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Airmen focus on being 'fit to fight' in 2010

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Making a New Year's Resolution to lose weight seems to be an American past time. Many people make the declaration, but few follow through.

"The truth is, losing weight or maintaining a healthy lifestyle shouldn't have a target start date, but should be something you recognize and commit to," said Staff Sgt. Adam Borrello, 386th Force Support Squadron fitness director.

With Jan. 1 upon us and a new rotation of Airmen within the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, many men and women have already made the declaration to shed those extra pounds and ensure they are "fit to fight."

Airmen need to figure out a realistic goal and a game plan for achieving success - whether it be shedding pounds, getting tone or eating healthier and continuing the process long after their deployment to Southwest Asia.

"Everyone's body is different and therefore everyone should have different goals," said Sergeant Borrello, an Air National Guardsmen stationed in Jacksonville, Fla. "Making a workout schedule that can be followed when they get back is key. The biggest thing I see while deployed, is that Airmen lose weight here and gain it all back when they get home. When someone wants to set a goal, they should keep in mind their home life factors like kids, job, when they eat, etc."

The sergeant added that Airmen need to be realistic with their goals as well; otherwise they may just be setting themselves up for failure.

"The most unrealistic goals are ones set up for overnight success," said the Fredonia, N.Y., native. "Face it, people don't get fat overnight; therefore, they can't expect to get lean overnight. People should focus on their measurements (waist, hips, thighs, and arms) as opposed to their weight. Chances are that while they may lose fat, their weight will not change. That doesn't mean they aren't getting smaller. That's where measurements are important. The best thing is to stay focused, be patient and not get discouraged. If you have a well-thought-out plan and stick to it, you will reach your goal over time."

The three main things people need to consider when trying to get in better shape are a healthy diet, exercise and rest, said Sergeant Borrello.

"If Airmen remember, nothing else, I ask them to keep those three things in mind. They should try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night if they can. Sleep is a key factor that is often overlooked."

Regarding a healthy diet, the sergeant said avoiding fried food and "junk" food is a good start, but portion control and everything in moderation is most important.

"All foods can be eaten as long as they stay balanced," he said. "Believe it or not, living healthy costs less and takes little to no effort. Think of it this way; buy all the ingredients to make cookies, prepare the mix, bake them and finally eat them. All the money and time exerted and weight gained can be avoided by staying away from cookies in the first place."

Master Sgt. Michael Manchester, 386th AEW command post superintendent, said he drafted a plan to drop about 30 pounds during his deployment when he first arrived here in August.

"As with most Airmen coming into a deployment, I set a goal to increase my physical training score and lose some around my waist," said the Janesville, Wis., native. "Upon arrival, I wrote down one specific goal - to get my weight below 200 pounds. For a 6'1" person, this is a pretty low weight, yet realistic. I knew there was only one way to achieve that goal and make it last. I had to burn more calories than what I was bringing in. So I made the commitment to stay away from the 'short line' (fried foods line) of the dining facility. I also knew the best exercise for weight loss, improved health, and an improved PT score was running."

Sergeant Manchester said he started his exercise program slowly, gradually working up to his present routine of running 10 miles, three times a week.

"Seeing and feeling the benefits almost immediately, I worked with the fitness center on the Revolution Run to get more involved," he said. "I met my weight and fitness goals in a little over four months, going from 232 to 200 pounds. I haven't timed a mile and a half run yet, but I did bring my 5-kilometer time down to 21.05 minutes from 28 minutes. I recently had my blood pressure and heart rate taken too and both were the lowest I have seen."

For Airmen who have a goal in mind, but are unsure of how or where to start, the Rock Fitness Center staff can help.

"Our staff, which includes a certified personal trainer, is more than willing to help," said Sergeant Borrello. "We conduct personal assessments and help individuals establish a good plan to help them successfully reach their goals."

For those individuals just looking to improve their physical training test scores, the fitness center also offers two training plans based on the new fitness standards that Airmen can pick up at the front desk.

Customers can also obtain class schedules (for spin, step aerobics, zumba, abs, martial arts, yoga and more) as well as information about their T-shirt incentive programs such as the 100-, 200- and 300-mile programs (earned through biking, walking or running) and the Fit-to-Fight program in which people gain points through various fitness activities.

For more information, stop by the Rock Fitness Center, Building 422, or call 442-4244.