Get PHIT at the community center

On most days, Ed James walks across the street from his office to the Carson City Community Center to get in some physical activity for the day.

He's part of a growing number taking part in the new fitness classes being offered through the city's recreation department.

"They're very good instructors," he said. "They push you. If I didn't have them, I wouldn't push myself as hard."

James is one of dozens of students who followed instructors Terri Snyder and Patti Briggs from their former classes at Eagle Fitness to the new offerings at the community center.

Snyder said she was initially hesitant to move out of a traditional gym.

"But I love it," she said. "I've always done the kind of workouts where you move around a lot. To be able to use the gym and go outside on the grass is great."

Both instructors have decades of experience and bring with them an enthusiasm for overall fitness.

"It's a fun way to help people," Snyder said. "It's nice to see people change and to be able to help them with different problems they have."

Snyder said some students come just for a workout, while others come hoping to transform their bodies.

"When they come with a specific goal, we try to help with that goal," she said. "If the goal is to lose weight, I suggest an eating plan to go along with the workout program."

The time and location of the classes appeal to Ken Scarbrough, who works out during his lunch breaks from the public works department.

"It's conveniently located in the center of town," he said. "With less and less commercial gyms, it's a way the city can help the city maintain a physically fit population."

Briggs said the noon classes are popular with state workers. There are also early morning classes and a new addition of 4 p.m. classes to accommodate teachers.

"We have so many options," Briggs said.

She compared the facility to a campus.

"We have pool, tennis courts, the park," she said. "It's a great opportunity to be outside and be fit."

The two currently offer 12 classes - ranging from yoga to weight lifting to circuit training and a boot camp - along with personal training. More sessions may be added depending on need.

People can drop in for $5 or pay a monthly fee of around $35.

For more information, call Snyder at 721-9987 or Briggs at 721-6182 or go online at getnufit.com.