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IMF Sailors Participate in Innovative Fitness Program
Story Number: NNS040504-05
Release Date: 5/4/2004 4:08:00 PM
By Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Lisa Sanders, Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility
SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Fifteen Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF) Sailors are participating in a new, year-long program to help them meet the Navy's physical fitness standards and improve their overall wellness.
The "University of Fitness Beach, a New U," an innovative diet, exercise and lifestyle modification program, was developed in March by IMFs Command Fitness Leader (CFL), Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW/AW) Brian Cissell, with help from the local Navy Morale and Welfare Recreation staff, to help Sailors improve physical fitness.
"During my time as the CFL on USS Rainier (AOE 7), I became very familiar with some of the existing programs and trial developments the Navy has used," said Cissell. "I decided here as CFL, that it was to time to look into some new approaches."
The University of Fitness Beach, A New U program's plan for the active-duty member includes group and individual exercise classes and orientations, two-day workouts, one cardio workout weekend session, food log evaluations and monthly physical fitness assessments. It also includes semi-annual blood lipid panels; personal-training sessions with a certified personal trainer; and nutrition and stress management counseling from Naval Hospital registered dieticians and mental health professionals.
"I feel good," said IMF participant Fire Control Technician 2nd Class (SS) Adam Antrich. "The best part about the new program is knowing that I am gaining strength in the fight against falling back into the same bad lifestyle habits and making poor health decisions."
The program is also available to service members' families. The family members of IMF participants will receive nutrition and cooking training classes, opportunities to attend fitness center orientations and a youth fitness camp during spring break.
"My family is going to get the opportunity later to learn what I'm learning, and that will provide even more positive reinforcement," added Antrich. "Not only am I losing weight and getting into shape, I am learning valuable, healthy ways to manage my life. That is extremely good."
Cmdr. David Wilkie, IMF executive officer, fully supports the IMF Command Fitness Team's new program.
"As a pilot program, I am very hopeful that it succeeds and can be exported Navywide, working to help Sailors by providing support to achieve important lifelong lifestyle improvements and the opportunity to stay Navy," he said.
According to Cissell, an opportunity for new IMF participants is in the planning stage for June or July of this year.
"If you are interested in implementing this program at your own command, speak with your command fitness leader, who can contact your Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation for additional funding and facilitation."
For more news from around the fleet, visit the Navy NewsStand at www.news.navy.mil.
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