Readiness challenge determines most Total Fit

  • Published
  • By Brian Kirby
  • Ramstein and USAFE Fitness Program Manager
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  In a trial of agility, balance, coordination and total body strength, 12 teams from around the KMC competed in the "Total Fit Readiness Challenge" May 21 to determine which two-person team was most "Total fit." The event consisted of five unique components that replicated the physical readiness challenges of a deployment.

Sponsors for the event included the Ramstein Southside Fitness Center, the Physical Therapy Clinic and the Health and Wellness Center, who used this event as an opportunity to demonstrate the value of the Total Fit concept in unit physical training sessions.

An estimate of 25 minutes was intended for the entire challenge course.

"We designed the event to simulate mission physical tasks, and at the same time challenge fitness levels. Readiness meets fitness, what a concept." said Tim "Coach" Cline from the southside fitness center.

Although all teams finished in less than 20 minutes, some were more tested by the tasks than others.

"Normally, I can go running for hours and not feel anything, but with this, and pushing these bails for 10 minutes, I'm exhausted," said 2nd Lt. Barbara Van de Water, 435th Mission Support Squadron.

Results have shown that units adapting the Total Fit concepts experience less fitness-related and work-related injuries. Teams with the best combination of core strength, agility, balance and coordination fared the best, not necessarily those with the most strength or speed.

"A full spectrum of functional fitness is needed for our readiness mission requirements and daily tasks, which often times is not addressed in our unit fitness or daily exercise routines. Just passing the physical fitness test or only training for the test is not enough for what is needed functionally or downrange," said Maj. Brett Bishop, 435th Medical Operations Squadron physical therapist.

Winning teams of the event included Staff Sgts. Christopher Clawson and Dwight Scott who earned first place for the 86th Contingency Response Group with a challenge time of 9 minutes, 49 seconds. Master Sgt. Jason Lydon and 2nd Lt. Tom Smith took second place for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe directorates with a time of 10 minutes, 47 seconds. Tech. Sgts. Brian Bowen and Eric Dibartolomeo brought in third place also for the USAFE directorates with a time of 10 minutes, 51 seconds.

Active-duty Air Force members in the KMC are encouraged to watch for future Total Fit Readiness Challenge events and give their best effort at being Total Fit.