AMC Fitfactor promotes healthy, active lifestyles

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tania Reid
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AFB, Fla --  
 With 101 days of Fitfactor summer fun right around the corner beginning June through August, the children at MacDill youth center are ready to get out, get up and get fit. 

These days, doctors worry that kids, dubbed "Generation Xbox," aren't getting enough physical activity to keep them healthy.

 And a recent study out of the Ohio State University found that during the summer, kids gain the most weight, when they should be out swimming, riding bikes or chasing lightning bugs. 

In the program fitness is key. The ages ranged from 9 to18 but adults participate also. There are a variety of activities which average points. These points are entered into the computer at the fit factor web site and at the end of each level and prizes are awarded.
The Fitfactor has five levels, energy, strength, agility, adventure and endurance.

 After each level is completed the participant is congratulated to encourage them to continue.
"Activities range from walking to mowing the lawn," said Steve Bowling, 6th Services Squadron youth center sports coordinator. "A walk in the park or with your dog might be worth up to 50 points." 

Currently there are 107 children enrolled in the fitness program which places MacDill in the top ten for most participants. 

"We have more members but they haven't logged on and recorded all their activities," he said.
It is not only emphasized that adults live a more active life but also their children. This program allows the participants to develop a healthier lifestyle from a younger age. 

"It benefits each member to begin adding more physical activities at a younger age," said Mr. Bowling. "When I first came here the enrollment was growing but by the time the children leave to middle school they stop attending." 

The drop in enrollment is usually a factor of families changing stations or children moving up to high school. 

"The challenge is to get more participation and involvement," he said. "So far it's good but we have dropped since last year."
The best part of the program is not having to just go to the gym. 

"All it takes is to do something like helping around the house, playing soccer or basketball at home or in the park." 

A participant can earn up to 100 points per day by eating healthy or being active in a variety of ways. 

Research shows that 60 minutes of physical activity is important to live a healthy lifestyle - more than 60 minutes of physical activity is even better. Some activities are more strenuous, so more points will be awarded for these than some of the other activities. 

Some of the great prizes that are being awarded include two 1 GB iPod shuffles and one $15 iTunes Music Card. Additionally, two grand prize winners at each base will be randomly selected from the pool of registered participants. The first drawing will be June 30 for an 80 GB iPod Classic; the second will be held Sept. 30 for a Nintendo Wii Game System and one game. 

The top Air Mobility Command bases that meet the Air Force registration will win a Nintendo Wii Game System with one game to be used in the Youth Centers. 

"So far many of the children have won prizes and have been doing well here consistently," said Mr. Bowling. "We are working on exceeding the registration goals and maintaining an active participation." 

The base youth center encourages members to get involved in sports and other activities to build their fitness levels. While the program may be structured for the youth maximum participation from all is welcomed.