New exercise physiologist uses past experience to keep Grissom in shape Published Nov. 19, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Ben Mota 434th ARW Public Affairs Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind. -- Service before self, a core value instilled in Airmen from the day they enlist, often follows them in their career after they depart, and Grissom's new exercise physiologist is an example of that. Vera Rivera, 434th Force Support Squadron exercise physiologist, recently began her new career with a goal of ensuring Grissom personnel remain fit-to-fight and mission-ready. "I am really excited about my job," said Rivera who retired from the regular Air Force. "I have several ideas that I hope will bring more people to the fitness center and increase fitness scores." As Grissom's exercise physiologist, Rivera is tasked with the responsibility of managing the 434th Air Refueling Wing commander's fitness program and educating the entire base populace on exercise and fitness. "I feel like I can relate to individual's fitness needs because I once had the same fitness requirements as [Airmen] here have," said the retired master sergeant. "I know how important fitness is in the Air Force, and it's my goal to help people who are struggling." Rivera says that her first priority is getting to know her clients so that she can better understand their needs and goals. "A good exercise physiologist is a person who can obtain a connection and trust with a potential client, yet inspire them to get excited about their health and fitness," explained Rivera. "You cannot easily change someone's fitness and health needs unless they trust you." After a trusting relationship is built with the client, Rivera can begin making an individualized program that matches their needs. "Each person is different and has different types of needs depending on their fitness levels, age and lifestyle," said Rivera. "A fitness assessment can help get people on the right track to a healthier lifestyle." Fitness assessments are used to determine an individual's health and fitness levels, explained Rivera. This allows her to make suggestions based on the client's needs and abilities. "The fitness assessment gives me a starting point to work with, and allows me to individualize a program for the client," she explained. "The fitness assessment uses several tools including fitness test scores, cardiovascular endurance, body mass index and several other factors to determine an individual's proper prescription." A prescription is a list of recommended exercises, nutrition habits and other lifestyle changes based off an individual's fitness assessment that are used to create a wellness plan, Rivera said. "Lifestyle changes incorporate long-term health and fitness activities into daily activities, and are critical for good long-term health and fitness," she added. Rivera stressed the importance of making permanent lifestyle changes and being consistent with those changes. "Lifestyle changes are important because they increase your metabolism, decrease your body fat percentage, improve you cholesterol and blood pressure, and decrease your chances of having a cardiac event," said Rivera. "Simple day to day lifestyle changes such as routine fitness, food portion control, and nutrition education can help ensure Airmen are healthy and mission ready." Fitness assessments can be done at the fitness center on a walk-in basis, however appointments are recommended. "I invite everyone to come to the fitness center where I can provide a full fitness assessment and exercise prescription," Rivera said. In addition to fitness assessments, the fitness center currently offers smoking sensation classes, nutrition classes and personal training, but Rivera says that she wants to add more classes. "I plan to provide a wide range of classes to the public that will improve health awareness issues, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome awareness," she said. Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, as well as three Army Reserve units and a Marine Corps Reserve communication detachment. Stay connected with Grissom and the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
