Courtesy Photo | ALI BASE, Iraq -- Although an unorthodox form of exercise, flying does work the arms,...... read more read more
By Tech. Sgt. Paul Dean
407th Air Expeditionary Group public affairs
ALI BASE, Iraq --Categorizing events on the weekly Ali Base activities calendar reveals a simple truth about the Airmen deployed here: they love to stay active (even after a 12-hour shift.)
"It's the whole fit to fight mindset along with the chance for people to enjoy themselves," said Tech. Sgt. L.J. Kincade, 407th Expeditionary Services Squadron fitness center director. "We offer a variety of activities that let people burn their extra energy, join a team, or just improve their self-image."
And sure, there are plenty of non-physical things to do on base, but it's rare to find more people in the TV room than the aerobics room. One reason might be the physical and mental effects of a good workout.
Lt. Col. (Dr.) Anthony Ghim, 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flight surgeon, points out that exercise clears the mind and reduces stress, increasing both the physical and the mental stamina. "Reduced stress likely prolongs your life," he said.
"There's nowhere that it's more critical to be in top shape than here in the theatre [of operations]," said Lt. Col. Jerry Perkins, 407th Air Expeditionary Group deputy commander and instructor of 3 spin classes each week. "There's no greater chance of needing to respond or react to an emergency after continuously working long hard hours than here, and staying fit gives you the endurance to do it."
Playing a game of basketball or volleyball; riding a stationary bike to get up a good sweat, or walking a few miles on a treadmill might be the last thing on somebody's mind at the end of a long shift. But for some Airmen, exercise and physical activity as part of their routine is what makes the workday easier and the deployment go faster.
"A good workout rejuvenates me, takes away any stress and makes me feel so much better," said Capt. Kim M. Arnold, contracting officer for the 407th AEG Contracting Squadron.
"It's making my deployment go faster," said Staff Sgt. Edward Weathersby, 777th EAS metals technician craftsman. "I work and then workout for 2 hours. [Working out] helps me get through these long days: an increased tempo on different terrain requires different measures; it requires better fitness."
One of the keys to fitness while deployed is to stay within your limits, said Dr. Ghim. If you aren't in shape to start with, you can't become a bodybuilding champion in the short time that you're here. The base clinic has treated several Airmen who approached the deployment with a resolution to get fit while here, and have injured themselves doing too much too fast.
And physical fitness isn't limited to running miles and miles or pumping iron. "Exercising at least three times a week will go a long way to improving how you feel," said Colonel Perkins. "Just get out and get active. There are a lot of activities on base to get your blood moving and your mind thinking better. Shoot some hoops, take a Tae Kwon Do lesson. Whatever you do to get yourself active will make you feel better in the long run."
| Date Taken: | 11.18.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 11.18.2005 14:07 |
| Story ID: | 3786 |
| Location: | ALI BASE, IQ |
| Web Views: | 79 |
| Downloads: | 24 |
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