Warren Fitness Challenge

Master Sgt. Brian Hill, 90th Missile Wing command post, weighs in at Freedom Hall Fitness Center here on Tuesday, for the start of the Warren Fitness Challenge. Sergeant Hill, a member of the “Witness the Fitness” team, has his weight checked by Senior Airman Brandon Carlson, 90th Force Support Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Warren Fitness Challenge

Jamie Protte and Joanne Watt, both from 90th Force Support Squadron, compete in the three-legged race at the Warren Fitness Challenge kick off in Freedom Hall Fitness Center, Jan. 21. Ms. Protte and Ms. Watt are members of the Thinner Winners team. (U.S. Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Building healthy lifestyles: Inaugural Warren Fitness Challenge begins

Published Jan. 27, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Dan Gage
90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO -- The Freedom Hall Fitness Center held the start of the first-ever Warren Fitness Challenge Jan. 21. The 14-week long program is broken up into three, five-week sessions and has teams of four competing for an assortment of different prizes.

More than $1,000 in prizes will be broken up and awarded to both teams and individuals for best performance and weight loss.

In its first year, a total of 95 members of Air Force Global Strike Command's F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. have signed up to take part in the event.

Teams are made up of both civilians and military members. While there are no rules as to who can be on a team together, some teams are made up of certain groups. Squadron commanders and chiefs, as well as Col. Greg Tims, 90th Missile Wing commander have all started teams to raise awareness of the event.

Participants in the Warren Fitness Challenge are using the event as way to build morale and have some fun while getting in shape and losing weight. Some teams have had shirts made with their team name on them, names such as "Spartacus," "Witness the Fitness" and "The Buffet Surfers."

The competition is based on points; individuals are awarded certain points for attending classes at the Health and Wellness Center, exercising and eating a healthy diet.

"It's an honor system, people don't have to work out here," said Bonnie Schwartzkopf, fitness center director. "They can go running or go for a hike."

"Teams can also take classes at the fitness center," said Staff Sgt. Michelle Gaines, 90th Force Support Squadron. "There are Zumba classes, hip-hop cardio and boot camp to name a few," she added.

Teams are also eligible to receive points for participating in upcoming volleyball and basketball tournaments.

The fitness center plans to make this an annual event and a chance for Warren members to get into healthy habits to start the year.

"We'd like to see everyone finish," said Staff Sgt. Gaines.

"Please try to make yourselves a priority in your life and make a commitment to yourself that you can do this," Ms. Schwartzkopf told participants at the challenges opening events.

"We're excited to do whatever we can to help you in your quest to live a healthier lifestyle and maybe lose some weight and inches along the way," she added.