LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
In January, four of Langley's most motivated Airmen stepped up to the challenge of changing their lives for the better by adopting healthier lifestyles through diet and exercise. These strong-willed warriors are striving to meet and exceed their health and fitness goals, wrapping up the contest in May. Throughout their journey, you can track their triumphs and setbacks here through updates, weigh-ins and insight from the contestants.
Back to basics
Master Sgt. Tilo Baisden, 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing Manpower superintendent, said he tried more unconventional workouts during the contest to break up the monotony of routine physical training, but found, painfully, that strong fundamentals make for successful fitness.
"I pulled a muscle in my back in a kickboxing class, so I decided to start the 'Back to Basic Training' course at the gym," he said. "We'll see if I can hang with the young guns, especially at 6 a.m."
Baisden admitted he lost a step or two because of his busy schedule, having to squeeze in PT early in the morning; however, he can see a difference in his numbers on the scale and on the track.
"I've lost 12 pounds since starting the contest and improved my PT test, losing inches on my abdominal circumference measurement and improving my run time and crunches," he said. "I've hit a speed bump, but I still haven't peaked. There's a lot more fight left in this old dog."
Feeling great
Even in balancing work, school and parenthood on top of working out, Maj. Kathryn Bienfang, Air Combat Command Public Affairs action officer, said the workload is making her stronger.
"I'm staying faithful to making it to PT and not letting the hectic schedule get me down," she said. "I've added more abdominal workouts and started walking my dog in the evenings."
Though Bienfang admitted indulging in mint Girl Scout cookies, she maintains diligence in fashioning healthy fare, including low-carb choices like salads and fruits and substituting soy creamer in her mandatory morning coffee.
She said while her weight hasn't changed much, her physical endurance is better.
"I can run three miles now, something I struggled with in the beginning," she said. "I'm passing the fitness test and don't get as winded anymore. I feel great."
Whatever it takes
About halfway into the contest, Staff Sgt. Marie Moien, 1st Maintenance Group Information Management noncommissioned officer in charge, encountered a frightening obstacle.
"My chest started to hurt a lot while working out, and I had trouble breathing," she said. "I saw a doctor right away."
The physician placed Moien on a physically limiting profile, prohibiting high and low-impact cardio, push-ups and crunches.
While she lost her ability to PT, she still has her motivation to fulfill her weight-loss goals.
"It's a matter of proper dieting, really watching what and how much I eat," she said. "I'm not giving up. I'll find a way to succeed no matter what."
A big surprise
Senior Airman Tammy Marshall, 94th Fighter Squadron Aviation Resource Management journeyman, made sure to eat right. She exercised and followed her regimen strictly, not deviating from the course.
Initially, she lost weight, shedding five pounds in the first part of the competition. Soon afterward, she gained 10 pounds.
"I was so discouraged. I changed my diet, which was good to begin with," she said. "I started exercising even more, but still gained weight."
Marshall visited the doctor in late March to determine the source of the weight gain: she is pregnant. Nonetheless, she said she will continue eating right and working out to stay healthy through her pregnancy.
"I still PT three times a week, walk and use the stationary bike," Marshall said. "Even when I'm further along and can't PT normally, I still want to be as active as possible."