Ask anyone who has actually experienced Navy boot camp, or any boot camp for that matter — while very few will describe those weeks as being fun, most do acknowledge that the shared group experience is what helped them get through it all. Many go on to graduate boot camp at the height of physical condition.

A local business out to prove its fitness program is “Not for Sissies” set up an obstacle course last Friday to give a military boot camp feel to its promotional campaign. Adding to the military vibe, employees of Curves for Women dressed in camouflage-style fatigues and caps.

“This is a national campaign that represents our commitment to helping the women of our community beat down the obstacles to fitness in their lives,” said Heather Alvarez. “But on a local level, this is such a military town that we thought it very appropriate to have an on-site obstacle course here today.”

The event Friday aimed to acquaint participants with what the facility had to offer and more: tents set up in the parking lot hosted tables dedicated to health-related information, gift baskets, prizes, and refreshments that included samples from a healthy bake-off contest.

One of the posters advertised a program called Silver Sneakers.

“We want to draw people’s attention to efforts such as Silver Sneakers, which recognizes the positive effects a fitness program offers, and can provide memberships to clients,” said Alvarez. “Thanks to those positive effects, many of our clients have been able to come off their prescription medication for hypertension, diabetes, and other ailments.”

While its 30-minute circuit workout still forms the cornerstone of its business, manager Sarah Dugan said there is always opportunity for innovation.

“Since February, we have offered a class called Curves Circuit with Zumba Fitness,” said Dugan. She described the interest in the Zumba class as “having snowballed ever since we started it.”

Incorporating Zumba with a Curves workout just made sense, she said.

“We wanted to be a part of this (Zumba), because it seemed to be helping women lose weight and achieve other fitness goals,” said Dugan.

The demand for innovative workouts in Oak Harbor is obvious. The fitness center on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is experiencing such a wave of interest in its Zumba classes it’s come to the attention of the base’s commanding officer.

“That is taking off like gang busters,” Capt. Jay Johnston told members of the Oak Harbor Area Council of the Navy League Tuesday. “It’s taken off so fast and furious they’ve had to move it out of the gym proper and out into the fit dome … because so many people are signing up for Zumba.”

Karey Bachman, married to Aircrew Survival Equipmentman First Class Jason Bachman, is currently leading the Zumba fitness class at Curves. The experience could not be more enjoyable for everyone involved, says the mother of five.

“It’s so much fun. You look around the room and everyone is smiling,” said Bachman. “It’s a great outlet for us, both physically and mentally.

“When our husbands are deployed, this (exercise) becomes a good way to channel our energy,” she continued. “It’s good for our attitudes toward our children.”

“I’m really enjoying it,” Joy Erickson, wife of Aviation Machinist’s Mate Chief Petty Officer Jake Erickson, said of the Curves program

“The ladies who work here are great,” said long-time member Sherri Spoltman. “They are wonderful to work with, and make you feel so welcome.”

From an instructor’s standpoint, Bachman said there’s one myth she’d like to dispel.

“I think people shouldn’t feel like they’re being selfish when they concentrate on physical fitness,” she said. “It actually makes me be a better mom and wife.”

Get Healthy

NAS Whidbey Fitness Center is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays and holidays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Zumba classes are offered at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in October. To view a complete schedule of classes, go to www.navylifepnw.com or call 257-2420 for information.

To check for other Zumba classes in the area, check with your local fitness center of choice.

Curves is open from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Call them at 679-9977.