MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Last year, Americans spent millions of dollars in an effort to develop stronger and more fit bodies. The government has long recognized the beneficial effects of regular exercise and proper nutrition.
Consequently, the Marine Corps places a tremendous emphasis on physical fitness.
In addition to mandatory unit physical training, scores of Station Marines choose to participate in other forms of personal fitness development. Many family members and civilians also take advantage of the Station's gyms and facilities.
Some residents exercise casually, and some with definite goals in mind, but nearly anyone can benefit from the professional assistance of a personal trainer.
Marine Corps Community Services' Fitness Coordinator and Personal Trainer Charla Truesdale helps clients analyze their areas of weakness, develop correct training forms and techniques and customize nutrition plans.
"We help our clients make lifestyle changes," Truesdale said. "It's easy to do a workout and waste time; a personal trainer can help you maximize the effects of your workout and prevent injury."
Clients range from Marines and Sailors who are seeking better physical fitness test scores, to family members and civilians who want to begin an effective workout program, to individuals whose existing training or performance levels need a boost, said Truesdale.
"The program is also open to people suffering from chronic health conditions or recovering from injuries," she noted.
Truesdale speaks with someone everyday, about program options, and said she has a "good mix (client base) of males, females, active-duty service members, and family members."
Before beginning a specific program, clients complete a health history and screening form, state their fitness goals, and explain their motivation for beginning the course and their dedication level to the program, said Truesdale.
"Clients are usually seeking weight management or a change in body-fat composition," the Texas native stated.
After completing the screening form, potential clients take a cardiovascular, strength and flexibility test, and submit information to the MicroFit system. The MicroFit system is a computer program designed to analyze information such as a client's blood pressure, height, weight, body fat and body mass index, said Truesdale.
Truesdale then uses the information to design the client's workout.
"We stress new habit development and the importance of consistency," she said. "It's an education process."
Joy Poynor, military family member, recently began a personalized fitness routine. Although she had previously been using a cardio and strength training program, the Alma, Ark., native decided to utilize a personal trainer because, "I wasn't getting results on my own and wanted a specific plan."
Poynor said she will complete a few more sessions with Truesdale before exercising on her own. Such a scenario is common among many clients, Truesdale said.
"Not all of our clients are ongoing," she said. "We want [our clients] to become self-sufficient."
There are two personal trainers available, said Truesdale.
"The demand [for personal trainers] is high," she said. "I'm always looking for the opportunity to train qualified and interested people to become personal trainers."
"It's very beneficial and very rewarding," Truesdale said of her profession.
For more information, please call 253-5051.