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Fitness: A high priority year-round

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  On one hand, there are those who stay active on a daily basis. Winter or summer, rain or shine, physical exercise is of high importance. On the other hand there are those who are only somewhat active up until it is their time to shine on the 1.5-mile run.

Any amount of exercise is valued, but it is typically the group that continuously strives to do better that becomes and remains physically fit.

"Fitness is like anything. If you don't ever push yourself you aren't going to get better, and fitness, like education, is an investment in one's self," said Col. Thomas Sharpy, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "I don't believe that you can reach your maximum potential unless you are physically fit."

There are many reasons for this, such as those who are in shape have a tendency to cope better with stress, have more energy and increase their longevity, he said.

Colonel Sharpy, who has been an athlete for most of his life, has seen the benefits of being fit, as well as the detriments to those who are not.

More than the personal benefits of being healthy and active are the advantages as an Airman, whether conducting a physical fitness test, doing daily tasks or deploying.

"We are a nation at war," said Colonel Sharpy, "and no one can predict what happens when you are in conflict. If you aren't physically fit, you are going to limit your ability to be that war fighter and your survival may depend on your fitness."

And for those who need to increase strength and endurance and decrease that running time, there are plenty of avenues for Airmen to obtain the help and encouragement they need to succeed.

"We have the Health and Wellness Center, the fitness center staff members, who are well-trained, physical training leaders in the squadrons, and the chain of command," said the colonel. "And we have a great fitness center."

Colonel Sharpy places importance on fitness not just around testing time, but on a regular basis, he said. It takes some time and it takes some effort, but once you reach that level and accomplish your physical goals, ask yourself if it was all worth it.