Sheppard AFB HAWC goes interactive for Better Body/Better Life Published Jan. 9, 2013 By Dan Hawkins 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- For many of us, turning the calendar page and beginning a new year means a fresh take on old issues, such eating healthier and spending more time in the gym getting fit. If getting smart about your weight is on your list for 2013, then you are in luck. The Sheppard Health and Wellness Center has just begun the first "Better Body. Better Life." class of the year at the Pitsenbarger Fitness Center. "The class promotes a healthy lifestyle change," said Sandra Manuel, a registered and clinical dietician who is the "Better Body. Better Life." program manager. "We simply highlight the normal things we all should be doing to ensure consistent and healthy changes." The class, offered across the Air Force, is part of the service's Weight Management program. It is designed to help individuals seeking to lose and maintain their weight and enjoy an overall healthy lifestyle. Although the class is not mandatory through an Air Force Instruction, the class was initially designed for those with abdominal circumference and fitness test failures. "One of the things that makes this program different from some of the past initiatives is the fact the class is interactive," Manual said of the weekly sessions featuring a physical activity component and the in-class facilitated training including hands-on activities to help promote learning and retention. "We want our students to be fully engaged and committed not just during the five weeks of class, but for the rest of their lives." The program includes five two-hour modules focusing on nutrition, physical activity and behavioral issues. The modules do not have to be completed in order, allowing students to "plug in" during any part of the course. "Students set their own goals every week around nutrition, behavior and physical activity," Manuel said. "Making sure goals are realistic and attainable is an important part of the program." Nutritional goals include watching what you eat and how much you eat. The behavior aspect centers around issues such as stress-eating or habits such as sucking on hard candy while sitting at your desk at work. The physical activity goal focuses on ensuring students get into a routine of healthy exercise, including stretching, cardio and weight training. The bottom line is results depend on each individuals effort. "One individual lost 29 pounds in four months," Manuel said. "We had a few people take the class multiple times to keep up the accountability on themselves until they feel confident enough to do it on their own. Everyone will have a different journey." According to Manuel, the Air Force is also in the testing phase of a new running program aimed specifically at helping members improve their run times. Manuel also discussed how special training for units desiring classes to help accommodate different duty schedules can be arranged. "We currently are working with security forces and the force support squadron right now," she said. "We can work with anybody who needs this program." The classes are offered every Thursday beginning at 3:00 pm and are also open to military dependents and retirees. To sign up for a similiar course at your base, contact the Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) for more information.