fbpx Skip to content

Readers’ letters on nontraditional teaching opportunities in the military and safe music tempo in combination classes.

In response to Shirley Archer’s article “Think Beyond the Walls” in the April 2001 issue of IDEA Fitness Edge, I would like to elaborate on the section that described teaching opportunities on military bases. Having worked for the military recreation department for more than 20 years, I recommend contacting the department where you
hope to teach. The Navy, Coast Guard and Army all refer to their fitness department as the “Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department.” However,
the Air Force calls its fitness division
the “Services Squadron” or “Health
and Wellness Center,” and the Marine Corps uses the term “Fitness Community Services.” Don’t let the names confuse you; these departments all offer recreation/fitness programs.

Since fitness is essential in today’s military, most bases will have a fitness director. You should discuss your program ideas or employment desires with this individual. The director can best explain how the specific operation works and whether there is a position for you. Some branches of the armed services hire fitness personnel as staff members or employees, while others contract out these services. Each branch has its advantages.

Perhaps military recreation (outdoor adventures, youth sports, aquatics) in general suits your fancy. The Navy offers an intern program for college students. You can end up anywhere in the world (you have choices) for months at a time, so you gain firsthand experience in the field you’ve selected. Working in Navy recreation provides a great opportunity to travel and to decide, while getting paid, if such a career is right for you. Depending on performance and job availability, many interns end up with a permanent position. For information on the college intern program, call (901) 874-2497.

The Navy is also the only branch
currently seeking qualified individuals to organize and develop recreation programs on board ships. Imagine being part of a crew while sailing to exotic ports around the world! To find out more about fleet recreation/fitness coordinator positions, call (901) 874-6629.

A world of opportunity is waiting for you. Aloha!

Judy Kosaka

Regional Fitness Director for
Navy Hawaii

A Winning Combination

Since reading the “Designing Creative Combination Classes” article in the September 2000 edition of IDEA Health and Fitness Source, I have designed several combination classes. I am now working on one called “Stepkick,” which combines step aerobics with cardiokick/punching movements, and I’m hoping your readers might assist me.

I live and work in Jakarta, Indonesia, and strive to keep my programs safe and current according to international standards. My inquiry relates to music tempo. “Stepkick” alternates between step and cardiokick/boxing formats. Standard fitness guidelines recommend a maximum step tempo of 128 beats per minute (bpm), and I prefer to stay within industry guidelines. However, the majority of the movements in “Stepkick” are the cardiokick/boxing type or involve footwork combinations off the step. So what tempo should I use? With fewer step movements or simpler step choreography, would it be safe and effective to use a faster tempo (130-138 bpm)?

I am keen to proceed with “Stepkick” but at the same time anxious to stay within safe limits. Overall, how do
others solve the practical matters of maintaining high safety standards while combining disparate moves? Thanks
in advance for your reply, which can
be sent to Editor, IDEA Fitness Edge, 6190 Cornerstone Ct. E., Ste. 204,
San Diego, CA 92121-3773, fax (858) 535-8234 or e-mail [email protected].

Wendy Ludwig

Jakarta, Indonesia u

Do you have comments or suggestions? Do you need help with a problem, question or teaching challenge? Most of us could either use or offer another viewpoint at some time. Get and give advice from colleagues, directors and leaders in the field by sending your questions or letters to Editor, IDEA Fitness Edge, 6190 Cornerstone Ct. E., Ste. 204, San Diego, CA 92121-3773, fax (858) 535-8234
or e-mail [email protected].

idea fitness edge/September 2001idea fitness edge/September 2001

Related Articles