By DoD DeCA
In the military community the Defense Commissary Agency is actively engaged in promoting fitness on the military installation. Physical fitness of Sailors is a critical part of operational readiness and meeting deployment schedules. In support of this effort, sailors stationed at the San Diego Naval Base in California participated in a groundbreaking fitness event in front of the commissary that was supported by the base Commanding Officer Capt. Rick Williamson. Morale, Welfare and Recreation representatives teamed up with San Diego Commissary employees and provided fitness events for the entire week to include a stage, rock climbing wall and professional trainers. Approximately 250 sailors were on hand to do physical training exercises Feb. 14. Later in the week, the commissary held a 1.5K run, and MWR provided 100 exercise bikes for them to work out on. All in all, a variety of challenging physical activities was included in the busy week.
Many of the sailors enjoyed the variety of physical activity events coordinated during the week. This program succeeded because base leadership, MWR and the commissary planned and worked together at the military installation level to make it happen. Moving forward, the commissaries will continue to work with military community leaders to create events that support the focus on fitness for both service members and families on installations.
To engage the military community in the fitness program:
- Get buy-in from the top down.
- To create successful events good coordination is very important.
- To add variety and enhance the fun include different activities such as rock wall climbing and cycling.
- Share the success of accomplishment through media promotion.
For relevant information look at the Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS) at: http://www-nehc.med.navy.mil/Healthy_Living/Physical_Fitness/NOFFS.aspx
The NOFFS provides the Navy with a performance training resource for sailors and health and fitness professionals.
What are some things you are doing to actively engage your community in fitness?