Fitness clubs can turn workouts to rewards Published June 24, 2010 By Master Sgt. Jake Chappelle 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Some Airmen may feel the need for a little enticement to get rolling in a personal fitness program. The base fitness center has programs that can offer a nudge in the right direction. The fitness center offers the Fit Eagle Cardio and the Airlifter Strength Clubs to motivate people to work out in both the strength and cardiovascular arenas. Anyone eligible to use the fitness center can join at any time. "The goal of the programs is to keep people exercising by offering incentives for participation," said John Murray, 436th Force Support Squadron fitness program manager. "The more miles or weight you rack up, the more rewards you earn." The Fit Eagle Cardio Club is a self-paced program, in which incentives are earned by accruing miles using cardio equipment or participating in group exercise classes. Participants earn rewards based on the following achievements: -250 miles = a water bottle -500 miles = a reflective belt -1,000 miles = a T-shirt -1,500 miles = a hooded sweatshirt Some Airmen utilize the program to keep track of personal goals, such as Tech. Sgt. Athena Mercer, 712th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron unit deployment manager who uses the program three times a week. "I can really rack up a lot of miles and not lose track of my progress," said the air reserve technician. "I either use the elliptical machine for 25 minutes or run about three miles per session. That makes the club self-gratifying." The Airlifter Strength Club is also a self-paced and incentive-based program. Total pounds on the bench press, leg press and squat exercises are logged and calculated for the following prizes: -45,000 pounds = a water bottle -112,500 pounds = a workout towel -585,000 pounds = a tank top -1,538,000 pounds = a sweatshirt. These clubs can also be a way of keeping up with individual fitness when Airmen don't have organized unit physical training. "Because the program is self-paced, I can keep up with my PT and don't have to deviate from my busy work schedule," said Sergeant Mercer. "I still scored almost a 90 on my last two fitness assessments." The signup process is simple. "Pick up a blank form from one of the tub files at the front counter in the fitness center, fill out the information, and you've joined," said Mr. Murray. "Members can join one or both clubs and there's no signup deadline." These programs, along with many other events the fitness center holds each year, are great ways to stay in shape year-round, said Mr. Murray. For more information about the clubs or any other events and programs the base fitness center offers, call (302) 677-3963.