Twitter
Facebook
From the 86th Force Support Squadron marketing department
Participants of an indoor cycling class follow the instructor’s lead as she guides them on the proper form of cycling on Ramstein. Participation is based on a walk-in bases and is available for all age groups. The southside fitness center hosts an indoor cycling class everyday for all Department of Defense ID cardholders.
We’ve all been there. We set a fitness goal and maybe even attended a fitness class or two before going back to our old ways.
A few of us have persevered through the tough workouts to reach our goal. Then, there are the select few who discover a previously unknown
passion along the way. Those individuals don’t just reach their fitness goals, but they also help others do the same.
Indoor cycling instructor Ladonna Abdullah was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, but she attended her first indoor cycling class in 2003 at Langley Air Force Base, Va.
“I didn’t do so well,” Ladonna said. “When I left, I was a little sore and intimidated. A lot of the people in the class were older than me, but I was the one who was struggling to keep up!” She attended a few more classes, but eventually stopped going.
In 2011, Ladonna started working with a personal trainer who was also an indoor cycling instructor here at Ramstein. She absolutely loved cycling classes the second time around. When her trainer and cycling instructor PCSed later that year, Ladonna’s friends encouraged her to start teaching.
“I got certified and thought, ‘OK, I’ll try it.’ Now, I love it,” she said. Ladonna has taught at the Ramstein Southside Fitness Center since April 2012.
Ladonna really enjoys teaching her class. She is especially appreciative of the people who attend her class and the relationships she has developed as a result. The music is a bonus because it takes people’s minds off of the
work out and helps them focus on the ride.
“I have gotten more creative since I started, and I pay attention to what my participants enjoy,” she said.
She even grants music requests.
For those who are still spin-hesitant, Ladonna gives advice: “Don’t be intimidated! It may hurt when you get finished, but it will get better the next time,” she said. “It is easier to cheat yourself and quit. But, it is much more rewarding to push through the hurt and finish!”
So, grab your shoes and workout gear, and get ready to burn on average 500 to 700 calories. The class takes place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the fitness center.
For more information about this class or other 86th Force Support Squadron fitness programs, call the southside fitness center at 480-0294/95 or 06371-47-0294/95 or visit www.86fss.com.
