Investment lost without exercise Published Jan. 24, 2006 By Jennifer Moore 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFMCNS) -- What if someone offered you $3,600 a year to take better care of yourself? And what if the only stipulation was a little concentrated effort on your part? Would you balk at the deal? I doubt it. And yet, that's exactly what you're doing if you're...say for example, a GS-11, step one employee, and you're not taking advantage of the Air Force Materiel Command Civilian Fitness Program Policy. Under current policy guidelines, AFMC offers full-time appropriated fund AF civilians three hours each week for structured fitness activities in official duty status. It's a pretty generous offer! In fact, it rivals most private sector corporations' fitness policies. Plus, it comes complete with free membership to world-class fitness facilities. The program even extends to part-time employees using a pro-rated formula that corresponds with hours worked per pay period. The program reinforces an ongoing initiative to make health and fitness a top priority for everyone in AFMC. Furthermore, it represents one of the most valuable intrinsic benefits of working for the Air Force - it's an organization that encourages employees to be well-rounded individuals. Whether providing civilian employees with tuition assistance, fostering family-friendly work schedules, or offering paid physical fitness time, the Air Force wingman concepts of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellness certainly extend as much to the civilian work force as they do to military members. What's more, participating in the program is easy. The first thing you need to do is review the official AFMC Civilian Fitness Program guidance. Next, fill out a physical fitness request sheet documenting your intent to follow program guidelines - this form is available as an attachment to the official program memorandum. Take the form to your primary-care physician for a signature certifying that you're fit and able to exercise; then submit the form to your supervisor for approval. You'll also need to maintain a basic exercise diary, which is actually a fitness tool most personal trainers and exercise physiologists recommend to their private clients. We're busy people, and excuses for not exercising always abound; however, the Civilian Fitness Program makes it easier than ever to incorporate a fitness regimen into your life. So, if you're a GS-9, step three, take the Air Force up on its $3,160 for jumping on a treadmill three times a week. If you're a GS-12, step five, earn $4,800 for hitting the weights. You're more likely to feel better, live longer, and capitalize on the best kind of financial deal available - an investment in yourself.