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Get R.I.P.P.E.D.: R.I.P.P.E.D. provides a full body workout and fitness regimen at Community Hospital Fitness Pointe in Munster. Program participants include (left to right) Front Row: Grant Burdeua, Karen Porter, Jessica Greichunos and Lilia Cronin; Second Row: Fernando Medina, Mitzi Montgomery and Cindy Harmon; Last Row: Nikki Sarkisian and Annette Bowman. | Supplied photo

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Whether you just want to shed those extra post-holiday pounds, try a new exercise routine or get R.I.P.P.E.D., Community Healthcare System’s Fitness Pointe in Munster has three new programs debuting in 2012 that could help you fulfill at least one New Year’s resolution.

The programs range from the easier Aqua Pilates to TRX, which can be as easy or difficult as you want to make it, to the more strenuous and high-energy R.I.P.P.E.D. program. All three are offered three times a week, are free with membership to Fitness Pointe or can be purchased through the 12-class pass for $90, Debi Pillarella, education and fitness program manager at Fitness Pointe, said.

Here’s a breakdown, starting with the toughest class.

Getting R.I.P.P.E.D.

R.I.P.P.E.D. stands for Resistance, Intervals, Power, Plyometrics, Endurance and Diet.

“This program gives you the most for your buck.” Pillarella said. “Resistance exercise builds muscle, cardiovascular exercise is for weight loss and endurance is for your heart and lungs.”

The California-based licensed program is choreographed to strong, rock-driven music, but it’s not dancing, Pillarella said; It’s more athletics.

She said classes at Fitness Pointe are led by two instructors — one taking clients through a harder routine and one leading an easier version. All instructors must be trained in the R.I.P.P.E.D. routine, which Pillarella said is always the same no matter who is teaching it or where it is being held. But that doesn’t mean the class gets stuck in a rut. Pillarella said the program itself is “plateau-proof,” meaning it’s always changing.

She said the class doesn’t incorporate much equipment.

“It’s more like an interval class. Every couple of minutes something changes,” Pillarella said.

“You know how you see people sometimes reading a book while on a treadmill? That won’t happen in this class,” she said.

The most essential thing to bring to a R.I.P.P.E.D. class is supportive footwear, Pillarella said.

Strapping it on

TRX is a resistance-type suspension training that incorporates bands, or straps, mounted on the wall while exercising.

“You use your own body weight against gravity. This isn’t cardio; it’s more strength, flexibility and balance,” said Pillarella, who added that Fitness Pointe is one of the first facilities in Indiana to offer this newer training program.

She said TRX was developed by a Navy Seal who needed to stay fit. She said he attached the straps to trees, providing a fast, effective, total body workout.

“This workout can be as hard or as easy as a person is interested in having it. The trainer will work with each person to determine how difficult a routine they can do,” Pillarella said. She said there is an 80-year-old individual attending one of the classes.

Pillarella explained that an individual can be on an incline or flat position, or can even add jumping movements, while doing the workout to change the level of difficulty.

This class is offered in small group settings of about seven, making it more individualized. What’s more, the straps can be purchased and the workout done at home once an individual knows how to use them correctly.

Watering down the workout

Aqua Pilates is a fusion workout, implementing the principles of Pilates and adapting them to water. The 25-minute class challenges stability and increases core strength.

“It facilitates flexibility, incorporating the healing environment of water with a positive class environment,” Pillarella said.

She said the class provides the benefits of exercise, but water is a gentle place to start.

“It’s a very nice blend to relax the body and isn’t as intense as some other classes. It’s the best alternative for someone who is really out of shape,” she said.

You can’t swim? No worry; Pillarella said the workout takes place in shallow water so knowing how to swim isn’t necessary.

To see a schedule of these and other classes offered at Fitness Pointe in Munster, visit www.comhs.org and look under Fitness Pointe. Pillarella said staff can determine which class is best for each person.