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Like the Army’s focus on maintaining physical fitness among its soldiers, the Civilian Fitness Program is designed to improve morale, relieve stress and minimize health risks for Department of the Army civilians.
The program allows civilian employees to be excused from work for three, one-hour sessions a week for up to six months, once in a career. The program offers open enrollment across U.S. Army Europe during September.
Open enrollment dates for KMC employees are: 9 a.m. to noon, Monday at the Miesau Fitness Center, Tuesday at the Rhine Ordnance Barracks Fitness Center, Wednesday at the Kleber Fitness Center and Thursday at the Landstuhl Wellness Center.
This DA approved program encourages civilians employed by the Army to engage in a regular program of exercise and other positive health habits.
The goal of the program is to encourage civilians to initiate and maintain healthy behavioral changes,” said Carrie Shult, Department of Health Promotion and Wellness program manager. “We monitor their progress through initial- and post-assessments and provide them with information to help participants develop an exercise and nutrition program appropriate for their lifestyle.”
Enrollment in the program is based on supervisor approval and completion of the enrollment process, according to Chris Sorrells, 415th Base Support Battalion’s Health Promotion coordinator.
“To enroll in the program, participants must complete the enrollment packet and receive a fitness assessment,” she said. “A special test is given before and after the program to assess body composition, cardiovascular recovery, and flexibility.”
Exercise activities are designed to enhance aerobic fitness, strength training, and flexibility. Certain recreational activities like badminton, volleyball, bowling and golf are excluded said Ms. Sorrells.
The program does not allow for people to start and stop the program, nor do they get credit for temporary duty assignments or annual leave, said Ms. Sorrells. The clock starts ticking with the pre-assessment and runs for six months.
“Program enrollment is contingent upon supervisor approval and the final assessment, six months later, is mandatory,” said Ms. Sorrells. “Those failing to complete the course by completing the post-assessment are liable to repay the administrative leave with annual leave.”
According to the latest figures from the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 60 percent of the U.S. population is overweight and obese, and more than 60 percent of adults do not engage in regular physical activity.
“Regular physical activities combined with proper nutrition are the cornerstones of a healthier employee,” said Ms. Shult. “According to the Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research, we see the greatest percentage reduction in health risk factors by merely moving from no exercise to moderate exercise three times a week.
“The program helps relieve stress and builds morale,” said Ms. Sorrells. “In return the Army hopes healthier employees will translate to better workers and fewer days missed from illness or poor health.”
“Taking care of yourself and staying fit is an investment in the future,” said Ms. Sorrells. “For one thing, it makes it more likely you’ll be around to enjoy your children and grandchildren.”
For more information, call Gerd Backhaus at 486-8713 or e-mail gerd.backhaus@hq.21tsc. army.mil or Health Promotion coordinator at 489-6238.
(Courtesy of U.S. Army Center of Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, Europe)
