By Laura Lane
Herald-Times
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Midway through, two participants jogged off, jumped into a waiting vehicle, hit the lights and sirens, then sped away.
Everyone else continued on with weight lifting, push-ups and squats.
It was the lunch hour on Wednesday, and Bloomington’s weekly Fitness with a Firefighter workout class was on. It was two paramedics from Station 1 who dashed off, responding by ambulance to a 12:35 p.m. medical run.
Every Wednesday since May 30, firefighters at Bloomington Fire Department headquarters at Fourth and Lincoln streets have been leading participants in a lunchtime circuit training workout that starts at 12:15. Twenty seconds at each station, with 10-second rests in between.
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Sit-ups, push-ups, wall sits, mountain climbers, hammer curls with 15-to-25-pound weights, bent-over rows, squats, tricep presses with a 25-pound weight.
This workout is not for weenies. After completing each circuit, participants rest for two minutes. Then start again. Modifications can be made, and all fitness levels are welcome. Thirty minutes later, stretching.
Then, it’s back to the office.
This week’s class included firefighters on duty at the station, program organizers and three curious citizens. “It’s a nice way to break up the work day,” said Ali Danch, there for the first time. She came with Katie Herron, who saw a notice about the class and decided to give it a try. They work together as researchers at Indiana University’s Early Childhood Center, and opted for strength training instead of food for lunch.
The fitness program continues every Wednesday through Sept. 26. Jess Klein from the city parks and recreation department walks over from City Hall on Morton Street and oversees the class. Meet her on the steps at noon for a brisk half-mile stroll to the fire station.
Fitness with a Firefighter attendance has been low, sometimes just a few firefighters, Klein and Lisa Greathouse from IU Health Bloomington Hospital’s community health program.
They would welcome more students: there’s no registration, nothing to sign and it’s free, “a quick workout on the lunch hour,” Klein said.
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