LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The health and fitness craze in America seems to be in full swing with countless infomercials, dieting and life plan books, products that taste like cardboard, magazines boasting six-pack abs and television shows expressing the importance of good health.
For those whose healthy lifestyle has become more of a downward spiral of weight gain and stamina loss, don't look past Shellbank Fitness Center's CrossFit program; an in-your-face, get-fit-for-life workout.
"CrossFit is an exercise program that encompasses the whole body," said Staff Sgt. Malcolm Curtis, 1st Logistics Readiness Squadron. "It doesn't take a whole lot of fancy equipment or expensive gadgets or clothes. Pretty much it's you, your will and your desire to take your fitness to a new level."
Located in the back of the Shellbank Fitness Center next to the racquetball courts, the CrossFit workout room is now home to Langley's most physically serious athletes and Airmen.
According to CrossFit's Web site, it's the principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies and tactical operations teams, military special operations units, champion martial artists and hundreds of professional athletes worldwide.
"I am not going to sugar coat it," said Senior Airman Stephanie Geeze, 1st Security Forces Squadron Airman. "It is probably the most physical thing that I have gone through and I just spent nine months in Iraq - and I thought that was hard."
The concept behind CrossFit is simple: Visit the Web site, www.crossfit.com for the "Workout of the day," where CrossFit posts unique workouts for Airmen to complete daily. Regardless of current fitness levels , CrossFit can help anyone improve.
"You will walk away knowing that you have done something," said Sergeant Curtis. "It gives you benchmarks and goals to reach. So when you do reach those goals, you feel a huge sense of accomplishment."
CrossFit boasts a "minimalist program," meaning people don't need a lot of fancy equipment and facilities to get in shape. An Olympic weight set and a place to do pull-ups and dips is essential the CrossFit.
"CrossFit adapts and changes to what you are trying to do, and to what you have available to you," said Sergeant Curtis. "Basically, you could walk out to a park and use the outdoors to provide you with all the items that you need."
The effort CrossFit instructors put into the program shows. The pairing of cardio with weightlifting on top of varying workouts keeps the program fun, rewarding and never boring.
"By the end of the class, you are so proud of yourself that you want to come back," said Airman Geeze. "I was on profile for a while, so I felt like I was getting weak. Now I feel myself getting stronger and more in shape...quick!"
"I have transformed my body and my stamina immensely," said Sergeant Curtis. "Not only that, it has helped me in my job and life. Just teaching me to go past those spots and teaching me that when I don't think I can go further.
CrossFit enthusiasts meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the CrossFit room of the Shellbank Fitness Center. Airmen interested in attending for the first time should meet the first Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. to11:30 a.m. for an orientation workout.
For more information or to inquire about the upcoming CrossFit squadron competition May 22, call the Shellbank Fitness Center at (757) 225-8165 or visit www.crossfit.com.