Fitness center sponsors weight loss program Published April 26, 2011 By Master Sgt. Kelley J. Stewart 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- In an effort to improve the quality of life for 52nd Fighter Wing Airmen and their families, the Skelton Memorial Fitness Center is hosting a weight loss event in conjunction with Fitness Month. The event is a take on the television show the "Biggest Loser" and runs from May 2 to Aug. 1. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States from 1985 to 2009. The CDC defines obesity as a body mass index of 30 or greater. In an effort to combat obesity, the fitness center hosts a weight loss event twice a year. "We do one called the New Year Challenge, and it's a 30-day weight loss program," Mr. Mark Geairn, director of fitness and sports, said. "But a lot of our patrons asked that we do something a little bit longer because they don't feel they get the true effect in 30 days. It's not enough time." The fitness center staff listened to their patrons' requests and expanded the weight loss event to 90 days. The fitness center staff also made some basic changes to the program. Instead of doing a self-paced program where the participant works out on his or her own, the fitness center is going to put people into teams. Then a personal trainer from the fitness center staff will be assigned to each team. The personal trainers will be there to motivate and email team members weekly to see how they are doing with their workouts and weight loss. The personal trainer will also provide his or her team members with workouts for the day and for the week. Once a month, there will be a one-hour organized team work out at the fitness center with a team's personal trainer. "This is something we've never done before," Mr. Geairn said. "It's closer to TV's 'Biggest Loser' where you actually have a personal trainer to help you with your program." To register for this weight loss event, participants need to come by the fitness center between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m. May 2 to sign up and weigh in. The fitness center staff will take the participant's height, weight and body-fat percentage. Anyone 16 years or older who has an identification card and authorized to use the Skelton Memorial Fitness Center can sign up for this event. Participants can also use the services of the Health and Wellness Center and other organizations on base that can provide healthy lifestyle choices and tips. There will be men's and women's divisions, and prizes will be awarded at the end of the event to the people in those divisions who've lost the most weight. To win this event, the fitness center staff is looking at a total of body fat and weight lost. "Everyone will receive a T-shirt for participating, and the top three winners will receive a $30, $25, and $20 gift certificate in each division," Mr. Geairn said.