Better Body. Better Life. Published Dec. 5, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Joshua Edwards 17th Training Wing Public Affaris GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - -- The Mathis Fitness Center here opened registration for the "Better Body. Better Life." program Dec. 1, with classes starting Jan. 10. This program is to help individuals seeking to lose and maintain their weight and enjoy an overall healthy lifestyle. "It's all about lifestyle change," said Kathy Viau, 17th Medical Group health promotion dietitian. "The program focuses on helping people recognize those areas in their lifestyle that maybe holding them back from achieving their fitness or weight loss goals." To make sure that everyone can achieve this healthy lifestyle, the Mathis Fitness Center and Health and Wellness Center are offering this class with a limit of 12 people. They choose a smaller class size so they could best meet individuals' needs. "We don't want differences in fitness levels to hinder progress because participants were not able to receive the personal attention they need," said Lana Simmons, 17th Force Support Squadron recreation assistant. "If a couple joins, which we are really encouraging, you might have a spouse not as used to physical activity as much as their active duty husband. We want to be able to help all participants equally." The "Better Body. Better Life." program is scheduled to be a five week, hands-on workshop with highlights such as group support, cooking demos, exercise sessions, commissary tour, individual fitness plans, meal planning and optional Bod Pod testing. The Bod Pod was highly recommended by both Simmons and Viau. "It's [Bod Pod] more accurate then the calipers," said Simmons. "You want to lose weight, you step on the scale and see a number. For that week you eat how you're suppose to eat, start exercising and step on that scale later that week and see that you gained weight. You step into the Bod Pod and see that you've lost five pounds of fat and gained two pounds of muscle, but you would never get that from a scale." The use of the Bod Pod and other resources from this course are free to military members and their families. Getting the resources off base could costs hundreds of dollars. "I hope that other people realize what an awesome resource they have available," said Simmons. "You get to ask a dietitian one-on-one advice and have your meals tailored. I hope people take advantage of it." Even though Mathis Fitness Center and HAWC are offering this course, it's up to the individual to make the change. "You can't get to where you want to be standing still, you got to move," said Viau. "Sometimes that movement comes with a little bit of sacrifice - but looking better, having more energy, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment - hopefully that is worth swapping some rice and pasta for a few more fruits and vegatables." For more information call Lana Simmons at 325-654-3242 or Kathy Viau at 325-654-5755.
