93d AGOW gets physical for CAF Day

  • Published
  • By Airman Greg Nash
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 93d Air Ground Operations Wing held a Comprehensive Airmen Fitness Day March 13, here.

The CAF Day focused on the physical pillar of fitness that encompasses performing and excelling in physical activities that require aerobic fitness, endurance, strength, flexibility and body composition derived through exercise, nutrition and training.

The CAF Day kicked off with a breakfast, followed by nutrition and physical fitness briefings.

"We're here today to continue to dedicate and realize the importance of improvements we can make for ourselves within the four pillars of CAF Days," said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Troie Croft, 93d Air Ground Operation Wing command chief. "In the 21st Century, the world has become sedentary within this microwave society of wanting everything quick and easy because of our busy day to day lives. Because of this, we are using this day to slow down and realize how we can maintain a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and nutrition."

After breakfast, Erin Locke, 23d Medical Group health promotion dietitian, conducted a nutrition briefing to help Airmen live a healthy lifestyle.

"Nutrition is important because it helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight," said Locke. "Having an awesome beach body or doing enough activity to pass Air Force physical assessments shouldn't be the main focus of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Airmen need to practice good nutritional habits in general to enjoy a long life without health issues."

To enjoy and maintain a healthy lifestyle, Locke said a proper meal plan is key.

"I recommend eating three smalls a day with three snacks in between those meals," said Locke. "Avoid large time gaps of not eating food. Anything under four hours is fine. Avoid fad and restrictive diets. Fuel your body with vegetables and fruits."

According to Locke, 15.2 percent of Moody Airmen over the age of 29, compared to 13.3 percent of the Air Force as a whole, are considered obese by Body Mass Index standards.

In reference to those numbers, Lt. Col. Jon Wilson, 93d AGOW director of human performance, spoke about how Airmen can reduce their physical activity challenges.

"I think the biggest challenge our Airmen face is they feel like they don't have enough time to engage in physical activity," said Wilson. "Not everyone participates in physical training as a unit or shop so that motivation may not be there."

"Airmen need to determine a fitness goal and seek professional help, implement that plan and get advised on how they can fit that system into their schedule," added Wilson. "Ask what the time limit is going to be to maximize results that individuals are looking for and abide by that regimen. Go for long term results to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Fitness is an absolute continuum of exercise, nutrition and sleep."

Furthermore, Wilson highlighted in a nutshell why physical fitness and being healthy is important for service members.

"If you're not fit, you can't do your job. Our body is our livelihood. Being physically fit is a part of the mission," he said.

93d AGOW members participated in physical activity in honor of CAF Day with games of ultimate Frisbee. Afterwards a luncheon concluded the day's events.

Service members seeking more information on nutrition and how to improve health can contact the base Health And Wellness Center at 229-257-4292.