# Fitness Center expands virtual options; receives new equipment 

/ Published Jan. 8, 2021
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., 
The new year is welcomed around the world with people setting resolutions to improve their lives and at the top of the list for many is to exercise more or lose weight. This year is no different.

                Dan Roberts demonstrates a plank exercise, which can easily transition into a pushup, burpee or vertical jump.                            A versatile exercise                            Dan Roberts demonstrates a plank exercise, which can easily transition into a pushup, burpee or vertical jump.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Daniel RobertsVIRIN: 200630-D-D0441-001At the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center, the fitness center remains closed due to COVID-19 building status restrictions; however, the staff has been busy at work helping patrons from afar.

“We have shifted how we offer opportunities for our patrons to work on goals to improve their overall health,” said MWR Fitness Center Manager Martha Kerns. “We have created a place to share our virtual workouts to help individuals keep their fitness goals. We have been working with Family Programs to combine resources so we can help individuals work on not only physical health, but also their emotional wellbeing through our Wellness Wednesday campaign which is online and goes out to our MWR distribution list.”

In coming weeks, the center will kick off its annual eight-week Body Transformation Series.

“The series will help individuals with their current resolutions they want to work towards,” said Kerns. “During the series, we will host a workshop with presenters from Michigan State University Extension focusing on nutrition called ‘Healthy Snacking.’”

                New fitness equipment arrives at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in preparation for patrons returning to the MWR Fitness Center.                            Fitness equipment arrives                            New fitness equipment arrives at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in preparation for patrons returning to the MWR Fitness Center.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Courtesy photoVIRIN: 210106-D-D0441-500Kerns also said the center is launching a “Meet the Trainer” program that will introduce patrons to fitness center trainers Christopher Chisholm and Daniel Roberts, providing insights into their areas of expertise. 

During the closure, fitness center staff worked behind the scenes obtaining additional certifications. Kerns said certifications in health and physiology they are obtaining are part of a philosophy to continually improve services they offer to support the warfighter and fellow patrons.

Additionally, those looking for further assistance on their fitness journey will be able to schedule virtual appointments with trainers to help them work on their personal goals.

Upon the MWR Fitness Center reopening, patrons will notice a few changes in the facility. During curtailed operations, the center received five new machines, including two Octane Steppers, two Octane elliptical machines, and a recumbent elliptical. Kerns said the new machines are environmentally friendly and self-powered.