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A step away from fitness

Aerobics program offers wide array of benefits

Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Jan 30/02) - The pounding beat of a popular dance track sets the pace for a group bent on physical fitness in Rankin Inlet.

The step aerobics class gathers at the Leo Ussak elementary school gym three nights a week.

Carla Kolysher has been running the program for the past four years.

Participants show up around 5:20 to get ready for their hour-long class, which runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

After a five-minute warmup, things begin in earnest.

The step segment will last up to 40 minutes and is the prime cardiovascular component of the class.

Kolysher says once the main component is completed, the group cools down with moderate walking.

The class comes to an end with a touch of toning work, varying nightly between the arms, legs, or abdomen.

"Through the year, I'll see 30 to 40 different people.

"But we generally have about a dozen regulars," says Kolysher.

"We get men and women out from a wide range of ages and levels of physical fitness."

The benefits of the aerobics program are many. Not only is the exercise regime a great excuse to leave work right at five o'clock, it's also a great stress reliever at the end of the day.

Kolysher says there's also a significant social aspect to the class.

Participants get to meet new people and they always spend a bit of time talking with each other before and after class.

"Our classes actually give you more energy, even though it can be difficult to go at times after a long work day.

"But once you finish the class, you feel ready to tackle the evening."

One popular misconception concerning the program is that you have to be young and totally fit to join.

Kolysher says most people trip over their feet for the first few weeks until they figure out the routine.

She says if they can't keep up, they simply do 15 minutes, take a break, and then rejoin the class and carry on.

"Some people feel a little intimidated by the class because we are quite fit and going hard. But, after you join, you slowly build your skills and endurance," she says.

"Once you become a regular, you find yourself keeping up with everyone else before you know it."