Photo By Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel | CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Master Sgt. Gema Winston (center), communications security...... read more read more
by Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel
363rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Billy Blanks, fitness guru, martial artist, actor and creator of Tae Bo, a fitness program that combines Tae Kwon Do moves and boxing with dance music, made a stop here at the 4th Infantry Division Field House Thursday to work out with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and to help them learn to blend mental and physical fitness together to meet their personal goals.
Most Soldiers in attendance said that they enjoyed the one hour and 45-minute visit and exercise session that concluded with a motivational talk.
"It was outstanding because I've been a fan (of Blanks) since 1999, and I've been working out by using his DVDs since then," said Master Sgt. Gema Winston, communications security specialist, Division Troop Company, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. "Him being here in person brings it all together."
"It was great to work out with him in person," added Staff Sgt. Corinne Peterson, automated logistical specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, STB, 4th Inf. Div. "He inspired me to keep going, and he made sure we did the exercises correctly. It's a different workout than regular physical training."
Blanks thanked the Soldiers for their efforts and accomplishments over the course of their deployment before beginning his motivational talk.
"It's been an honor to be in your presence. I appreciate what you do and all the hardships you go through being away from your families," said Blanks.
Physical and spiritual fitness is essentially the same for everyone, regardless of their station or situation in life, said Blanks.
"Everybody wants the same results; everyone wants to be happy," said Blanks, adding that physical fitness is a key component for people "who want to get their lives in order. How can you control something else in your life when you can't control your own body?
"A lot of people only work out for their body and not their mind. That's why they don't get results."
He encouraged everyone to keep up their fitness regimen whether they are seeing immediate results or not.
"Once your inside (mind) feels good, keep holding on and eventually your outside (appearance) will look good as well," he said. "Your five senses are your 'land mines' in fitness. After 20 minutes, if your mind gives in to your senses, you'll give up."
After the end of the motivational speech, Blanks graciously remained at the Field House for the many Soldiers who brought their cameras to have a photo taken with the fitness expert or get his autograph.
| Date Taken: | 10.11.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 10.11.2006 09:17 |
| Story ID: | 7977 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 224 |
| Downloads: | 142 |
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