for a lot of the campers."
Wyland calls herself a drill instructor running classes using a military teaching style. There are push up and sit up penalties for campers who forget their nutritional journals but she says the element of fun remains.
Wyland encourages class members to interact outside camp sessions by keeping in touch via email to share information and fitness tips.
"Camps are for the beginning or novice level member. We always have people checking us out to see what we are doing in here," said Wyland. "It's a social event for the class members. They depend on seeing each other for motivation."
There are no weights or machines involved in the program. Exercises include P.E. standards like jumping jacks, push ups, lunges, squats and abdominal work.
As the camp progresses the exercises get faster and more difficult.
Other Fit Camps are scheduled, including an evening camp that will begin soon. There are 12 classes per camp and cost is $49.
"We try to make it affordable and fun so people will take the program beyond the class," stressed Wyland.
She said that Fitness Experience, located at 1715 Hill St. S.E., offers programs for all ages. Affiliated with the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), members can use any IHRSA facility nationwide.
The Albany site provides the certified trainers and the latest fitness equipment. A variety of classes are offered along with nutritional expertise.
Fitness Experience is open Monday through Thursday from 4:45 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 4:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Information on camps, classes and membership is available by calling 541-917-3488.