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Back to Basics fitness program saves career
Posted 10/3/2012 Updated 10/3/2012
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by Staff Sgt. Krystie Martinez
Air Combat Command Public Affairs
10/3/2012 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- This was the wake-up call he needed; after failing his third Air Force physical fitness test within two years, losing his promotion of master sergeant and receiving additional administrative action, his Air Force career was in jeopardy.
"My motivation is that I want to leave the military on my own terms," said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Esparza, 633rd Medical Support Squadron NCO in charge of subsistence supply. "I have 18 years in, and I also have a family and four children. Being close to retirement is big for me, and I definitely want to retire."
The Back to Basics program here was Esparza's final chance to stay in the Air Force. For the next 40 days, the fate of his career rested on the strength of his will power.
The eight-week B2B program, which focuses on improving the fitness and overall health of Airmen, began when the 633 FSS staff found Airmen were struggling to meet the increase in Air Force fitness standards in 2010.
Fitness center resources merged to create the B2B program that supports and motivates students to become fitter, healthier Airmen. The duty of getting Airmen into shape is not one that B2B instructors take lightly. To achieve this, instructors along with the health and wellness center's exercise physiologist and diet technician, educate students on the proper ways to achieve and maintain a healthy body.
Combining nutritional awareness and high intensity exercise five days a week are key parts of the program, said Staff Sgt. Keith Miller, 633 FSS Shellbank Fitness Center craftsman and B2B instructor. "We [instructors] push for proper form and technique during a workout. Instead of just telling students to do 50 pushups, we want 10 correct pushups over 50 incorrect pushups."
Striving for perfection and focusing on quality ensures students understand they have to work hard to reach their fitness goals.
"The instructors are awesome! They know how to motivate you and always remind you that it's about how much work you put in," Esparza said. "They constantly remind us that fitness is just one area, but we are ultimately responsible for our nutrition. You can't just focus on the fitness side and not do anything about your dietary changes."
The hard work and dedication Esparza put in paid off. It led to the loss of 12 pounds and him ultimately passing his fitness test with an 88 percent.
"It's about how dedicated you are to changing your life," he said.
Contact the local fitness center for information on available fitness improvement programs.
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