Airman heats up fitness challenge

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
A 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron heating ventilation and cooling craftsman transformed his body, passed his fitness test and found the strength and motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle, all within the span of two months.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Jeffcoat, a nine-year Air Force veteran, scored 57 points on his test in March. He completed the 1.5 mile run in 16:04 and his waist measured 38 inches.

Facing a poor enlisted performance report, Sergeant Jeffcoat decided to change his ways and follow advice from his first sergeant.

"My first shirt recommended a book." he said. "It's basically a book about eating natural foods, no processed foods. So I followed that book hardcore, and our squadron physical training program is just outstanding."

Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Kitzhaber, the 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant helped Sergeant Jeffcoat reach his goal by sharing information he found on optimizing weight loss and fitness.

"Most people think that exercise is the main way to lose weight and get fit -- it's not," Sergeant Kitzhaber said. "Eating is 80 percent of weight loss. I didn't know that, until I read up on it, and then it all made sense."

With a new plan, Sergeant Jeffcoat began to improve his fitness. He said he recalled his motivators as he worked out five times a week with his squadron.

"The biggest one was not getting a bad EPR rating," Sergeant Jeffcoat said. "Other than that, I wanted to slim down and have more energy."

Inspiration to improve his fitness came from everywhere he looked.

"A couple of my co-workers are in pretty good shape," Sergeant Jeffcoat said. "As matter of fact, I was one of the most out of shape people in my shop. That right there inspired me to get back in shape."

Two months after Sergeant Jeffcoat's initial test, he tested again. His transformation lead to 70 sit ups, 72 pushups, a 1.5 mile run in 12:24 and a waist size of 33.5 inches. His overall score was 83.

"I was so proud of him for making the life change and bettering his career," Sergeant Kitzhaber said. "I have seen the improvement in his confidence. He's more capable of putting himself out in a crowd because he knows he is fit and capable ... and that is causing him to be the more stellar NCO that we are looking for."

Sergeant Jeffcoat said he will continue to improve on his score, maintain his new lifestyle, and attain a run time of 11:00 or less.