Creative ways to stay fit

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  "This is part two of a series on healthy living and the Air Force." 

While Airmen need to stay fit to pass their physical fitness test, exercising is not limited to physical training three or four days a week with the squadron and physical training leaders. 

Airmen have several options to exercise, from weight lifting and swimming to joining an intramural sports team. 

Airman 1st Class Ron Powell, 354th Comptroller Squadron Finance Customer Service Analyst, works out five days a week, running, swimming, lifting weights and doing various other exercises to stay in shape. 

"Working out gives me more energy, makes me feel better and, overall, helps people live longer," said Airman Powell, whose goal is to one day become a pararescueman. 

Airman Powell keeps his workouts fun by training with a coworker who has the same fitness interests. 

"Working out with somebody who has the same interests is important," said Airman Powell. "We help motivate each other and push each other to do more than if we were to work out alone." 

Working out with a partner is beneficial for several reasons. Partners hold each other accountable--making it harder to skip out on a visit to the gym. Workout partners should inspire each other and help each other to reach their goals.

Another option Airmen have to have fun and stay fit is to join an intramural sports team. Eielson has an intramural program consisting of basketball, golf, softball, racquetball, flag football, volleyball, cross-country skiing and swimming. 

Intramural sports offer Icemen a chance to be active and stay fit. 

Staff Sgt. Rubin Rowles is the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron basketball coach. 

"People just like to have fun," said Sergeant Rowles. "Intramural sports help build endurance, its good PT, great cardio and helps reduce stress." 

Although this was Sergeant Rowles first season coaching basketball here at Eielson, he's no stranger to the game. 

"I coached at my last base and was the assistant coach at the base prior to that," said Sergeant Rowles. "It's good to be out there and teach people the fundamentals." 

Sergeant Rowles encourages Airmen to get involved in sports. As for Airmen who may be interested in joining a team but have never played, there's still a spot for them on the team. 

"Everyone has weaknesses and strengths, I'll place people where they're strongest," he said. "It's only going to help them in the long run if they're actually out there moving around, its great cardio and strength training." 

Whether it's a workout partner, an intramural sport or something different, varying exercise routines will keep working out interesting and help Icemen stay fit.