CAF: Wing Fun Run

  • Published
  • By Maj. Matt Albright
  • 92nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Operational Physiology/HAWC Flight Commander
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash --  On July 15, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing held its monthly Fun Run with a different twist. The sponsor for this run, the 92nd Medical Group, chose to incorporate multiple core strength exercise stations into the traditional Fun Run. These stations, which included lunges/burpies/squats/resistance running/push ups, were intended to emphasize the benefit of overall body fitness and change up the normal routine in order to keep fitness fun.

In keeping in line with the current Air Force fitness standards, many Airmen make the mistake of focusing their workout regiment only on push ups, crunches and running at the expense of maintaining overall body fitness. When this happens, the body can become imbalanced and the chance of injury increases. For example, let's take an Airman that has a very strong abdominal muscle structure from crunches, but neglects to exercise the muscle structures of their back. What happens when they try to lift a heavy piece of equipment at work that initially incorporates a high level of demand from their abdominal structure and then transitions to their back structure? If they have a weak back this usually results in injury.

Another important part of fitness that this wing event emphasized was making fitness fun. For many Airmen, the lack of variety in their fitness routine often leads to an ineffective workout. Ultimately, this ineffective workout could lead to a loss of interest in working out at all. By changing things up and incorporating new modes of exercise into their routine, Airmen can continue to make fitness fun while making their workouts much more effective.

Staff Sgt. Sean Deveraux, a physical therapy technician who was the 92nd Medical Group point of contact for this Fun Run event, always emphasizes overall body fitness and making fitness fun when working with patients.

"What we in physical therapy try to convey to our patients is doing something that gets your heart rate going for 40-60 minutes four to five times a week--whatever that may be," Deveraux said. "As you know, staying active and in overall body shape is the best way to prevent injuries. Also, overall body fitness will make rehabilitation easier in the event of an injury [i.e. quad strength after ACL surgery]. I once heard actor Matthew McConaughey quoted as saying he stays in shape by "I do something that makes me sweat for an hour a day it's so simple it just makes sense."

From a "fun" aspect, the run was also successful. Col. Chet Roshetko, 92nd Medical Group commander, received dozens of compliments about the multi-faceted event.
"There were some sore Airmen at the finish line, especially from the lunges, but across the board we received a positive response," Roshetko said. "At least six Team Fairchild members told me it was the best wing run in their career. Many others asked if we could keep changing it up. Several Airmen presented additional fun run ideas."

By incorporating a variety of core strength training into an aerobic running event, the 92nd MDG hit on some very important fitness ideals that all airmen's exercise routines should include. All Airmen must meet the fitness goals of the Air Force Fitness Program, but should not forget the key element of overall body fitness.

If you, or someone you know, would like more information on how to ensure your workout encompasses exercises to ensure overall body fitness, contact the Health & Wellness Center at 247- 5590.