STUTTGART, Germany -- Staying in shape can be hard to fit into a schedule, especially when the only motivation is, well, staying in shape.
This is why the Patch Fitness Center began hosting its annual do-it-yourself exercise program, "Fit for Life," July 1.
The program offers an extra reason to work out: prizes.
"A lot of people like to work out, but they don't want to have somebody breathing down their neck," said Chris Blackwell, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation fitness coordinator. "This is a great program for people who want rewards, but they want to do it in their own style."
The free program, offered through the Patch Fitness Center, allows participants to track how many "miles" they earn from July 1 to Dec. 31 by recording the amount of time they exercise. For example, five minutes of aerobic activity equals one mile.
Miles can be earned from any physical activity, including running, aerobics classes, using the elliptical machines and even stretching, although the time required varies.
Each month, participants turn in their tracking card to earn prizes. Prizes are awarded for reaching 100, 300, 500, 750, 1,000 and 1,250 miles, and include a Fit for Life sweatshirt, fleece blanket and gym bag.
"For some individuals, they just need something to push them to reach the next level," Blackwell said. "That's what the program is about: here are some rewards so that you can reach whatever goal it is you want to reach."
New participants can join the six-month program at any time by registering through the fitness center. Tracking cards can be picked up at the fitness center or found online at www.mwrfirstchoice.com, under "sports and fitness."
"It actually motivates other people," said Ricky Payton, USAG Stuttgart FMWR sports coordinator. "People see all these nice prizes, and they want to come in and start working out."
This is the third year in a row that the Patch Fitness Center has offered the program, Blackwell said, with positive results. Out of 121 participants, 95 percent racked up 500-750 miles," Blackwell said.
This year, Blackwell expects the same results with about 200 participants.
The program is successful because people can use whatever physical activity they enjoy, such as soccer or skiing, to earn miles, Blackwell added.
Since Fit for Life is time-based, 15-20 minutes of exercise a day could earn a participant 100 miles in a month.
"Anybody can do it as long as they track their miles," he said. "The goal is to be fit: get out and do something."
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