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 themselves.
A balancing act
Mid-morning sunlight beamed through the plate glass windows at the Shellbank Fitness Center, bustling with patrons among a plethora of fitness machines. Among them is Maj. Kathryn Bienfang, Air Combat Command Public Affairs action officer.
She smiled as she stepped onto the treadmill, outfitted in standard physical training gear. With a sigh, she began her jog, setting the machine to a moderate pace.
"There's just so little time in the day sometimes," she said with an exasperated look on her face. "I want to get over here more often, but my work seemingly never ends."
The Major said recent personnel shortages at work make getting the job done more time consuming, leaving less time for PT. Going home lends little relief, as she has continuing education and a family to provide for.
"It's a balancing act," said Major Bienfang, a Reservist on individual mobilized augmentee orders. "I have to study and take care of my little one. By the time I'm finished, it's time for bed."
While time management is her biggest obstacle, it is not enough to knock her out of contention, she said.
Rise and shine
That same day, Master Sgt. Tilo Baisden, 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing Manpower superintendent, arrived at the fitness center at 6:30 a.m. to begin his upgraded PT ritual.
After hitting the indoor track to warm-up, Sergeant Baisden performed strength training, grinding out push-ups and sit-ups in alteration. Continuing the rigorous pace, he hopped on one of the center's elliptical cross trainers for low-impact cardio.
In addition to squadron PT sessions, Sergeant Baisden said he's been in the gym six days a week, trying to make the most of his workouts and his time.
"I'm already starting to see results from all this exercise," he said. "I've lost six pounds since I started the new routine."
Although waking up extra early and working out all before going to work is sometimes a hard thing to do, Sergeant Baisden insisted he'll do whatever he has to do to get in prime shape, again.
A little, brown book
Much like the other "losers," Staff Sgt. Marie Moien, 1st Maintenance Group Information Management non commissioned officer in charge, makes time for PT as often as possible; however, the sergeant used what she called her "secret weapon" -- a small, leather-bound journal to track her progress in the gym.
"After every workout, I write down what I just did, and make notes about calories burned and distance ran," she said. "It provides immediate feedback."
Sergeant Moien said finding time for consistent workouts is challenging, between caring for her family and working at the MXG. The journal establishes a clear progress curve, outlining her strengths and weaknesses, she said.
"I saw how far I ran one week, so the next week I added a little more time," she said. "Aerobic conditioning is what I want to improve most, and this is definitely helping me get better."
In addition, Sergeant Moien records her nightly push-ups and sit-ups.
Going green
Physical training and a balanced diet are essential to shedding pounds. Senior Airman Tammy Marshall, 94th Fighter Squadron Squadron Aviation Resource Management journeyman, said she introduced salads for lunch, hoping to trim her waistline by cutting calories.
"It may not taste as good as a burger and fries, but it's much healthier," she said. "Once I made it a routine, it's easier to get used to."
Occasionally, Airman Marshall said she adds grilled chicken breast to her salads for a PT-enhancing protein boost.
"There are ways to spice up a boring salad that don't involve smothering it in fattening dressings," she added.
Airman Marshall said she wants to apply her health-conscious food choices to other meals in her day, but sometimes temptation and time constraints get the upper hand.
"At the end of the day, I'm so worn out that I just grab whatever tastes good," she said. "It'll take some work, but I'm going to change that."