Column: Shorelines

Courtesy of Suzanne Hoedl

Participants use a variety of unconventional equipment such as milk jugs full of rocks and sand for weights, big tractor tires, smaller tires and pull-up bars in the F.I.T. program at the SML YMCA.

There is a drill sergeant at the Smith Mountain Lake YMCA and she is ready to put you through your paces and a whole lot more.

Smith Mountain Lake YMCA fitness instructor Karen Maydian is known as the "drill sergeant." She leads a new boot camp-style training program at the Lake Y called F.I.T, which stands for Focused Intense Training.

"Boot camp training started with the military, of course," explained Maydian, who said she came by her nickname because, "I tend to push my class participants to their limit.

"The class developed when I was thinking of what could we do to get outdoors and enjoy the weather during the spring and get over those weight loss and fitness plateaus. Often individuals do the same workout day after day and are not getting results. So we decided to give a boot camp class a try. It has been so fun and successful."

The classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6 p.m. and on Saturday mornings at 8. Maydian said participants should have some fitness training, because it would be extremely difficult for a beginner, but added that most all fitness levels can participate. The program is open to YMCA members as well as non-members.

Some of the exercises participants perform include running hills; doing push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups; and dragging and flipping tires.

"We use equipment that is not your typical gym equipment such as milk jugs full of rocks and sand for our weights," said Maydian. "We also use big tractor tires as well as smaller tires and pull-up bars. The landscape is a big tool as well. We use the hills around the Y in different ways. It is just good, dirty physical fun."

The sessions average about 20 participants. Maydian said all have seen results. She measured class members at the beginning of the session. Halfway through, they were measured again and everyone showed some changes. The average was about a 5-pound weight loss and about 5 inches lost.

"We had some bigger numbers than that, though, and I hope they continue to change for the next four weeks. What they do in their spare time when they are not at class makes a big difference, but getting pushed a little in class, more than they would themselves, helps everyone, I think."

The reasons participants cite for taking the class vary.

"Some wanted to lose weight and inches. Others wanted to increase their strength," said Maydian. "The rest were looking for outdoor fun. I think they are getting all three."

The SML TMCA offers specials programs such as F.I.T. throughout the year. Maydian said the next special program is in the planning stages.

"In the past we have also offered a Y-Run program," said Maydian. "We could combine the boot camp and Y-Run programs along with other forms of physical training."

Whatever the next program to be offered will be, Maydian promises it will be challenging and fun.

Schedules for all weekly programs are available at the YMCA front desk. They include indoor cycling, aerobics and sculpting classes, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, racquetball, indoor tennis, basketball and pickle ball.

The Smith Mountain Lake YMCA also is co-sponsoring a 5k with the Franklin County Humane Society at the SML YMCA June 9 beginning at 7:30 p.m. After the race there will be a band, Trouser Billy, as well as food and spirits. You can bring your dog for the 5K for a special pooch parade starting at 7:40 p.m.

Smith Mountain Lake YMCA, 293 First Watch Drive, Moneta. 721-9622, www.franklincountyymca.org