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Sabers see opportunity in physical fitness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Two entrepreneurial spouses recently started a fitness-based business here with the intent to get Sabers in shape with a personalized workout.

The business is not only aimed to help military members improve their fitness for the new physical training requirements, but also for anyone who wants to be in better shape.

After making a list of more than 100 names, Sarah Scozzaro and Stephanie Hodges, personal trainers, decided to name their new business Intrepid Fitness.

"We wanted something very raw and basic, because what we are doing is very fundamental - it's not fancy," Mrs. Hodges said. "Whether it is a piece of fitness equipment that cost $3,000 or you use a rock, your body doesn't know the difference."

Though Intrepid Fitness and the new Air Force physical fitness standards began about the same time, it was just good luck for the two business women.

"We realized then that this would also fit nicely with the new start date of the PT standards, so while this was not our motivation for the launching of our boot camp program, we saw the opportunity for what it was," Mrs. Scozzaro said. "We decided on a May start date, as the weather was more conducive to an outdoor boot camp."

While the program only began this summer, the idea for the business has been formulating for some time.

"Stephanie and I met in the gym in 2008 when she came in looking for a personal trainer," Mrs. Hodges said. "From that point on, a friendship developed, and this turned into a business relationship a couple of years later."

"We really felt that there was an opportunity to bring a new type of fitness program on base," Mrs. Scozzaro said, "one that was effective, fun and kept its members accountable."

The six-week program uses basic fitness equipment in a circuit training-style workout Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and tracks attendance and fitness goals for the participants.

Each person in the class sets a new goal every week, Mrs. Scozzaro said. People who return to the program after the end will be assigned new goals and pushed a little bit further than the people just starting.

"The great part about the program is if some people come again we have tailored it so we can challenge them," Mrs. Hodges said. "But we might have someone brand new and we can challenge both of them at the same time."

One member of the program has taken these challenges to heart.

"They make it enjoyable, and I think as long as you put the effort into it, it's well worth it," said Tech. Sgt. Scott Haxby, 52nd Medical Operations Squadron. "It is a lot of fun, and I definitely would recommend it."

As with physical fitness, creating a business will yield results based on the effort put into it.

"No question about it, we have worked hard on this program and have put our sweat and tears into it," Mrs. Scozzaro said, "but knowing the success or failure of Intrepid Fitness lies completely on our shoulders makes us want to work that much harder to make it the best program possible.

"It is very empowering to be able to do what you love and have the opportunity to share your passion with others."