HAWC, Fitness Center staff offer expertise, strengthen Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shad Eidson
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Walking around Baker House Fitness Center and selecting one of the tons of free weights, more than 100 pieces of cardio equipment, and 30 cable weight circuit machines can be a daunting task to anyone with a limited amount of time. With today's primary tasks, additional duties and training, what Airman has the time to accurately evaluate exercise equipment and use it properly? 

The variety of fitness equipment may offer options to select the best exercises that fit everyone's personal taste and current fitness level. It also comes with a knowledgeable staff ready to sell tailored fitness goals with customer satisfaction a top priority because they don't worry about a commission -- usually. 

"The best thing to do is get motivated to come into the gym. We can help overcome fear of unknown equipment," said Tech. Sgt. Diane Schmitt, center director. 

The staff can explain how to properly use each piece of equipment, as well as, the specific health benefits so customers can tailor their workouts to target muscle groups and cardio levels. 

While the Airmen can quickly help everyone on a walk-in basis, the staff can prepare a more thorough fitness equipment orientation by appointment. 

In addition to availability of exercise equipment, the staff also manages intramural sports adding a little fun into maintaining a healthy lifestyle, she said. Throughout the year the staff offers flag football, basketball, volleyball, softball and golf. 

"Between sports and the equipment, a variety of fitness options exist year round," said the Phoenix, Ariz. native. 

The fitness center is part of the 354th Force Support Squadron and the equipment and intramural sports programs are open to active duty members, their dependents and Department of Defense civilian employees. 

Beyond access to the exercise equipment, there is also a contract personal trainer available to help customers establish a workout plan to achieve fitness goals for a fee. There are also Airmen on staff who have completed personal trainer certification classes and can help establish a workout plan. 

For those who do feel they do not need one-on-one support, there are more than 30 aerobics classes offered each week for group participation. 

If that support isn't enough for individuals to see results, the Health and Wellness Center office located inside the fitness center has a staff of experts at the ready to offer advice and several health improving classes designed to support all fitness levels. 

The HAWC Fitness Improvement Program classes are for active duty military, but the HAWC staff can set-up training for anyone when manning permits, said Master Sgt. Terry Patterson, HAWC NCOIC. 

He emphasized that the HAWC is part of the 354th Medical Operations Squadron Aerospace Medical Flight and works closely with the base clinic to keep health a top priority. 

"The HAWC's trained specialists are more than an education resource. They can work closely with Airmen to show improvement through the workout programs and fitness classes to identify weaknesses and ways to improve," the native of Addison, Ala. said. 

The simplest areas to focus on are instruction on pace in runs, proper breathing techniques during workouts and form, which can drastically change the effectiveness of an exercise, he said. 

"When people attend the classes, I have seen them consistently come off the program twice as fast as those who workout on their own," said Sergeant Patterson. "The staff receive praises all the time." 

One of the best pieces of advice he gives Airmen attending a HAWC class or just in the gym is to exercise consistently. Regular exercising everyday, or every other day, will help maintain energy levels, which are affected in the winter darkness here at Eielson, he said. 

The best program results he has seen was one Airmen shaving two and a half minutes off their run time during a 45 day period, he said. This was an extreme example and most Airmen will not see those kinds of results within that period of time. 

Another trait found among Airmen with successful fitness workouts is partnering. 

"Working out with a partner, who is at a similar fitness level, can not only motivate people to not miss a session, but also help to motivate during the work," said Sergeant Patterson. 

"This is a quality of life initiative that can have effects well beyond an Airman's military career," he said. "The fitness levels you reach and maintain now will promote health past retirement." 

In addition to classes, the HAWC fitness test specialists can also conduct practice fitness tests by appointment. Walk-ins are allowed but are not practically due to HAWC class schedules. 

With nearly 700 customers using the fitness center every day, the center staff and HAWC are prepared to help every one reach their health goals and achieve mission success.