September 11 won't be for you -- unless you want to watch a crush of aerobics enthusiasts rushing to BAA field for a 90-minute, non-stop workout in aid of the Bermuda Heart Foundation.

Billed as Bermuda's largest aerobics class, the early morning event will be led by eight instructors from the Athletic Club, and is expected to attract hundreds of fit and eager fund-raisers, each of whom will donate $20 for the privilege of working out.

For an extra $10, they will be also able to buy a commemorative T-shirt. The project is the brainchild of Athletic Club managing director Mrs. Kym Burns and one of her instructors, Miss Debbie Sauve.

"Debbie and I both come from Windsor, Ontario, and Debbie was familiar with a similar scheme there,'' Mrs. Burns explained. "I wanted to do something for the community, and I knew Debbie had done something like this before, so I approached her and asked how we could do something comparable in Bermuda.'' From their initial discussions, a committee was formed to put the project in train. Along the way, it has gathered a host of corporate sponsors and the enthusiastic support of Dr. Marion Watlington, executive committee member of the Bermuda Heart Foundation.

"BAA have given us their field -- and their gymnasium in case it rains -- and the Athletic Club is donating time, staff and volunteers as well as organising the event,'' Mrs. Burns said.

Other sponsors are donating such items as T-shirts, embroidery, bottled water, freshly baked muffins, aerobics outfits, stage and sound equipment. Like the Athletic Club, Lucozade and the Somers Isles Insurance Company Ltd. are major sponsors.

During the 90-minute low-impact aerobics session, which is open to all ages, participants will step and turn to the commands of a rotating team of instructors, who will teach in pairs.

"It will be a class specifically designed for a lot of people, and will be a little different to a regular class,'' Mrs. Burns promised. "At the same time, everyone will be able to work at their own pace.'' Dr. Watlington will be on hand to open the proceedings, and Bermuda Heart Foundation representatives will also man an information booth.

Free give-aways and attractive prizes are among the other attractions.

In addition to money generated from entry and T-shirt fees, organisers expect to raise funds through the circulation of sponsorship forms. Prizes for those collecting the most funds will be awarded on September 11.

"To qualify, sponsorship forms and the money must be brought to the event,'' Mrs. Burns noted.

Mrs. Burns said the purpose of this innovative fund-raiser was two-fold: to heighten community awareness of the importance of health and fitness; and to help purchase a vital piece of equipment for the King Edward Hospital's cardiac unit.

"Aerobics is one of the best ways to strengthen the heart and burn body fat,'' she explained. "We wanted to make the community aware of the importance of health and fitness, and also the need to make regular exercise a part of daily life.'' The proposed equipment is a digital image analysis system, a special diagnostic tool which will enable the hospital to provide more sophisticated care for heart patients in Bermuda.

"The system costs $30,000 and we hope to raise at least $15,000,'' Mrs. Burns said, noting that non-participants could also help by canvassing family, friends, neighbours and colleagues for donations.

"Chances are they know someone who has heart disease and will jump at a chance to support the fight against it,'' Mrs. Burns said.

The Athletic Club director and instructor Mrs. Sharon Fenn also had guidelines on how participants should prepare for the September 11 event.

"Eat a lot of complex carbohydrates -- pasta, rice, fruits -- and drink at least two litres of water the night before,'' Mrs. Burns advised. "Have a healthy breakfast -- fruits, oatmeal (porridge) or a good (low fat, low sugar) dry cereal, juice and more water -- before setting out for BAA.'' In terms of clothing, Mrs. Fenn said aerobic or cross-training shoes and light-coloured clothing ("black absorbs heat'') should be worn, and a good sunscreen was advisable.

Registration forms are currently available from the Athletic Club in the Cedar Parkade, Hamilton. Completed forms must be faxed to or dropped off at the Athletic Club by September 8.

Registration participants on September 11 begins at 8.45 a.m.

For further information contact the Athletic Club.

STRETCHING THE POINT! -- Athletic Club managing director Mrs. Kym Burns (back row, third from left) watches her instructors limber up for Bermuda's biggest aerobics class on September 11. They are (left to right, back row) Karen Adams, Chris Walker and Sharon Fenn; (middle row, left to right) Brooke Grace, Gwyneth Brough and Nicola Lawson; Debbie Sauve (on floor).