The Liberty County Recreational Department offers an aerobics class from 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Button Gwinnett Elementary School’s gymnasium. It’s taught by Cynthia “Rocky” Bell, who has been leading the class for a year and a half and plans to continue as long as she can. Bell said she loves helping people but is not a “health fanatic.”
“The older we get, the harder it is to get the weight off,” she said. “It’s about keeping the body fit and feeling good in your skin at any age.”
Bell believes doing aerobics requires discipline and the right mindset. It’s easy to put in a full day at work and not want to do anything afterward, she said.
“As women, we get so caught up in taking care of our kids and home that we forget that we need to take time out for ourselves,” she said. “We need to take that time now. Otherwise, men and women alike will be taking time later to deal with unnecessary health issues.”
Aerobics can help with weight loss, muscle toning and generally can help participants get in shape. Aside from the physical rewards, Bell said, aerobics benefit the heart, lungs, muscles, blood flow and mobility. It’s total-body fitness, she added.
Aerobics student Debra Johnson has been attending the classes for a year and a half and said she loves it.
“At 58 years old, you have to worry about your health and the problems that can come with age and being out of shape,” she said. “I’m a God-fearing woman, and I don’t look or feel my age. I take care of myself, and I do everything at a minimum now instead of at a maximum like I use to — especially portion control with my meals.”
Johnson has lost more than 20 pounds since starting aerobics and has no health issues. She said she eats what she wants in moderation, but it takes a lot of discipline and will power to stick to her guns. Additionally, she said, it’s easier going to a class with other participants rather than working out solo, which can get boring.
There are times when Johnson doesn’t feel like going to class, but she said she motivates herself to go because she knows that once she gets there — even if she is the only one attending that day — she’ll feel good and knows the benefits will be worthwhile.
he Liberty County Recreational Department offers an aerobics class from 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Button Gwinnett Elementary School’s gymnasium. It’s taught by Cynthia “Rocky” Bell, who has been leading the class for a year and a half and plans to continue as long as she can. Bell said she loves helping people but is not a “health fanatic.”
“The older we get, the harder it is to get the weight off,” she said. “It’s about keeping the body fit and feeling good in your skin at any age.”
Bell believes doing aerobics requires discipline and the right mindset. It’s easy to put in a full day at work and not want to do anything afterward, she said.
“As women, we get so caught up in taking care of our kids and home that we forget that we need to take time out for ourselves,” she said. “We need to take that time now. Otherwise, men and women alike will be taking time later to deal with unnecessary health issues.”
Aerobics can help with weight loss, muscle toning and generally can help participants get in shape. Aside from the physical rewards, Bell said, aerobics benefit the heart, lungs, muscles, blood flow and mobility. It’s total-body fitness, she added.
Aerobics student Debra Johnson has been attending the classes for a year and a half and said she loves it.
“At 58 years old, you have to worry about your health and the problems that can come with age and being out of shape,” she said. “I’m a God-fearing woman, and I don’t look or feel my age. I take care of myself, and I do everything at a minimum now instead of at a maximum like I use to — especially portion control with my meals.”
Johnson has lost more than 20 pounds since starting aerobics and has no health issues. She said she eats what she wants in moderation, but it takes a lot of discipline and will power to stick to her guns. Additionally, she said, it’s easier going to a class with other participants rather than working out solo, which can get boring.
There are times when Johnson doesn’t feel like going to class, but she said she motivates herself to go because she knows that once she gets there — even if she is the only one attending that day — she’ll feel good and knows the benefits will be worthwhile.
“I had to make a change. I was miserable,” she said. “And I am Rocky’s No. 1 supporter. … All I know is I love the class.”
Bell likes to vary her classes. The key is to change it up and keep it exciting and fun, she said. She does this with stretches, hula hoops and even the electric slide choreographed dance.
“People take their health for granted,” she said. “You need to build strength now because something may happen down the road and you’ll need to be fit. Push yourself and get moving. Anything can be turned into exercise by adding ankle and wrist weights.”
Bell also said it is important to think healthfully and look ahead at future health instead of taking current good health for granted. The most important thing is to just move, she said.
“I love helping people and hearing the success stories that come from all that sweat,” Bell said. “It doesn’t matter what size, shape or age you are — your current health isn’t even a factor. Everyone can come to aerobics and reap the benefits that follow.”
The class is open to everyone. Participants can sign up any time at the Liberty County Recreational Department office in Hinesville.