New kiosk take fitness centers to the next level

  • Published
  • By Airman Areca T. Wilson
  • 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  The Air Combat Command and Shellbank Fitness Centers on Langley Air Force Base recently introduced a fitness kiosk, "Elements," designed to eliminate the need for a fitness instructor to be physically present during classes.

The program, made to accommodate a variety of groups, offers over 50 unique classes based on nine popular formats ranging from cardio, martial arts and resistance training.

"The fitness-on-request kiosk provides video-based group exercise programs," said John Hickok, 633rd Force Support Squadron fitness center director. "The programming is directed at all levels of fitness depending on which of the activity levels are chosen."

Select programs from the new kiosk are programmed into both Fitness Centers' schedules. When rooms become available, squadrons and other groups are given the opportunity to make reservations to utilize the new programs.

One of the biggest benefits of the kiosk program is its flexibility, said Hickok. Groups have a variety of exercise programs to choose from for unit physical training sessions.

The program not only makes it easier for squadrons or groups to have a more comprehensive fitness program, but it is also expected to motivate users to stay active by allowing them to go at their own pace.

"The company provides programs that incorporate some of the best aspects of prevailing industry solutions to help individuals stay active and enjoy exercise," said Hickok. "'Elements' offers a wide variety of metabolic conditioning, circuit and interval training, sculpting and toning, yoga or Pilates, kickboxing and step aerobics. We expect to receive quarterly program updates to help keep workouts fresh and interesting."

Apart from fitness benefits, the program helps eliminate the need for individuals to pay for a personal trainer.

"There are scheduled classes for specific programs, and there is also an option to reserve the room and system when no other activities are being conducted in the room," said Hickok. "This program is totally free to all authorized fitness center personnel."

According to Hickok, the new program could not have come at a better time.

"The Air Force Services Agency contacted us about six months ago to see if we were interested in this type of fitness programming," said Hickok. "Coincidentally, it came at a time when we faced a funding shortfall which eliminated our funded aerobics contracts. So, as the funded program goes away, we have the video-based system to replace some of those classes."
The fitness centers recommend that those interested in a program make a reservation at the fitness center of their choice to avoid scheduling issues. To make a reservation, call the ACC Fitness Center at 764-5791 or the Shellbank Fitness Center at 225-8166.


The formats offered through the kiosk are:

FUSION - A mixture of yoga and Pilates with attention to breath, form, flow and body balance.

VIBE - Music ranging from Latin to hip-hop and more drives these multi-dimensional dance-based classes.

STOMP - Easy to follow step patterns make a total-body, cardio-driven workout.

REV - A mixture of sprints, climbs, intervals, drills and terrain training maximizes calorie burn and increases cardio and muscular endurance.

KINETICS - Includes sport-style cardio intervals, resistance training circuits and muscle isolation work.

TKO - A fusion of martial arts disciplines. Each class includes a combination of punches, kicks, strikes and techniques.

EXPRESS - Short, intense workouts that deliver results in a minimal timeframe.

DEFINITIONS - Multi-dimensional and isolated total-body training utilizing today's leading sculpt techniques.

TRANSITIONS - A multi-level level mix of cardio, resistance training, balance, mobility and awareness skills geared towards those ages 45 and over.