CHIEF LOGAN STATE PARK — The new step aerobics class is very popular at the Chief Logan Rec Center.

Interim Director Terry Mullins, who is the step aerobics class instructor, said that up to 40 people attend each night and the class is popular with both men and women. Even children were taking part in the class.

"I was teaching the class at my church and I brought it to the Rec Center when I started as office manager and it's grown each week," Mullins said. "We've got men and women taking the classes and we have up to 40 people early in the week. It is free to members and is very popular"

Step aerobics is a form of aerobic exercise that uses an elevated platform called a step. There are several ways to do step aerobics, including jumping onto the platform and stepping right and left onto the platform. The class was doing several moves, including jumping jacks. The platform height can be elevated or lowered to fit personal needs.

Mullins, who is a certified personal and group trainer, conducts the class five nights a week. She leads two classes, one at 4 p.m. and another at 6 p.m.

Mullins was hired recently to lead the Rec Center. She said getting the job is a dream come true.

"I've been wanting to do this since the 1990s," Mullins said. "To have a job like this is a dream come true for me."

Barbara Workman and her husband, Curtis, both are members of the Chief Logan Rec Center. Barbara Workman took part in the steps class, while her husband walked the track above.

Barbara Workman, who has a pacemaker, said she isn't allowed to do certain exercises, but Mullins set for her a workout regimen and Workman is attending the step aerobics class.

"My doctor told me not to do a lot of free weights and I'm doing the aerobics and I'm walking every day, as much as I can," Workman said. "I'm in pretty good shape for an old woman. This place is a Godsend for me. The temperature is consistent, the people are so helpful and the machines are wonderful."

Crystal Adkins, who works with the UMWA Health and Retirement Funds, is also a member who takes part in the step aerobics class. She praised Mullins for her hard work and devotion to improving health in Logan County.

"I'm a member here because I know Terry and I know what she is capable of doing with someone in terms of getting them more healthy," Adkins said. "I think she'll do a great job. I think she has a vision for this place and lots of great ideas. She could really make this place fantastic.

"I'm in the beginner class now, but I was in the more advanced class, but I have bad knees. I realized that after six weeks of that, it wasn't going to be good for me at all. When I got my membership here, I worked it out to come to the 4:30 p.m. class. It's a little bit shorter class and a little less intense, but it's still a good workout."

Adkins said she loves the Rec Center.

"The step aerobics here with Terry is first class. To have access to an indoor pool with lap lanes is fantastic," Adkins said. "All of the equipment is new and, although it's intimidating to look at, it's really easy to use and the people are really friendly and will help you get on track. This is a great place."

Scott Stone said he's known Mullins for many years and she will do great as director of the Rec Center.

"I've been taking her class for about a year," Stone said. "I was taking the class when she held it at the church. I think Terry will do a great job with the Rec Center. I like the Rec Center. I think it's great.

"I think the goal for Terry is to get a couple multi-purpose rooms, which, for our class, we need to have one. Her class has really brought more people here. That's the main reason I joined. She has brought in a lot of members and I've noticed that there are a lot of new people who are here attending and taking the class now."