BATTLE GROUND’S MOUNTAIN VIEW Martial Arts and Fitness is getting people of all ages and ability levels back in shape with their new RIPPED fitness program. The high-intensity workout takes place every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday at 9:45 a.m.
With a new year comes the dreaded resolutions to get back in shape or lose weight, only to see them fade as the months roll by.
At Battle Ground’s Mountain View Martial Arts and Fitness, owner David Mason is looking to give people a fun alternative to going to the gym or working out at home.
R.I.P.P.E.D, which stands for Resistance, Interval, Power, Plyometrics, Endurance and Diet, is a new workout program which combines a low-impact cardiovascular routine with weights and resistance in a high-intensity one-hour routine.
By changing up exercises and activities every 6-9 minutes, the workout is tough, but doable and offers a way to build both fitness and endurance throughout the body.
“It’s different than being in a gym and going to a class with an instructor,” said Mason. “Most times, you find they have their core group of people who never miss a session and it can be frustrating enough to not come back. This isn’t like that at all.”
Mason added that while the program does have set routines and patterns, it can be tailored to fit any age level or fitness level.
“Right now, our oldest participant is 68, and our youngest is 14, which goes to show you the versatility of the program,” Mason said.
The key to the program, according to its website, is that it is “Plateau Proof.” In most workout routines, the body reaches a point where it cannot proceed to lose weight or build muscle without making significant changes to the routine. In recent years, research has found that if the body is given a variety of activities in a workout, it’s not able to plateau and continues development of muscle over fat.
Kristin Krasko, a Battle Ground-based mother of two, introduced the program to Mason as an alternative to the Tae Kwon Do and other programs he offers through Mountain View Martial Arts and Fitness.
“It’s such a great program because it’s a workout set to music for one and we’re always getting new tracks to keep it fresh,” Krasko said. “We ran initial classes in December and early January and got some great feedback from the participants. I think it will be a great addition for people to use.”
Krasko has been working on becoming a certfied trainer in the R.I.P.P.E.D. program and will be running it at Mountain View, though Mason is also getting involved as well.
“I’ve been actually trying to get a low-cost cardio program in place for years, and this just happened to fit the criteria of what I was looking for,” Mason said. “Kristin is so energetic and passionate, and it should be something that will help people who don’t have the time or incentive to go to the gym.”
Along with their standard program, Krasko said that kids will be able to get involved in learning the value of exercise soon with R.I.P.P.E.D. for Kids, which she is looking forward to putting into action.
“Adding strength, endurance and confidence to our children is super exciting to me as a person. It’s a big deal,” said Krasko. “kids are not as active these days and health issues are creeping up on them at such a young age. I want to be a part of the change here in Battle Ground.”
While Krasko added that she will not be overseeing the dietary facet of the workout, the program does offer resources by which to monitor nutrition and diet.
“We’re connected through R.I.P.P.E.D.’s website, which provides tons of information on meal plans, recipes and more,” Krasko said.
Mountain View Martial Arts and Fitness offers a free introductory R.I.P.P.E.D. class, with follow-up classes available for either a $7 drop-in fee or with a $30 card which covers five classes. If any participants bring in referrals, they also qualify for a free class as well.
“The goal is to get people excited and interested in trying out the program,” Mason said.
Mountain View also offers their traditional Tae Kwon Do for all ages, as well as womens’ self-defense courses for $15. The school also has a childrens’ play area for parents looking to get a workout, but don’t have a babysitter.
“We have a nice open space so moms and dads can see where their kids are at at all times,” Mason said.
More information about R.I.P.P.E.D. can be found at its website, www.rippedplanet.com, or by calling Kristin Krasko, (360) 687-1055. Mountain View Martial Arts and Fitness is located at 807 E. Main St., in Battle Ground. For more information, contact David Mason, (360) 601-7713 or at their website, www.mountainviewmaf.com.
