TOWER BARRACKS, Germany — U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria continued its longstanding tradition of hosting the annual Fitness Day on Jan. 11 at the Physical Fitness Center at Tower Barracks.

For over 20 years, this event has inspired Soldiers and community members to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Fitness Day 2025 was supported by the Armed Forces Wellness Center Bavaria, U.S. Army Health Clinic Grafenwoehr, the American Red Cross, the Army Substance Abuse Program and other organizations.

The event offered a comprehensive program designed to engage participants in various aspects of fitness and wellness. Attendees could explore different fitness classes, health workshops and wellness resources available on post.

“I love that there’s so many different classes offered,” said eventgoer Catherine Hojnacki. “It can be hard during the week to get to a new class to try it out. But this gave you an opportunity on a Saturday to go and have a little snapshot of all the operations through the gym.”

Additionally, participants had the chance to consult with dietitians and personal trainers, measure their body-muscle ratio and participate in a simulation that tested their reaction time and coordination, simulating the effects of alcohol impairment.

“The Fitness Day definitely lets the community know what services are offered on base, from fitness classes at the gym to other services like the wellness center,” said Hojnacki. “It highlights services that community members might not have known were available to help their overall fitness journey,”

During the Fitness Day eventgoers could try out a diverse selection of fitness classes, such as Zumba, yoga, and CrossFit, to explore new workouts or enhance their current routines.

“We’ve had more turnout than ever,” said Tracy Whittle, organizer of the event “It’s been a fantastic turnout and a wonderful opportunity. I’d like to thank my team for their brilliant support; it’s been very rewarding.”

A total of 231 people joined the event that day.

Fitness Day participant John Cassens challenged his fitness.

“The first class was my favorite,” he said. “It was a CrossFit-like circuit where we did different types of exercises. This one made me realize that my cardio level wasn’t as high as I thought. It pushed my cardio to its limits.”

The Fitness Day emphasized the importance of physical activity and its impact on overall wellbeing, encouraging the community to integrate fitness into their daily routines.

Charles Taupau, another participant, highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the event, saying his motivation “is to be healthy.”

“Another reason is the camaraderie: being around people to hang out and socialize,” Taupau added. “Having people around you who push you to be a better person overall, not just in fitness, is invaluable. We can learn a thing or two from professional athletes and those aspiring to become professionals. Lastly, I want to be a good role model for my kids and get them motivated.”