MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The IronWorks Gym is now offering a free service called Microfit, where individuals can receive an evaluation of their body, overall health and level of physical fitness.
"The purpose of Microfit is to help service members get started on the right track to fitness," said Laura Kline, Semper Fit fitness coordinator. "We evaluate the person and then we set them up on a program to help them to achieve their goals."
There are many different reasons service members and civilians get their bodies evaluated.
"Some come with certain goals and some just want to know where they stand when it comes to fitness," said Kline.
Microfit starts off with two appointments, the first consisting of a questionnaire on physical fitness, health history of the individual and their immediate family and eating and personal habits. It also includes a physical examination tests the person's entire body.
"We get the persons weight, body-fat percentage, bicep strength, flexibility, heart rate, blood pressure and endurance," said Jennifer Forbes, personal trainer.
The endurance portion of the exam is on a stationary bicycle connected to a computer, and as a person pedals, the computers measure their heart rate.
The first appointment, including the questionnaire and physical exams, takes approximately 45 minutes. The second appointment is also very important, noted Forbes.
"The second exam is where we go over the person's goals and figure out the best way for that person to achieve his goals," said Forbes.
The Microfit program is offered to Marines at no charge. For civilians there is a $10 fee.
"We want our service members to be in the best shape that they possibly can, at very minimal cost," said Forbes.
Microfit is a great way for service members to get started in their goal to get their bodies in shape, noted Forbes.
"The program is a good start for people because it lets people know where they are at and what areas they need to improve," said Forbes. "People that have gone through the Microfit program they can come back and see where they have improved."
The IronWorks Gym also offers two different types of personal training including basic training, where a personal trainer goes into the weight room and answers questions and takes body-fat percentages. The second type is on a more personal level where people can make appointments for one-on-one time with a personal trainer.
The program has come upon great success and is becoming popular among different units.
"Different units have been sending their service members down to us just to see where their unit's fitness level is," said Forbes.
Personnel that participate in the Microfit program seem to be very satisfied with their results and many plan on going back to see how they have improved, she added.
"I just want to get myself in better shape, and I think that this is good starting point," said Pfc. James Hereth, Motor Transport mechanic. "I am anxious to see where my body is at and how I can get to where I want to be."
The Microfit program is a great starting point for all people looking to get into shape, noted Kline.
"Our main goal is to give people a path to follow," said Kline. "We want to give them a plan to achieve the highest fitness and health level possible."