BOD POD: What are you made of?

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - Mr. Carlos Sifuentes, Health and Wellness Center health promotion educator, reads BOD POD test results to Airman 1st Class Michael Smith at the Health and Wellness Center June 10. This test provides a breakdown of Airman Smith's body composition as well as caloric intake based on his activity level. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Heather L. Rodgers)

BOD POD: What are you made of?

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - Mr. Carlos Sifuentes, Health and Wellness Center health promotion educator, performs a BOD POD test on Airman 1st Class Michael Smith at the Health and Wellness Center June 10. This test will provide a breakdown of Airman Smith's body composition as well as caloric intake based on his activity level. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Heather L. Rodgers)

What are you made of?

Published June 14, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Heather Rodgers
17th Training Wing Public Affairs

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- When is the last time you thought about your fitness goals? Whether you want to get in shape or stay in shape, the BOD POD at the Health and Wellness Center can point you in the right direction.

The BOD POD is a medical device designed to provide the most accurate body composition and metabolic assessment. BOD PODs are used worldwide in research, clinical, athletic, military, and health and fitness-type settings. It uses an air displacement method for high accuracy, and fast and safe results. Those who use it learn the amount of fat and lean tissue that make up their body's composition, which enables them to make sensible decisions regarding their nutrition and exercise.

"It is good [information] for everyone to know," said Carlos Sifuentes, HAWC health promotion educator. "It's a healthy decision. Once they see the results, they can confront it."

The entire experience takes approximately 15 minutes, but the actual time in the pod is five. A typical session consists of being weighed, answering a few health questions and entering the pod for a few minutes. Don't worry, there is a panic release button for emergencies and for those who may feel "closed in."

When it is all said and done, the subject receives a print out of his results, breaking down his body fat, bone, muscle and water percentages. The print out also provides a personal resting metabolic rate, and a breakdown of caloric intake based on activity level.

The BOD POD can be used on male and females by appointment. The HAWC is open from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and can be reached at (325) 654-5962 for further information.