It's never too late to get 'fit to fight'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Candace Romano
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFNEWS) --  Peek into the H-6 fitness center any time of the day or night, chances are someone is huffing, puffing and sweating their way to being 'fit to fight.'

Air Expeditionary Force 5-6 is well underway, but it's not too late to start working on those push ups, crunches and 1.5-mile run.

"The current Air Force fitness program directs Airmen to work out three to five times a week and take a physical fitness test regularly," said 1st Lt. Kathryn Romano, unit fitness program manager for the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing. "It's a good foundation for Airmen to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Maintaining top physical fitness is not only what we train for as military members, but becomes even more important at a deployed location.

"In our profession, being fit is one of the most important tools we can obtain," said Senior Airman Christopher Pickarz, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing information manager and certified spin class instructor. "For proof, ask the men and women performing their jobs outside the wire."

Finding time to hit the treadmills may be challenging for Balad personnel putting in 12-plus-hour workdays, but many have found a way to make it a priority.

"It's easier to make the right choice and go to the gym because I don't have the daily distractions I have back home, like hanging out with friends," said Senior Airman Gilbert Pries, who works out six days a week and is currently training to compete in the powerlifting competition in April.

Working out has its benefits for those participating in fitness center events - keeping more than 15,000 Air Force, Army and civilian personnel coming back for more every week, according to 2nd Lt. Tiffany Castleberry, 332nd Expeditionary Services Squadron deputy commander.

"Going to the gym takes my mind off the stresses of work and helps me build self-confidence," said Airman Pries, who is currently deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, as a force protection member with the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.

Fitness training specifically for a healthy lifestyle has produced positive results for one Tuskegee Airman.

"Successful fitness training incorporates an elevated heart rate for cardiovascular strength and keeping it there for an extended period of time for endurance," said Lt. Col. Kevin Wilson, 332 AEW chief of wing plans, deployed from Scott AFB, Ill. "My workout schedule alternates between weight training and cardiovascular activities, seven days a week."

According to Airmen who scored "excellent" on their last physical fitness test, developing and sticking to a fitness routine is key, and there's no better time than 'right here, right now.'

"My advice to Airmen trying to get 'fit to fight' is to start now," said Lieutenant Romano, who is deployed from Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. "Keep a positive attitude ... it's going to be tough, and you may not always see immediate progress, but stick with it, set realistic goals and be patient. Being 'fit to fight' encompasses not only a change in your physical fitness, but could also mean an overall change toward a healthier lifestyle."

In addition, don't forget that waistline. Diet and healthy food choices are crucial to overall health.

"Being healthy and fit requires many small efforts that make up the bigger picture," said Airman Pickarz, deployed here from Aviano AB, Italy. "Eating healthy, exercising, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate sleep all work together to get you to your goal faster. Without any one piece of the puzzle, the rest is incomplete."

To gauge individual fitness progress, log in to the Air Force Portal and click "Air Force Fitness Management System." 

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