MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Station residents can head over to the IronWorks Gym here to take part in their lunch time High Intensity Tactical Training classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., hosted by Marine Corps Community Services fitness instructors.
“We started this Aug. 1 and we average about 11 people per class,” said Alma Dickinson, MCCS health promotions director. “One of the advantages you have coming out here with us is that usually we have two to three instructors out here telling you what to do, how to do it, taking you through the workout and exercises and providing feedback on forms, making sure those attending perform the exercises properly and safely.”
Each day offers its own type of workout experience for those attending the HITT class.
“What we have on Monday, Wednesday and Friday are workouts designed to address a specific portion of fitness,” said Dickinson. “Monday is functional strength and some partnered exercises and some shuttle runs. Wednesdays we focus on power, so we do activities that are like the ones found in the Olympic lifting series and plyometrics, conditioning ropes, ladders and some cone drills. Friday is basic strength, so some more barbells, kettle bells and we finish up with some speed work.”
Many Marines are familiar with crossfit and may wonder what the difference is between cross-fit and the HITT program. “The HITT program is designed for Marines,” said Dickinson. “Basically, HITT helps Marines better adjust to the performance level Marines will experience while going through combat.”
Though the HITT program is designed for Marines, the class is not limited to Marines alone.
“This was my third time attending the HITT training class,” said Seaman Tyler J. Wash, 11th Dental Company dental lab technician. “I like seeing myself improve, getting stronger, faster, looking better and feeling better overall.
Wash shed some light on his experiences in the class thus far by giving his feelings on his favorite exercise of the day.
“I like doing the rope exercises the most because it does not work your arms alone,” said Wash. “You can feel it working your entire body, starting in your arms and making its way up to your shoulders then down your back. It’s intense, but a great feeling when you’re done because you think, ‘Wow, I just did that.’”
The HITT center is also open for unit physical training. To reserve time at the HITT center, call the IronWorks Gym and meet with instructors during the given date.