High-speed training offered at GPC

by Jennifer Johnson
The Collegian
Issue date: 11/5/08

Under the auspice of GPC's physical education and recreation, a new, effective type of workout is being taught to those willing to get a little sweaty.

Sessions on high-speed training for overall conditioning and weight loss are being held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. on the Clarkston campus.

High-speed training, with the goal of manipulating fast-twitch muscle fibers, causes the body to burn more calories and lose more fat. By correctly implementing these techniques, students and faculty can train their bodies to fire more motor units using explosive-type movements, essentially combining anaerobic and aerobic training.

Quick and aggressive movements using lots of power and energy are the basis of the repertoire. The focus of each session is teaching people how to move.

For novices, instructor Roy Reynolds recommends going at a comfortable pace. However, he says, recent studies have found that even better conditioning and fat-burning results are achieved through some type of vigorous training.

Though moderate physical activity is, of course, good for overall health, more results can be achieved by working bouts of vigorous training into a exercise routine.

These small classes of about 12 people, taught on the tennis courts of Clarkston campus, are attended by both faculty and students, which "really builds the camaraderie among the faculty and the student body," says Reynolds.

The class accommodates a wide-spectrum of physical fitness and training levels. Each session lasts 45 minutes and consists of three stages; a dynamic warm-up, a 30 minute vigorous conditioning bout and then a slow, progressive cool down.

Interested parties can venture over to the tennis courts on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 4 p.m. to get a thorough, vigorous workout.