JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - –
May is observed throughout the U.S. Air Force as a time to set and achieve fitness goals to improve personal health and fitness. The 633rd Force Support Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, is hosting a month full of events to encourage U.S. Service members and their families to get moving and kickstart their fitness goals.
"One of the most important things in the military is being fit to fight and May Fitness Month helps us get our Airmen in the mindset of maintaining their fitness throughout the year," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dorian O'Neal, 633rd Force Support Squadron May Fitness Month coordinator. "These events help us maintain the warrior ethos but with a fun twist and allows us to involve our families as well."
According to www.health.gov, the recommended total of activity per week is estimated to be about 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity in order to lower the risk of premature death, coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type II diabetes and depression.
May Fitness Month events include:
- Self-defense classes on 5, 10 and 12 May
- Star Wars 5K on 4 May
- Aerobathon on 7 May
- A 3-point contest on 9 May
- Racquetball clinics on 14 and 21 May
- Superhero Tug-o-War on 17 May
- Powerlifting Competition on 19 May
- Ultimate Football on 20 May
- Homerun Derby on 24 May
There will also be a 3-on-3 basketball tournament running May 16-20. Teams can sign up at either fitness center on the installation.
"We planned a lot of events that are family and team related because team-based games are a great way to build comradery among units," said O'Neal. "That helps us with morale in our units and working together as a team on a daily basis."
Fitness Center staff will also host a "triathlon" where participants log the miles they run, bike and row for a week, May 2-8, and submit to the fitness center staff for rewards. Miles can be logged indoors on machines or tracks as well as outdoors on trails, roads, and tracks.
"Fitness is important for Service members because our whole mission is to fly, fight and win," said O'Neal. "While you can fight when you're not fit, you definitely have a better chance of winning the fight if you are fit."
The month's events will conclude with a challenge race on May 26 which will include events such as a canoe pull, tire flips, sled pulls and various relays.
"May Fitness Month is the perfect time for us to remind people to stay fit but we should all strive toward fitness every day," said O'Neal. "Set realistic goals, make a plan, and don't compare yourself to others in the gym because no one walks in as an expert on day one."