The enthusiasm increased along with the sweat level when about 40 Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians worked out during a Jazzercise session last week. The event was part of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s health promotions program.

Provided by Jazzercise Killeen Fitness Center instructors, participants appeared to enjoy themselves during the hour-long session featuring high-energy music. Some were novices, and a few were Jazzercise regulars.

Owner/instructor Michelle Fry warned the group that “the first part is cardio dance and the second part is strengthening exercise, and it gets very intense.”

Sharon Sutton, USAOTC secretary to the general staff and a part-time instructor, opened the session telling participants, “We’d like to try to introduce you to Jazzercise because we think it works wonderfully.”

The class was offered as an alternate physical training option for Soldiers, said Capt. James Simpson, the Headquarters and Headquarters Command company commander who oversees the command’s health promotions program.

“I was looking around for something different for us to do,” Simpson said. “Sharon volunteered to put together the Jazzercise class, and Michelle was kind enough to offer her help, so we were able to open this up for our civilian employees.”

Sara Van Dusen, deputy executive director, tries to Jazzercise every day and has been a regular at Fry’s studio for five years. “Even when I’m TDY (temporary duty),” she said, “I can usually find a Jazzercise class so I don’t miss a session.”

Test Technology Director Gayle Shull has enjoyed Jazzercise over the years. “I’m glad they put this together,” she said. “I was really looking forward to it.”

USAOTC offers alternate PT at least once a month, according to Simpson.