Fitness Annex offers assessment, exercise guidance

  • Published
  • By Noel Getlin
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  NOTE: This is part two of a three-part series about programs offered by the Fitness Annex and the Health and Wellness Center to assist Team Eglin to eat better, be healthier, feel stronger and boost energy levels. Nutrition is a good start but now it's time to begin an exercise regimen.

Trish Moye, a two-time breast cancer survivor, is on a mission.

She wanted to begin working out to build her upper body and core strength for her upcoming reconstruction surgery.

"I've already lost 25 pounds," Mrs. Moye said. "But now I need to build up strength."

The Fitness Annex offers several services for active duty, civil service civilians, family members and retirees to get in shape.

"Everyone should put themselves first," said fitness specialist Staff Sgt. Tonya Allen, 96th Services Squadron. "If you're healthy, you'll live longer, healthier lives. "Exercise also helps relieve stress, reduces the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, just to name a few."

The Fitness Annex offers a Micro Fit Assessment test, which analyzes current fitness levels. It measures aerobic fitness, strength, flexibility and also body fat percentage.

"The computer does all the calculations for the Micro Fit Assessment, but I make my own workout programs for clients," said Sergeant Allen. "I go by how many times a week they can come to the gym, as well as what equipment they have at home. I also need to know whether they are trying to tone up or lose weight."

Then, a fitness expert will take clients through the workout and show them how to use the machines. Exercises to be done at home may also be included in the workout.

"The most important thing to remember while exercising is safety," said Sergeant Allen. "It's OK to be a little sore after a workout but if you are in terrible pain, then something needs to change, whether it's the durations or the intensity of the workout."

Hydration is also important and drinking water before, during and after workouts is helpful or drink sports drink if the workout is longer than an hour.

Sergeant Allen encourages anyone beginning an exercise program to first consult with a physician to make sure exercise won't aggravate or worsen any medical conditions. Then decide how often you plan to work out so a fitness specialist can design a workout schedule.

Mrs. Moye was impressed with the Fitness Annex and Sergeant Allen's guidance. But she also plans to take advantage of some of the exercise programs of the Health and Wellness Center, upstairs from the Fitness Annex.

Alison DeCaro, health promotion manager for the HAWC, said people confuse the Fitness Annex and the HAWC all the time, probably because they are located in the same building.

"Our missions are different," Ms. DeCaro said. "The HAWC is part of the 96th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. We have certain areas of focus - fitness, nutrition, stress and the whole person. Health promotion is our job."

DeCaro said the HAWC focuses on living a healthy lifestyle and more on prevention than just exercise alone.

"We try to teach people to be proactive - rather than reactive - about their health," she said.

The HAWC offers three free exercise classes to base personnel: Back on Track, a class focused on strengthening the back and core muscles; Boot Camp, a circuit-style class that incorporates cardio drills with strength moves; and Muscle Max, a strength training class that uses a variety of equipment to develop muscular strength and endurance.

For more information on the HAWC and their wellness programs, call 883-8020/8024.

For information about the Fitness Center's Micro Fit test, fitness equipment orientation and Fitness Annex classes, call 883-9127.