Airmen put fitness first

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE,Alaska --  The Air Force constantly strives to uphold the highest standards. This is especially true when it comes to physical fitness. In today's joint fight the importance of properly caring for the primary weapon in the Air Force arsenal-its Airmen is critical to our success.

Today's Airmen must train year-round to stay in shape for current conflicts. By embracing the emerging culture of fitness, military members are better prepared and can live longer, more meaningful lives.

The Air Force observed one of its greatest policy changes in 2004 when Air Force Guidance abandoned cycle ergometry and adopted the more recent fitness test, according to Dana Baugh, 354th Medical Operations Squadron exercise physiologist. Since that time, physical fitness has been fused with Air Force culture.

AFI 36-2905, which states fitness regulations and requirements, highly encourages Airmen to exercise thereby improving physical performance. Individuals neglecting to make healthy choices can not only harm themselves, but also their careers and families.

"A healthy lifestyle has to become a personal decision," said Mrs. Baugh. "Leadership can push mandated programs on some military members, others can be gently guided to undergo training...bottom-line-individuals have to make that decision [for themselves]."

Airmen make many tough choices every day, but now some are faced with choosing to make personal fitness a lifestyle. For some, the decision to not exercise can be career ending.

"People need to realize what effect fitness has [on their lives]," said Mrs. Baugh. "They need to find inner motivation, and ultimately its importance. Self-discipline and time management are not easy."

Overcoming barriers is part of this process. Time management, a common barrier for Airmen and families, can be best viewed as a temporary setback when it comes to building a fitness regimen.

Staff Sgt. Ingram Blanco, 354th Medical Operations Squadron mental health technician, teaches the mental health portion of the Be Well class, mandatory to Airmen after a fitness failure. Once a student in this class, the Sergeant now motivates fellow Airmen to remain optimistic about physical fitness and healthy habits.

"When you have personal motivators-those beyond Air Force standards-living a healthier lifestyle becomes easier," said Sergeant Blanco.

Setbacks are inevitable, but having a support group can help Airmen maintain focus to keep fit. Sharing fitness goals by having a spouse or family member involved in your physical training is one way to mitigate time management.

By leaning on family and wingmen, Airmen's efforts to stay fit are often more successful. Individuals who make a conscious decision to get in shape can find assistance from the many agencies on base who dedicate themselves to the care of Airmen, including the health and wellness center, the fitness center and the mental health clinic.

The Air Force has a long standing tradition of taking care of its people. By maintaining overall fitness, the men and women that make up the U.S. Air Force stay fit to fight and also continue to live quality lives well after serving their country.