CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- "Reach Your Peak" is the theme for the ninth annual STRONG B.A.N.D.S. campaign in May 2019.

The campaign, run by U.S. Army Installation Management Command's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation G9 Directorate, motivates service members, family members, veterans, retirees and civilian employees to meet their health and fitness goals.

The program encourages participants to improve their overall physical health and well-being and to strive to reach their peak performance via five key areas: Balance, Activity, Nutrition, Determination, and Strength -- forming the acronym B.A.N.D.S.

By bringing awareness to the available fitness and health opportunities, STRONG B.A.N.D.S. aims to enhance community resiliency.

According to Monica Young, marketing chief for U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, participants can be role models by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and fitness routine, establishing a support system and motivating others.

"STRONG B.A.N.D.S. reinforces the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the importance of remaining ready and resilient so you are equipped to handle whatever is thrown your way. A resilient community is a STRONG B.A.N.D.S. focused community," she said.

STRONG B.A.N.D.S. coincides with National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and encourages physical fitness, nutrition, optimal health and resilience. Though STRONG B.A.N.D.S. promotes Army fitness and wellness programs throughout the month of May, Benelux community members can make positive health changes all year.

"The fitness center staff is always available to answer questions and keep you on track to accomplish your goals," Young added.

"If you are new to our community, or need guidance on beginning a fitness routine, our Chièvres Fitness Center offers a fitness assessment and equipment orientation class every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m."

Contact your local MWR for more information on how to participate in this year's STRONG B.A.N.D.S. program.

BRUSSELS

*Located at the Brussels Fitness Center until otherwise indicated.

May Fitness Challenge

Triathlon and/or Functional Fitness Workout of the Day

Fridays

Core & HIIT from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. S

pin Bikes at the 3 Star Recreation Center from 10:20 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Body Pump Class

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Body Pump

Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Functional Fitness Class

Saturday, May 11 at 9 a.m.

Mother's Day 5K Run/Walk

CHIÈVRES AIR BASE

*Located at the Chièvres Fitness Center until otherwise indicated.

Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m.

Cinco De Mayo 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mother's Day Zumba

Reejam Dance Class

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Fitness Assessments

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Muscle Pump Class

Saturday, May 4 and Saturday, May 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Muscle Pump

Sunday, May 5 and Sunday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Functional Fitness

Tuesdays from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Functional Fitness

Sundays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Zumba

SCHINNEN

*Located at the Schinnen Fitness Center until otherwise indicated.

Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Volleyball and Pickleball Games

Sunday, May 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Old School 3 Point Basketball Shootout