FEATURES

'Fit to Fight' is a top priority, shared effort

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jessica Martin
  • Nellis AFB Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  Keeping fit to fight is part of every Air Force job description. The Nellis Sports and Fitness Center has numerous programs available to help Airmen hone their personal fitness--whether preferring an individual or group activity, the facility and staff are ready to assist with keeping in shape.

The Strut-Striders & Riders incentive club is the fastest-growing self-directed activity on Nellis. Individuals choose an activity of walking, running, biking, or all three, and track their progress to earn rewards. The program is open to all active duty, retirees, dependants over 16 years old, and DoD employees. To participate, individuals simply signup at the fitness center's front counter, and then log their distance on a registration card provided. Prizes such as t-shirts, windbreakers and bike helmets are awarded after certain milestones are reached.

"Sometimes people prefer doing activities by themselves," said Larry Bridges, Nellis Sports and Fitness Center sports director. "What's important is to just get going--we've seen that once people get into the program they find they enjoy it and really need it."

For those interested in group activities, the fitness center has brought on 10 additional exercise instructors offering a robust workout schedule with classes six days a week. Cardio Pump is a 45-minute aerobic routine packed with dance and kickboxing combinations. Step/Step & Tone, also 45 minutes, takes calorie-burning up a notch using step risers and weights to provide an intense leg workout. Power Cycling is a high-energy, 45-minute class helping to raise metabolism, focus and endurance.

The hour-long Circuit class uses a variety of different stations to increase muscle strength and cardio simultaneously. Yoga classes, also 60 minutes, blend strength training and stretching for muscle building, flexibility and stress relief.

Getting into the competitive spirit, there are also several team sports available. The fitness center offers intramurals in flag football, basketball, racquetball, volleyball, softball, golf and bowling, with their seasons kicking off after the new year. Varsity-level teams include men's and women's volleyball, men's basketball, men's softball, men's hockey and men's soccer. The Women's Varsity Basketball Team is currently holding practices and is actively looking for active duty, adult dependants and DoD employees to join.

The Nellis Sports and Fitness Center is open Mondays through Fridays from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on any classes or programs, contact the center at 652-4891.