On demand: New fitness kiosk responds

  • Published
  • By Mary Lou Gorny
  • Hill Top Times Editor
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Have a busy schedule? You work odd hours and the regular times for fitness classes at the Warrior Fitness Center don't work for you?

A new fitness initiative makes available a video kiosk at the Warrior Fitness Center for patrons with these kinds of challenges. The kiosk is part of a program instituted by the Air Force at 66 bases, a $2 million fitness initiative.

The kiosk allows many members to come together and participate in group exercise without the need for a live instructor. It also increases flexibility and convenience for group classes, explained Carey Karger, Fitness Center director.

The new feature enables the projection of fitness videos onto a 120 inch HD screen through a high definition projector. The touch-screen kiosk offers 30 pre-recorded classes including "Fit for Duty" classes targeting the active duty population, a great alternative for unit or squadron PT, said Karger.

To help promote a group atmosphere and motivation from peer support, fitness staff will schedule classes and post a monthly calendar. Staff members will start each class and answer participant questions providing a more personal experience, said Karger.

Karger said the kiosk also offers a chance for those who prefer to exercise in smaller groups or who are uncomfortable in larger groups to try the kiosk at other times when there are no scheduled classes. It provides the opportunity for a structured workout for those members who prefer working on their own and whose schedules don't permit participation in the scheduled classes.

"This expands our program and gives more opportunities for fitness for those that can't attend any of the other type of classes at the Fitness Center," said Karger.

Schedules for the kiosk will also be available at the front desk.

The kiosk does take a minute or so to warm up, so she encourages patience when a user tries the feature out during fitness center downtime or when a staff member is not available.

Among the many featured classes are Pilates and yoga.

Patrons are reminded that family members, DoD civilians and active duty members may use the fitness center, with active duty members having priority use of the second floor between the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the afternoon, and 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. in the morning.

For more information, ask the fitness center staff, or call the fitness center at 777-2762.