Sculpt & Tone popular mid-day workout

Scott Turner
In Motion Staff Writer

Sculpt and tone is a class that offers attendees the opportunity to strengthen and tone their bodies and improve flexibility. Deborah Stelling, a Fitness Center Specialist at the L. Gale Lemerand Fitness Center, has been running the class for many years and has designed it around being accessible to any age group.

“I’ve been leading a Sculpt and Tone class in some fashion for 16 years. It’s based around various implements that can be adjusted to the individual and make it so that you can work at your own pace. We use varying weights of dumbbells, usually 3-12 pounds; tubing with different resistances; gliding dishes; and step platforms, then begin the exercise which is set to music.” Stelling said.

The class is 45 minutes long and has two sessions per week. It provides a wide array of muscle exercises, and switches between them for the duration, though one can stop for a drink of water or to rest whenever they may need to, or during breaks placed throughout the session. After opening with a warm-up, Stelling demonstrates the proper form for the various exercises and attendees follow along for a certain number of repetitions per piece of equipment. People are encouraged to do only what they can, in a completely judge-free environment, making the entire experience a communal one.

Cindy Meehan-Iafanti, Athletic Coordinator of Business and Student Services at Daytona State College, has been attending Sculpt and Tone for several years and had a positive experience with the class.

“I heard about it through the department and became incredibly interested. It’s an incredibly diverse group of people, mostly women at the moment, of all levels of skill. Deborah acknowledges that everyone is different, and only wants to make sure that those there can get what they want out of it. I’d recommend the class to anyone and everyone, it’s worth looking into,” Meehan-Iafanti said.

Long-time head of classes like Sculpt and Tone, Stelling reflected on previous classes in comparison to this one.

“When I started running these classes, we didn’t have much in the way of equipment. We used to really only have three pound weights and mats. Now we have so much more to offer in terms of variety and it really helps us target all the major muscle groups over the course of the workout,” Stelling said.

While many in the class were returning veterans there were some first-timers in attendance as well. The doors of the class are always open and Stelling is always trying to reach out to people who might want to give the class a try.

“We’re always looking to find new members and we do offer demonstration classes free of charge, so that those interested can give it a try with no obligation,” Stelling said.

Sculpt & Tone classes are held every Monday and Wednesday from 12:15-1 p.m. at the L. Gale Lemerand Fitness Center, room 018 on the Daytona State main campus. Classes cost $30 per 12 class sessions. Those interested in the class can call 386-506-4348 for more information.