FORT NOVOSEL, Ala. -- Indulge a little too much this holiday season? Does January find you over-sugared, stressed and ready to get back on track? The Armed Forces Wellness Center (AFWC) is a free resource on Fort Novosel that is equipped to help you set lifestyle changes to start 2024 off on the right foot.
The AFWC approach is not your average trainer’s fitness plan. This is a holistic process considering an individual's physical and psychological health to meet specific attainable goals in both fitness and health.
David Virgil, Director of the Armed Forces Wellness center on Fort Novosel, said that making the phone call is the hardest step.
“Anyone with a DOD ID is able to use all of our resources at no cost,” Virgil said. “Give us a call for an appointment to get started. Generally, we start with our assessment tool, the Bod Pod, and see where you are starting from. We help you set goals that you may have come in with or even guide you to new goals you weren’t aware of yet. “
The AFWC on Fort Novosel is filled with state-of-the-art equipment and highly educated professionals in the field. Besides the Bod Pod which analyzes current body measurements in detail, the metabolic testing gives an in-depth look at the individual caloric needs of each client.
“We get a quick snapshot of how many calories you will burn at rest and from there we can adjust plans based on exercise level etcetera,” Virgil said. “It is a 15-minute test, and you must stay awake the whole time. As your body composition changes, we encourage re-testing to keep the most accurate data. Whether you are gaining muscle mass or losing body fat percentages, it is smart to re-test every 3-6 months to best serve your changing needs.”
Sergeant First Class Robert Pennywitt, development cell NCOIC, started working with the AFWC in February of 2022.
“I didn’t really like what I was seeing in the mirror. I woke up one day and realized I needed a change and went over to the Wellness Center. It was such an easy process to get started,” Pennywitt said, “It has helped me to make adjustments and small tweaks that has helped me accomplish my goals.”
The AFWC can help soldiers achieve more than just what they see in the mirror. The fitness and readiness component to active-duty service members is invaluable, according to Pennywitt.
“I got 50 points higher on my ACFT,” exclaimed Pennywitt. “It is unique to be able to utilize such technical equipment to assess throughout the process. It was beneficial to help get me on a training plan that I couldn’t have done on my own.”
Jasmyn Vecchione, Noncommissioned Officer Academy Commandant’s Administrative Assistant, agreed with Pennywitt and has surpassed several goals since starting at the AFWC in May 2023.
“I can monitor my progress monthly, with the Bod Pod, which really helps with things you simply can’t find on a scale. If I don’t see the progress that I am hoping for they can adjust what I am doing in the gym or what my nutrition looks like to get be back on track,” Vecchione said. “It is genuinely a judgement free zone. They are great about celebrating the little victories and big ones with you as well.”
The AFWC provides services for all levels of health and fitness. Besides metabolic and body composition testing, services provided include physical fitness assessment, stress management, individual health coaching and health education classes. Classes are offered in a variety of settings to include units, spouse groups, peer groups and more.
“Every single thing we do here is tailored for the individual. You will be encouraged and supported every step of the way here,” Virgil said.
The Armed forces Wellness Center is located at 4102 Gladiator Street and is open Mon-Fri 0730 – 1530 with a break 1200-1300 for lunch, and Wed 0730 -- 1200. They do take walk ins for the Bod Pod on Mondays 0800-1100 and Thurs 1330-1500.
For more information or to schedule an appointment or book your next class, call 334-255-3923.
Social Sharing