Marines can stay fit during the holidays, options available

Photo By Staff Sgt. Salvador Moreno | Sgt. Andrew Bliss, a 28-year-old Advisor Training Cell instructor from Syracuse, NY, performs squats and dead lifts at the 21 area gym aboard Camp Pendleton, Dec. 21. Marines conduct physical training and test their abilities semiannually. Keeping fit at all times can take pressure off during physical testing time.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

12.22.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Joshua Young 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Capt. David A. Keltner, the assistant operations officer at the Advisor Training Cell with I Marine Expeditionary Force, is keeping himself fit during the holidays.

With all of the holiday foods, parties and vacation time, the holidays can hurt physical fitness and combat fitness test scores, but it doesn’t have to.

“I keep fit for mental sanity in the Marine Corps,” Keltner said jokingly. “Your stress level is lower if you are fit. Exercise is kind of a stress outlet for me.”

Marines are required to meet required physical standards and maintain a healthy weight.

“Some people gain weight over the holidays,” said Joe Artino, Fitness Programs supervisor with Marine Corps Community Services. “If every holiday season you gain weight and don’t lose it year after year it can lead to bad health.”

Many Marines take leave over the holiday season to spend time with family and friends and sometimes lose sight of physical standards that have been set.

“Some Marines take time off to be with their families,” said Artino, who sets up and supervises fitness programs for Marines. “It can be emotional, and people tend to eat more when they are emotional. Just being around people and socializing can make you eat and drink more.”

Marines conduct physical training throughout the year and test their abilities semiannually. Keeping fit at all times can take some pressure off during physical testing time.

“If you gain an excessive amount of weight and you have a PFT or a CFT coming up, it will be difficult,” Artino said. “As a Marine you are expected to maintain standards. Maintaining weight during the holidays can go a long way.”

Eating unhealthy foods can be hard to avoid, but there are ways to enjoy the festive food and stay fit.

“People gain weight over the holidays because they are lifting turkey drumsticks instead of dumbbells,” said Keltner, 30, from Tucson, Ariz. “My advice is to imagine a gunnery sergeant standing over you; watching you serve yourself and eat.”

Overeating at social gatherings can be an issue and mixed with the unhealthy food choices that are often at holiday get-togethers, it can lead to weight gaining.

"Instead of eggnog, which is loaded with calories, maybe have a lighter beverage or fruit juice,” Artino said. “At parties people tend to over eat, get a smaller plate and make sure you have some vegetables on it.”

Marines who are staying nearby for the holidays have several free fitness options such as: Semper Fit with MCCS which has group exercise classes, personal trainers and 15 fitness centers.

“We can help educate on fitness during the holidays,” Artino said. “Start now, it doesn’t have to be seven days a week, two to three days will help out a lot, and you will stay in shape better when you come back.”

There are also options at home that service members can do during the holidays to keep from lowering physical fitness levels.

“Find something you enjoy and stick with it,” Keltner said. “My favorite holiday activity is family five-on-five basketball.”

Family games and activities can be festive, fun and healthy.

“Any type of physical activity will help,” said Artino. “Get outside with your family or friends walking, jogging or biking. Look to the community for activities or races.”

• Date Taken: 12.22.2011
• Date Posted: 12.22.2011 12:29
• Story ID: 81690
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US