Getting fit sets good example

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert Zoellner
  • 33rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) --  When the Air Force unveiled its new exercise program many Airmen did not think much of it, but for some it was an eye-opener and more of an incentive to get in shape.

That is what Master Sgt. Michael Moss of the 33rd Maintenance Squadron’s aerospace ground equipment flight thought. Six months ago, Sergeant Moss was overweight and could not run half of the required distance to pass the new fitness test. Now he is setting the example for his flight and feeling better than he ever has.

“I started off not being able to make a full run,” Sergeant Moss said. “[I would] run half way there and walk the rest of the way back. I wasn’t in shape, by (any) means.”

Through a vigorous exercise program he began in November that included crunches, pushups and running, and by watching his diet and cutting out sugars and junk foods, Sergeant Moss has dropped more than 20 pounds. Now he is challenging the younger Airmen in his flight to get in shape.

“I needed to set an example and that kind of stuck with me,” he said. “I took the program seriously.”

Before the new fitness standards, Sergeant Moss said he had no problem passing the cycle ergometry test. He said that was easy to get by since he was up and down stairs 20 to 30 times a day. His legs were strong but he was hovering around 200 pounds, which was over his maximum weight standard.

His initial thought about the new fitness program was that he was meeting the minimum standards, why did he have to go run? He was passing the bike test. But after thinking about it, he changed his mind about getting in shape.

“Once you get started on the program, you say, ‘Man, why weren’t we doing this before,’” he said. “Because you feel better and you feel better about yourself. I see the importance of staying fit. The more I do, the better I feel.”

The entire AGE flight exercises three times a week in a program managed by their flight superintendent, Senior Master Sgt. June Robbins. She said they all keep track of their progress and know where they stand when their time comes to test, but it is always good to see the results first hand.

“It gives you a lot of satisfaction to see someone like Mike,” she said about his noticeable improvements. “He’s lost the weight on his own, and then his run time has reduced drastically because of the weight loss.”

“It usually took 15 to16 minutes,” Sergeant Moss said about his 1.5 mile run times. “I took my test the other day and I am already down to 12:38.”

This increase in his overall fitness level has given him a more positive outlook.

“Feeling positive about yourself (is) uplifting,” he said. He said his goal is to continue to exercise and challenge his flight.

“I want to increase my time and I want to beat the youngest Airmen in my flight,” he said.

Sergeant Robbins said the flight continues to exercise three times a week with an emphasis set on improvement.

“We’re going to be doing it and we’re going to be good at it,” she said.