Fitnesss conditioning classes on schedule at the Health and Wellness Center Published July 11, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Health and Wellness Center at Nellis Air Force Base develops new fitness programs to help train Airmen and dependents to receive a proper workout to eliminate the threat of injury. Remaining fit to fight has been an ongoing Air Force emphasis. In 2010 the Air Force Fitness Test standards changed, challenging Airmen to complete it twice a year. To pass, Airmen must achieve a minimum passing score in each component and receive a total score of 75 or better. With fitness a top priority for Airmen, the possibility of injury can increase. "The program is called fitness conditioning and it's offered Mondays at 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays at [4 p.m.] and is a mixture of cardio to increase that heart rate, strength training, and a full body workout," said Kelley Welchart, HAWC health and fitness specialist, who instructs one such class. "We use all different types of equipment including free weights, physio balls, and jump ropes." The fitness conditioning class provides members the chance to utilize equipment and receive mentorship from a trained instructor free of charge. The guided class provides a new alternative to watching an exercise video or working out at the fitness center. "First of all, a lot of people don't know how to strength train properly," Welchart said. "Secondly, most people focus all of their workouts on cardio and they don't understand the importance of strength training. It is much easier to come into a guided class rather than to try to go to the gym and figure it out on your own." With an instructor available to help ensure exercises are executed properly, the possibility of injury is likely to decrease. "A lot of time injuries will prevent people from working out or trying new things," Welchart said. "A way they can prevent injuries is by coming to the class and getting instructed properly on how to do these lifts rather than trying to go do them themselves and doing them improperly." Margie Collyer, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center budget analysis, said, "The new fitness program is challenging, but it is effective. We have a live instructor, which is much better than working out to a television program." The fitness conditioning class is the first of many ideas the HAWC has planned to help promote physical fitness. "We are developing new programs and trying to get people into our classes by making them more aware of what is offered," says Welchart. "In the future we are also going to be doing more classes focused on injury prevention with emphasis on better non-static stretching." To attain more information on the Health and Wellness Center and what it has to offer contact Commercial 702-653-3375 or DSN 683-3375.
