What is your resolution for 2007?

The base gym, fitness and wellness centers have several programs in place to help people no matter what changes they want to make. "We offer three major programs: tobacco cessation, ship shape and health and fitness assessment," said HM3(SW) Martha Ringrose, who operates the front desk of the wellness center. "We have everything people need to get started."

For those who wish to kick the nicotine habit, the wellness center stocks several nicotine replacement therapy products such as patches, gums and lozenges. Personnel can also receive Zyban after a consult and prescription from a doctor. The "ship shape" program is an eight-week program for those who want to lose a significant amount of weight and the health and fitness assessment (HFA) tests body composition, blood pressure, cardio ability and the basal metabolic rate.

"When a person comes into for an HFA, we put them in the BodPod (an air displacement chamber) which tells us how much excess fat they are carrying," said Ringrose. "From there we can tell them how many calories they should consume to either lose, sustain or gain weight." If weight loss, or just overall fitness is your goal both the base gym and fitness center can help.

"We've recently spent nearly $200,000 on new cardio equipment," said Tim McKinney, athletics director for the gym and fitness center. "Some of our machines had nearly 50,000 miles on them and most are expected to last for about 25,000 miles."

Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Donaldson from Naval Hospital Jacksonville, weighs himself using a scale at the fitness center.

The new equipment includes 15 new treadmills, three tread climbers, 10 stationary bicycles and 12 new elliptical trainers. According to McKinney, along with the fitness classes they usually offer such as powerflex, kickboxing and step aerobics, they will soon hire two additional fitness assistants to walk the floor of the fitness center.

Military members and civilians work out on brand new Flex Deck, shock absorbing treadmills at the Fitness Source. These are just some of the 35 pieces of new cardio equipment.

"The fitness assistants will ensure that people are using the equipment correctly, so there is a reduced chance of injury. Additionally, they will be able to answer questions about the machines and perform minor maintenance," he said.

The assistants will also be available on a limited basis to assist personnel individually with their weight loss goals.

The fitness center will also continue its periodic incentive programs. "We try to throw in incentive programs after the resolution 'high,'" said Meghan Brophy, former fitness director for the Fitness Source. "We want to catch people when the New Year's motivation is beginning to wear off so we can give them a reason to keep working out."

According to McKinney, the next incentive program will be Swimming to the Keys.

Fitness Instructor Wendy Tappan instructs a yogalates class at the fitness center.

"This is different because it's designed to suit those people who would rather swim than run," he said. "Basically the idea is to swim the mileage to the Florida Keys using the pool in the gym. Every mile a person swims will count for five miles towards the Keys."

McKinney also wanted to note that they are seeking qualified applicants to fill to fitness assistant jobs. Applicants must be certified through a nationally recognized association.

For more information on the Fitness Source, call 542-3518, for the Wellness Center, call 542-5292 and for the gym, call 542-3239.