National Fitness Month: keeping the family active Published May 29, 2008 By Senior Airman LaRhesa Morgan 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- With the hectic life of being in the military, it is sometimes hard to stay physically active, let alone getting the whole family to stay active. So with May being National Fitness Month, and the weather is improving, why not start now? Get out those bikes, golf clubs and whatever else you may have hidden in those closets and get active. A few things you may want to try in this summer like weather are: biking, family walks, jogging and other outdoor activities. Listed below are just some ideas to get you and your family started. How about family walks? It will get the kids out of the house; get them active and away from the video games. Plus, they will sleep better! By showing your children that you're willing to be active, they will be more inclined to do the same. And just think of all the bonding you can do on a 10-20 minute family walk. The fitness center on Spangdahlem has a family room, so parents can work out while their six-year-old and younger children play in the same room. Children under six years are not allowed in the cardio or weight room. The fitness center is in Building 152 and is open Monday-Friday, 4 a.m.-10 p.m. On weekends, holidays, and down days, hours are 7a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call DSN 452-6634 or commercial 06565-61-6634. Biking is a terrific way to get out of the house and get active, but what to do if you don't have a bike? There is an easy answer; outdoor recreation. Outdoor recreation has bikes for rent; they even have a child trailer. "We only have one child trailer now, but are planning to purchase more," said Ralph Heine from ODR. Outdoor recreation accepts reservations 14 days prior to the desired date. They also have many other items to rent out. For more information, check out http://www.52services.com/NewFiles/odr.html. Outdoor recreation is located in Building 146 on Spangdahlem, next to the dry cleaners. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and closed on holidays and weekends. For more information, call DSN 452-7170 or x7176, or commercial 06565-61-7170 or x7176. The youth programs offer many activities to the youth in our Air Force community. Youth Programs offer two school age programs, two open recreational youth programs for ages 9-18, a youth sports program for ages 5-15 as well as instructional classes in dance, gymnastics and cheerleading. Youth programs are in Building 458 on Spangdahlem. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m., and every other Saturday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Call DSN 452-6244 or commercial 06565-61-6244. Bitburg youth programs is located in Building 58, Hours are: For ages 9-12 are Monday- Friday, 2:30-6 p.m., every other Saturday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. For ages 13-18, Monday-Thursday, 2:30 -8 p.m., Friday, 2:30-9 p.m. every other Saturday, 1-5 p.m. For more information, call DSN 452-9206 or commercial 06565-61-9206. Check out their website http://www.52services.com/NewFiles/youth.html for more details. If structured programs don't appeal to you, there are also numerous other outdoor activities such as golf, basketball, softball, swimming, hiking, gardening, jogging, etc. Be sure you are prepared for the activity you wish to participate in. Sunscreen is a must if outside and be sure to take a first aid kit and cell phone with you. Reflective belts or vests, helmets and all necessary protective gear should always be worn. Flashlights with extra batteries, bug repellant, life vests on boats and, most importantly drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Now go out and celebrate National Fitness Month with your family. Get out and get active!