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Fitness Center gears up for National Fitness Month
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- If unit physical training, increased operations tempo and common sense haven't encouraged people to hit the gym, maybe National Physical Fitness and Sports Month will.
In a 2007 proclamation, President George Bush called upon all U.S. citizens to make physical fitness a priority in their lives. The Vandenberg Fitness Center wants to assist Team V with that challenge
However, in order to help Airmen stay fit, the fitness center has to cater to a wide range of interests. That's why it offers everything from free weights and cardio equipment, to aerobics and kickboxing classes, to sports for every level.
The group aerobics classes are free and held throughout the week. There are classes for every fitness level, including spin classes, total body conditioning and Zumba.
"Zumba, which is like a dance aerobics class, is a newer one that we have," said Thomas Anastasio, assistant director of the Vandenberg Fitness Center. "It's really gaining in popularity."
Some of the classes, like the popular spin class, get full quickly and are first-come, first-served. People should show up early to the classes, which are located near the base track in the Airman and Family Readiness building.
As for sports, the gym offers 17 different intramural sports, ranging from basketball to dodgeball. In order to sign up for these sports, people need to contact their unit sports representative. If a unit is too small or does not have an active sports program, unit members can contact the fitness center to be put on the player's pool list.
"You get your sports representative to say they don't have a team and that you can play for somebody else," Mr. Anastasio said. "Then whoever is short players, you'd go play for them."
In order to get on the player's pool list, however, a player would have to sign up before the start of the season.
For those who are more interested in a self-paced workout, the gym has a weight room, complete with new weight machines, as well as a cardio room. If you need extra equipment to do a workout, such as wrist straps or a weight belt, those items can be checked out at the front desk.
"We offer pretty much anything you can think of," Mr. Anastasio said. "There's a full list up behind the front desk of the gym. If it's related to sports of some sort, we probably have it for you to sign out."
While there is plenty to do year-round, the fitness center is having special events throughout May in honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. "Walk The Pounds Away in May," which goes throughout the month, allows participants to use pedometers to track how much they walk. There is a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on May 8; a racquetball tournament on May 10; a dodgeball tournament on May 13; and an all-night softball tournament on May 23.
No matter what program people decide to do at the gym, the fitness center staff said they're ready get everyone "Fit to Fight."
"We're trying to help the military members maintain their fitness levels and keep their unit readiness up," Mr. Anastasio said.
For more information on the Vandenberg Fitness Center and activities available in May, call 606-3832.