Photos by Tina Ray/Paraglide Kimberly Figueroa, orange shirt, participates in an group fitness class at Hammond Hills Neighborhood Center, Sept. 2. The Army spouse said she has improved her fitness level since joining the class.

Looking for a way to relieve stress and burn calories at the same time? Try step aerobics at Hammond Hills Neighborhood Center which could be just the class for you.

The class is held Wednesdays and Fridays, at 9:30 a.m. and is open to any authorized ID cardholders, age 16 and up, said Patrick Quigley, Fort Bragg Sports Office, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

According to the post FMWR website, it is an intense aerobics class using the step that burns 30 to 60 percent more calories than traditional aerobics with emphasis on hips, thighs, abdominals and buttocks.

For instructor Amaryllis Del Moral, besides burning calories, there seems to be another benefit of participating in class.

“For Army moms — same as I — I think it’s a very nice way to relieve stress,” she said.

One Army mom among the 13 women who joined Del Moral in their workout Wednesday at the center was Kimberly Figueroa, who worked out as her 2½ year-old son, Jordan played on a mat and watched. During the last few minutes of class, which involved a cool down period and abdominal work, Jordan sat at his mother’s feet and often imitated many of her moves.

Being able to bring Jordan to step aerobics is an option that the regular fitness centers on Fort Bragg do not offer, and it is the reason why Figueroa and others petitioned for more classes at the neighborhood center a few months ago, she said.

Anita Cooper agreed.

“It’s a community center — we only ask for an hour in the morning,” said Cooper, who said she wishes gyms offered hourly care for children.

Katelyn Monk worked out while taking breaks to attend to her children; Noah, 12 months and Kara, 2. She, too, likes going to class because she can bring her children and because it has improved her overall fitness, she said.

Cooper said she has toned, lost weight and lowered her cholesterol since beginning classes more than two years ago.

“Health is a very big thing to me,” said Figueroa who regularly attends class in order to model good health to her children.

According to Del Moral, step aerobics can burn 350 to 500 calories per hour, depending on the person’s fitness level.

“It’s a great lower body workout. It’s good toning for the legs and an excellent tool for coordination. It’s very mind-challenging,” she said.

Group fitness classes are one of the legs of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program, Quigley said.

CSF is committed to the well-being of the Soldier and his or her Family members and to building strong Families.

For more information on group fitness classes, visit www.fortbraggmwr.com/groupfitness.php or call 396-1217.

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