Whiteman HAWC rolls out new programs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  With 2010 on short final, many are thinking of the resolutions they will make for the New Year.

The Whiteman Health and Wellness Center will roll out several new programs to encourage Team Whiteman members to reach their goals, and is even offering incentive programs to keep motivation high.

The Steppin' Through the Winter Program, in which participants can check out pedometers to count the steps they take throughout the day, offers incentives for reaching a cumulative number of steps. The programs also works for runners by estimating their mileage.

"The American Heart Association recommends 10,000 steps per day, and that is what sparked the idea," said Staff Sgt. Cory Philp, a HAWC staff member. "It's great for keeping track of your steps during the cold months, when the weather isn't always exercise-friendly."

Another program, which will come online early next year, can provide a complete diet and exercise plan for those who want to either gain or lose weight.

"The New Leaf Metabolic Assessment System measures how effectively a body burns calories when at rest and while exercising," said Sergeant Philp. "We take that information and make a road map that tells you how many calories you need per day, and how much cardio you need per day, based on your fitness goals."

Sergeant Philp said the  New Leaf process can be done off-base, but can cost up to $200.

The Bod Pod is another high-tech gadget that will be available to gym-goers early next year. Similar to hydrostatic, or underwater weighing, the machine measures body composition using air displacement to calculate the ratio of fat and muscle.

"The Bod Pod is easy to use, and it only takes about five minutes," said Sergeant Philp. "The machine offers information on resting metabolic rates and total energy expenditure with no additional testing maneuvers."

So as Team Whiteman prepares for the new year, the HAWC provides close motivational and informational support, to help members achieve real results in less time with greater ease.