Those who often fly on commercial airplanes can probably parrot attendants as they convey safety precautions prior to liftoff. Passengers are told, for example, in the event the cabin loses pressure and oxygen masks are deployed, they should secure their mask in place and ensure they are getting oxygen before attempting to assist others.

Taking care of physical, spirtual, emotional, family and social aspects of life first help people be resilient or able to bounce back from adversities in life, according to installation leaders.

With the rush of day-to-day activities, and responsibilities at work and in the home, finding time to take care of one’s health and remain resilient can be difficult for government civilian workers here. One solution to the all-too-common lament, “I just can’t find time to exercise,” is the Civilian Fitness Training Program. It is available to supply workout time to DA employees who can’t seem to pull themselves away from their desks.

Three hours per week – less than 10 percent of a 40-hour work week – are set aside for the employee to exercise in this six-month program. Some of the civilians who have enrolled want to tone up a bit, lose weight or overcome other health issues; and some just need to establish a workout habit.

At 6-foot-1-inch and 205 pounds, Kevin Keys doesn’t appear to have a health-related concern. But he said, though, that his blood pressure and cholesterol levels were elevated during a recent physical. And, he noticed during the last 15 or so years that his numbers have been steadily creeping upward. So, he was encouraged by his doctor to increase exercise and make changes to his diet to turn the trend around.

“Often people will look at someone and think they are physically fit, but that is not always the case. When I retired from the military in 2001, I would run, but I’d also go to McDonalds for lunch. Now I want to focus on both nutrition and exercise together to improve my health.”

Keys said he was aware of the Civilian Fitness Training Program because several people where he works – in TRADOC G4 as a logistics specialist – have benefited from it.

“I started on my own literally hundreds of times and things always seemed to interfere. Then, I would lose track and become unfocused. When I’d have an annual physical, the same issues would come up and I’d start exercising but end up falling off track again. It’s like people who make New Year’s resolutions to get in better shape and by February they are not working out any more. I hope with scheduled time and some help from the gym staff, I can stay on track,” Keys said.

To begin the Civilian Fitness Training Program, potential participants must complete an Authorization, Agreement and Certification of Training form, SF 182, which can be located on the Office of Personnel Management web site (www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF182.pdf).

The form is given to Fitness and Wellness Coordinator Jeanette Coffman at the fitness center along with a doctor’s permission slip, if there are maladies like diabetes or hypertension.

The first recommended activity at the gym is a Microfit assessment. This 45-minute test evaluates where people are in the areas of strength, flexibility, and aerobic health, among other areas. The test can help personal trainers develop an effective workout routine for the program member and provide a method for objectively evaluating the person’s progress over time.

Keys divided his first week in the program into 30-minute cardio and weightlifting bouts. He plans to consult one of the certified personal trainers at the gym to learn as much as possible about working out.

“I started on my on to get familiar with the exercise machines and the schedule. Also, I want to make sure I’m doing things the right way by getting a personal trainer’s advice. That way I will get all I can out of this program.”

The 48-year-old said he thinks it’s beneficial to begin good health habits as early in life as possible to stave off disease and improve physical and mental endurance.

“I think the Civilian Fitness Training Program is great because it’s a ‘win win’ for the individual and organization. (The leadership here) supports the program and seems to believe the more fit the workforce, the less time is lost from illness or stress.

“A lot of times people have aches and pains that stem from stress. And many people don’t start (wellness) programs until these illnesses are identified. Start now or it’s going to get worse. Even though the clock is ticking, and we may start a little late; we still start.”

For information about the Civilian Wellness Program, contact Coffman at 788-4771.