748th SCMG holds team fitness event, gives trophy

  • Published
  • By Mikayla Beyer
  • Hilltop Times Staff
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  The 748th Supply Chain Management Group 2013 Fitness Challenge ended with a bang for the people determined to live a healthy lifestyle amid the challenges of work, family, and exercise.

The challenge lasted from Jan. 8 to April 2, and the goal was for groups of four people to lose 10 percent of their body fat. Randy Neilson, who was on the winning team, ended up losing 53.6 pounds and 15.58 percent of his body weight.

"Super Bowl Sunday, eating a salad instead of chicken wings and pizza was really hard, but I plan on keeping this going. I started eating right, three meals a day, and I started walking regularly. I want to see my grandkids grow up, so I needed to do something," Neilson said.

The challenge was open not just to service personnel, but also to civilians determined to get fit, and their efforts were acknowledged by the people who helped supervise it.

"It's hard enough to stay in shape when it's part of your job, but we have civilians who have done an outstanding job too," said 2nd Lt. Marcus Catchpole.

Sheila A. Brown, the Program Manager for B52 Landing Gear, is confident that the program will benefit people's perceptions of their peers as well as helping the newly fit participants of the challenge.

"I think it's a great way to bring Wingmen together. It provides that team spirit and provides a better feeling of wellness in the work area," Brown said.

Emphasizing the help and resources available for people who want to improve their lifestyle choices or lose weight has been a prominent part of the challenge. Brown encourages people to utilize the Warrior Fitness Center, which has a free "Bod Pod" that can measure body fat and mass, and the Civilian Health Personnel Services program.

The winning team was given a trophy in recognition of their efforts, and they hope to continue the positive trajectory.