LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
What do zombies, crash test dummies and ninja turtles all have in common? They could be seen flipping tires, pushing trucks and crawling through the sand at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Sept. 28, 2012.
The 633rd Communications Squadron hosted a 90-day, weight-loss program to motivate Airmen to live a healthier lifestyle.
"We wanted to do something to get the Airmen to concentrate on fitness," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michelle Filmore, 633rd CS infrastructure section chief. "We wanted to make it fun and keep them focused."
The 633rd CS began the program July 16, with a weigh-in and work-out suggestions. Participants put together teams to motivate each other while working out together or whenever possible.
"The program really brought us together as a team to become a better Air Force," said Staff Sgt. Susan Toy, "Cyber Ninja Turdles" team member. "It makes you more mentally and physically prepared for anything."
Filmore encouraged teams to stay motivated every week.
"I sent out emails with special workouts and different things to keep it interesting and keep the Airmen involved," said Filmore. "As the oldest woman in the competition, I wanted to show the young men and women that if I could do it, they could do it too."
The expeditionary fitness challenge, held at Eagle Park, was held to celebrate the end of the weight loss program. The challenge was open to all Airmen in the 633rd CS, not just participants of the weight loss program. The teams performed various timed events including pushing a truck from one checkpoint to another, low crawling through sand, performing litter carries and flipping a large tire.
"The fitness challenge was amazing," said Airman 1st Class Alexandra Ramos, "Fantastic 5" team member. "I could definitely feel how much I've improved my physical fitness, and I want to keep it up."
The squadron wrapped up the program on Sept. 26 with participants weighing in. Participants competed for individual fat loss and weight loss, as well as team total-fat percentage loss. Approximately 30 Airmen participated, and shed a total of 249 pounds.
Nine teams competed in a variety of categories. For instance, team "Cyber Ninja Turdles" came in first place as the team with the best costumes and most team spirit. Winning teams for each category received either $100 cash to divide between its' members or a one-day pass for each member.