MEDIA CONTEST: B1 BFit challenges Ellsworth team

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ACC MEDIA CONTEST --  Approximately 280 Ellsworth servicemembers and civilians started the month-long B1 BFit program this week. The Ellsworth Health and Wellness Center initiated the program to celebrate May Fitness Month.

"We wanted to make something pop and provide a program that everyone could be involved in," said Ms. Minda Smither, 28th Bomb Wing fitness program manager. "It's a great way to enhance a total lifestyle -- fitness and nutrition."

Personnel signed up in groups of four to six people and earn points each week for meeting requirements. Team members earn one point per day for drinking 64 ounces of water, eating fruits and vegetables, and exercising at least 30 minutes five times a week. Teams also collect points by attending HAWC or fitness center classes.

"It's nice for us because people don't always know what we have to offer, but through this challenge it's a chance for them to understand what exactly the HAWC does," Ms. Smither said. Monday's Get Fit 101 class was packed, for instance.

In addition to improving fitness and nutrition, the program is designed to foster teamwork. If every person on the team earns 20 of 28 total exercise points, the entire team receives a 20 point bonus. That's true for liquids, fruit and vegetable intake, and class attendance as well. Points earned go toward challenge prizes and to commander trophy tallies.

Placebo Effect team leader, Tech. Sgt. Jessica Nester, 28th Medical Group pharmacy, said her team will use the challenge as spring training.

"It will help prepare us for superhikes and running events this summer," Sergeant Nester said. Last Saturday her team participated in the multiple sclerosis walk downtown with other servicemembers from Ellsworth.

Sergeant Nester said drinking 64 ounces of fluid each day is an adjustment for her, although other members of her team aren't used to eating five servings of fruits or vegetables, but she's confident the challenge will reinforce healthy habits.

Other teams have shown their enthusiasm by picking interesting team names such as the Fat Bottom Girls or Krispy Kremes.

"The excitement and enthusiasm out there shows that this challenge was warranted and came at the right time," Ms. Smither said.

There are a plethora of fitness opportunities available on base throughout May:

Various exercise classes will be available at the fitness center including cardio weight training, Mondays at 11:30 a.m and Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.; ab blast, Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.; spinning, Thursdays at 11:30a.m.; and turbo kick, Thursdays at 5:30p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m.

The youth center will be offering a family fun run May 20 at 10 a.m.

The health and wellness center is offering a Get Fit 101 class on Monday at 2 p.m. as well as an opportunity for a runners group that will meet at the Pride Hanger Fridays at 7:30 a.m.