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MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Participants push themselves during the Ab Express class at the Semper Fit Center on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 23. There are a variety of exercises, working the participant’s entire core, back, legs and also helping their balance.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janelle Y. Chapman)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Janelle Y. Chapman

Ab Express: Pushing past limits for rock hard abs

7 Jun 2013 | Lance Cpl. Janelle Y. Chapman Marine Corps Base Hawaii

Service members, family members, retirees, and Department of Defense civilians crunched, pushed and leg lifted to upbeat, fast-paced music, in the Semper Fit Center’s dance studio during the Ab Express class, May 23. 

 Upon arriving at the studio, students lay on their yoga mats and began stretching. The class instructor, Michelle Lee Dominique, told every participant to retrieve a stability ball, dumb bell weight, and a weighted bar.

The class is 30 minutes of different challenging exercises, each lasting around a minute before the beginning of a new exercise. The transition between exercises was quick, with minimal time for the muscles to rest. Not long after the class began, the floor was glistening with sweat as the participants panted and pushed through the pain.

“I love the exercises I teach because they work more then just your core,” Dominique said. “It’s different and not like boring crunches.”

The class didn’t just consist of the usual sit-ups most people think create a strong, muscular core. There were a variety of exercises, working the participants entire core, back, legs and also helping their balance. They did weighted sit-ups holding a weight and stability exercises on the ball. Some exercises were simple, such as leg lifts and some more complex like crunching up from lying on their backs into a standing position.

Dominique demonstrated each exercise, with variations for less experienced participants. After each demonstration she ran around the room encouraging the participants to push past the pain. She encouraged every participant to push past their limits, with her energetic personality and encouraging words. Participants can receive individual assistance or personalized exercises if they are unable to do the ones demonstrated.

“I try to modify the exercises,” Dominique said. “I’ll put a twist or variation if it is too difficult for the person, or if they have an injury. I want everyone to feel included, even if they can’t do a particular exercise.”

Toward the end of the class, the participants were moving slower as their muscles began to fatigue. Once the class was over, participants chugged water and wiped sweat from their faces and stretched out. The students looked warn out, but satisfied as they put their workout gear away.

“The class is awesome and very challenging,” said Argel Sunga. “I’ve been coming to the class for two months and I’ve seen a lot of results.”

The class is held every Monday and Thursday at 5 p.m., lasting only 30 minutes. The class fills up quick so it’s a good idea to get there early.


Marine Corps Base Hawaii