Starting the New Year right...being "Fit to Fight"

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Araceli Alarcon
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea --  A New Year brings new beginnings. People focus on New Years resolutions such as saving money, quitting smoking, losing weight and being physically fit. These are on the top on of many peoples list. For Airmen being "Fit to Fight" is a lifestyle.

Regular exercise has been associated with health benefits such as reducing blood pressure, enhancing individuals' mood and helping achieve and maintain weight loss.
"Fit to fight is what helps keep Airmen in top shape so the Air Force can uphold its reputation as one of the fiercest fighting forces in the world." said Staff Sgt. Jorge Haro, 8th Services Squadron fitness specialist. "It is also a culture of making fitness a lifestyle choice year around."

The fitness center has a wide variety of fitness equipment, an indoor track and a rock climbing wall. If people need an activity to motivate them spin, and martial arts classes are offered. Besides equipment and classes, the fitness center has qualified personal trainers that provide free fitness assessment and can help develop a training program to fit anyone's needs.

Once a decision is made to get in shape its time to find a Wingman to exercise with said Capt. Przemyslaw Niemczura, 8th Medical Operations Squadron health promotions element chief.

"Don't go it alone" he said, "Research shows that people are more successful when they lose weight with a friend or a group, so find your weight loss wing-man."

Captain Niemczura said with a busy day to day schedule some might find it difficult to eat healthy, which can cause some weight gain. Maintaining a healthy weight is a key element to staying fit.

"Good diet is critical when it comes to weight loss," the captain said. "Picking a medically based weight loss and maintenance program that focuses on strategies you can practice long-term, not just while you are on a diet is the key."

The health and wellness center provides variety of classes as well as individual appointments with a registered dietitian or diet technician. These appointments are designed around the patients needs, teaching and guiding patients toward a healthy weight loss method. These methods include calorie counting, meal planning and exercise.

Captain Niemczura said that having quick and low fat snacks in your dorm will aid people in eating something healthy.

Following an exercise plan and a having good diet improves health and keeps Airmen "Fit to fight."