NAPLES, Italy — Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples Fitness Forum's Spouse Fit for Life program is assisting family members with getting into shape and staying healthy.
The 10-week program began in March and boasts a membership of nearly 70 individuals, something program facilitators said is beyond their expectations.
"I am thrilled with the enrollment," said Fitness Forum's Fitness Coordinator, Carrie Ann Hodge. "This is the first program of its kind here in Naples and we're learning as we go. But we had no idea that the program would be this successful."
Spouse Fit member Christine Smith said the program is well-deserved.
"I am happy that the base decided to recognize that spouses need programs too," said Smith. "We have limited choices and seem to find everything geared to the service member so having a program geared to the special needs of a spouse takes away a great deal of the stresses involved with living overseas."
The Spouse Fit program was initiated when family members of hospital corpsmen from U.S. Naval Hospital Naples began attending their spouse's physical training routines, according to Hodge.
"A couple of ladies said to themselves that these workouts would be great in rooms with just spouses and no Sailors, so the environment would be less intimidating," she said. "The spouses came to us at the Fitness Forum. We then formed some focus groups, asked spouses what they wanted, and in a couple weeks came up with a curriculum that became 'Spouse Fit for Life.'"
The program is free and members meet every Thursday morning for two hours. The sessions are divided into group discussions with experts and guest speakers, and physical training.
Topics covered include the psychology of weight management and healthy nutrition, yoga and pilates, and childcare is available at the gym.
"What we're trying to do is develop a progressive program, so at the end of ten weeks, spouses will be healthier, more fit, and more knowledgeable," Hodge said. "The overall goal is for members to adopt a lifestyle of fitness."
The Spouse Fit program is open to spouses at least 18 years old and no longer in high school. Members receive free T-shirts and binders with educational handouts after enrolling, and the program now hosts a Facebook page, searchable under Spouse Fit through which members have begun organizing group activities and field trips outside the program.
"We want Spouse Fit to be a program that brings in everyone, regardless of rank, where spouses can meet each other and form lasting friendships," said Hodge. "Some common bonds are that spouses are overseas, they've gained weight, and they don't know anyone. But what they do know is that they want to adopt a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their family."
Smith truly appreciates the camaraderie she's found in Spouse Fit and recommends the program to others.
"The information is invaluable," she said. "The instructors are amazing and the other spouses make it a blast. We have bonded through pain. I have made goals for myself, but the fact I can go to any class in the morning and know half of the people is wonderful. I am grateful to all of them."
Hodge encourages all spouses to improve their health and fitness.
"NSA Naples has all the resources right here," she said. "I tell everyone at some point you just have to stop making excuses. Nike got it right a long time ago -
'Just Do It!'"
