MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii -- Run, run, pull-ups. Run, run, crunches. Run, run, more pull ups and then run again. Marines tend to get into a routine in almost everything they do and exercising is no different. Most people find what they are comfortable with, stick to it and eventually hit a plateau in their physical fitness.
Some people don’t even get that far because they don’t know what they are comfortable with. In both these situations personal trainers can provide the knowledge and motivation to give that push in the right direction.
Don’t have the few hundred dollars to afford a personal trainer? Well, for those serving in the military here all you need is some workout clothes and a willingness to work and you can receive training from one of the five personal trainers who are all nationally certified, at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Semper Fit Center.
“Free is as good as it is going to get,” said Leslie Pokorski, personal trainer here. “You could pay any where from $30 to a $100 anywhere else.”
This program is open to Department of Defense civilians and military dependents as well for a fee of $5 for each appointment.
“The initial assessments are always free though,” said Pokorski.
The appointments are easy to set up; either stop by, or call 254-7597 to schedule an appointment. There are always trainers on staff seven days a week who will schedule the appointment to meet the schedule needs of their patrons.
“We tailor everything to fit your needs,” said Andi Scheeler, assistant manager, Semper Fit Center.
The training regiments are personal one-on-one workouts that are made according to the patron’s needs and goals.
“We can help you tone, bulk up, burn fat and even help those who do competitive body building,” said Pokorski. “We work with beginners to those working at the level of professional athletes.”
They also have sports specific workout programs that can even improve a person’s golf game.
The trainers don’t always work out with their clients. For the more advanced athletes who just want to try something different or want to get past their plateau the trainers will design a workout program for them.
“Some of the advanced guys just use our programs and check back every week or so for updates,” said Pokorski. “We also have programs to help those people who may have never actually worked out beyond running or walking.”
Ed Campbell, another trainer at the Semper Fit Center, has started the Beginner Fitness Program to help anyone who is just getting started in fitness and wants guidance from a certified fitness professional.
The program costs $45 for the six-week program and is free to service members. To sign up for the program, just call, or stop by the front desk at the Semper Fit Center.
Personal trainers are not just for those who are in bad shape. They are also great assets to those who want to push their physical fitness to the next level.
“If you try to do it yourself you may lose motivation and get stuck in a routine that won’t get you very far,” said Pokorski. “Trainers are there for motivation and accountability; they also encourage you to try something new.”
One thing that Scheeler focuses on is getting people past the workout norms.
“Some guys just run and run and run and never go for anything different,” said Scheeler. “Cross-training is something I like to promote for overall fitness.”
Scheeler also holds classes for unit physical training that commanders can call in and schedule for their troops.
The trainers at the Semper Fit Center said they just want to help improve the fitness of the Marines and family members here.
“Not many people know we are here,” said Pokorski. “It’s a great service and it’s free.”
Some Marines may think a personal trainer isn’t for them, but the trainers said it can benefit almost anyone.
“You shouldn’t be afraid to try something new,” said Pokorski. “It’s nothing like Richards Simmons’ ‘Sweating to the Oldies.’”