Working out for real-life activities Published June 15, 2011 By Zach Sproul 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Ever thought about burning fat and building muscles while exercising with your kids? Wait no longer. Functional Family Fitness has arrived at Vance AFB. The class is held on Wednesday mornings in the gym at 9 a.m. and lasts about 45 minutes. It is geared towards parents with children. "The exercises are very simple, but with different intensities," said Lynn Mattix, group fitness instructor. "Group fitness has better success rates for individuals than working out alone," she said. F3 is strength and cardio respiratory training using multi-joint/muscle workouts to create muscle tone and endurance. The workout includes a variety of exercises for everyone from the beginner to the super-fit. Just because you might be toned, tight, and ready for the beach doesn't mean you are ready to lift your toddler out of their car seat or hoist the 50-pound sack of dog food out of the trunk. F3 focuses on building a body capable of doing real-life activities in real-life positions, not just lifting weight in an idealized posture created by a gym machine. "Mothers often cannot get away from their kids to work out, so how cool would it be to bring your kids along with you where everyone can get in a good work out," Ms. Mattix said. Workouts will be interactive with your children, with varied intensities and modifications. "It's so valuable for the entire family," said Ms. Mattix. "Everyone is involved. Kids can participate physically as well as helping count repetitions and encourage mom or dad," she said. "This program is designed for the parents' and kids' comfort levels," she said. All ages are welcomed to participate or just hangout in their strollers or car seat. A government ID is required to access the fitness center. For more information, contact Kellie Jensen at the Health and Wellness Center, 213-6639 or 213-7670.