GROTON, Conn. - Now that the Spring Navy Physical Fitness Assessment Test (PFA) has passed some of us are relieved that we don't have to go through that stress for another six months, but why continue to stress over the PFA at all? Navy life can often be busy and not conducive to a healthy lifestyle, but with small changes in your diet and increased daily activity you can stop worrying about passing and focus on increasing your scores. There is no better time to change your habits than May, which is designated as National Fitness Month.
A healthy diet is the first step in getting your health back on track. Bringing a lunch to work is often the healthiest option, a sandwich or home made salad is easy to make and extremely inexpensive. Cross Hall Galley also provides healthy meals daily and has an excellent salad bar available for under $4.
Naval Submarine Base New London is also home to Subway, which has many healthy options and anything you get there will be more nutritious than a burger and fries. SUBASE's Commissary has a sushi stand, which has a large variety of both raw and cooked sushi and various types of fish. All of these options will be sure to help increase your energy levels and get your weight into a healthy range, and all are less than the price of the typical fast food value meal.
Once your diet is in check its time to start up a regular exercise plan. Starting can be difficult but there are ways to make it easier. Getting a partner can also be a big help, someone who can push you and motivate you while you get your routine is key. Someone who works out regularly can be a good source of information and ideas on what exercises to do. Having someone at the same level as you, however, can make reaching your personal goals easier.
Setting periodic goals is a good way to track your progress. Look at the PFA standards and set a goal for each portion of the PFA. Over the next six months check how much you've improved and adjust your work-out routine accordingly.
SUBASE's Morale Welfare and Recreation Department (MWR) organizes seasonal intramural leagues for softball, basketball, flag football, volleyball and soccer. These are great ways to get fit when going to the gym day in and day out begins to get tedious. Team sports are also a great way to build morale and solidarity within your command. MWR also organizes periodic Fun Runs ranging from 2.7 miles to the 5000 Fathom (5.68mi.) Road Race happening May 31.
For more ways to eat healthy, get in shape, and stop worrying about the PFA, contact your Command Fitness Leader. To learn how to join or create a team for one of the SUBASE sports leagues, call Kevin Boedigheimer, MWR Fitness Director, at 694-4960, or to sign up for the 5000 Fathom Road Race or any other Fun Run, contact MWR at 694-2298.