BEAT THE WINTER BLUES WITH FITNESS

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Blake Mize
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  As the seconds ticked away on an early-season intramural basketball game between teams from the 673d Contracting Squadron and the 673d Civil Engineering Squadron at the Elmendorf Fitness Center Nov. 30, Senior Airman Tyler Ingalls, 673d CONS, drove to the basket with his team down by two with a chance to tie the game.

Ingalls' layup was half-way down before it finally rimmed out ending a furious rally by the CONS team and giving the 673d CES a 60 to 58 victory.

This intramural game is just one example of the many opportunities offered at JBER for community members here to stay active during the winter months and not become bogged down by the short days and low temperatures.

According to mayoclinic.com, Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year.

Symptoms ordinarily start in the fall and may continue into the winter months, draining energy and making sufferers feel moody.

Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.

Along with making indoor settings sunnier and brighter and getting outside as much as possible to soak up fresh air and outdoor light, the website stresses the importance of exercise to combat this disorder.

Exercise relieves stress and anxiety, both of which can increase SAD symptoms. Also, being more fit can increase self esteem, which can lift one's mood.

That said, there are several activities offered at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson facilities, including intramural sports, that ensure service members here have the opportunity to avoid the symptoms of SAD as well as staying in shape.

The Arctic Oasis Community Center, located at 9497 20th St., offers myriad activities for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Within the facility, there are two playgrounds for children, a fitness center that overlooks the playgrounds, an archery simulator, a 30-foot rock climbing wall, an indoor skate park, an 18-hole miniature golf course and an indoor golf simulator.

In addition to the many facilities the Arctic Oasis offers, guests also may take part in martial arts or dance classes offered there or enjoy an array of massage options.
Also located within the Arctic Oasis is JBER's Health and Wellness Center, which offers a variety of programs that can be individualized to fit the needs of those interested.
The HAWC offers everything from fitness education to nutrition counseling.

Resources available to JBER members are the Elmendorf Fitness Center, located in building 9510, and Bucker Physical Fitness Center, located in building 690.

The Elmendorf facility encompasses eight specialized training areas, an indoor running track, six racquetball courts, several basketball courts, a swimming pool, free weights, cardiovascular equipment and much more.

Buckner Physical Fitness Center is similar in composition.

The fitness centers also offer several organized classes including spin, circuit, yoga and Zumba classes as well as personal trainers for those who want guidance and motivation included in their workout.

The newest addition to JBER's fitness facilities is Hangar 5, located in building 7309.
The 12,000-square foot facility is filled with equipment and offers an alternative workout similar to CrossFit or P90X as well as an indoor track.

The Arctic CrossFit Club is currently conducting introductory CrossFit courses Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Finally, for those who can brave the arctic temperatures, the Elmendorf Outdoor Recreation Center offers several outdoor activities, including Hillberg and Dyea Ski Areas.

The office also rents out the equipment like skis, snowboards, boots, bindings and even clothingneeded to enjoy the unique, on-base ski slope.

Whatever the activity, the important thing is that activity is being done. Physical fitness is an important aspect of life for anyone, anywhere.

However for military members in Alaska, it is even more vital.

For more information on the facilities mentioned above, call:
Arctic Oasis: 552-8529
Buckner Physical Fitness Center: 384-1308
Elmendorf Fitness Center/Hangar 5: 552-3624
Outdoor Recreation: 384-1475/1476