Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Alexander Cook

Sherri Biringer, 56th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist supervisor, speaks to participants during the in-processing brief of the “New Year, New You” Weight Loss Challenge in the Bryant Fitness Center at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Jan. 8, 2018. During the in-processing brief, participants received important contest rules and fitness information.

Each New Year brings opportunity to improve fitness and overall well-being.

Thunderbolts at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., took the first step toward self-improvement by beginning the Force Support Squadron’s “New Year, New You” Weight Loss Challenge. 

The challenge runs from January to March and allows all Department of Defense cardholders a chance to compete to lose the most body fat while encouraging a healthy lifestyle and promoting safe, healthy weight loss.

“The main purpose of this challenge is to teach participants how to reach their goals by making healthier food choices, proper exercise execution, and how to safely maximize their workouts,” said Antonia Bazan Espinosa, 56th Force Support Squadron fitness and sports assistant manager.

To start the contest, participants met at the Bryant Fitness Center, attending an in-processing brief. During the brief, participants received their initial weight and body measurements along with their assigned personal trainers whom they will be working with for the next three months.

“The workouts will vary for each participant,” Bazan said. “We’ll have group exercise classes focusing on core, flexibility, cardio, and strength and conditioning. Additionally, our personal trainers will tailor the training sessions to the specific needs of our participants for optimal results.”

Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Alexander Cook

Sherri Biringer, 56th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist supervisor, conducts body measurements on retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. Gary Sadler, a participant in the “New Year, New You” Weight Loss Challenge, at the Bryant Fitness Center, Jan. 8, 2018. The purpose of the weight loss challenge is to assist participants in changing their lifestyles by promoting safe, healthy weight loss.

For health and safety concerns, participants are recommended to limit weight loss to two to three pounds per week. If participants exceed the recommended weight loss rate, they could be disqualified.

“We want to ensure participants are losing weight safely,” said Sherri Biringer, 56th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist supervisor. “If they lose weight too fast, it could detrimentally hurt them in the end. The competition is not only between the contestants, but also between the trainers to see who is best. We all want to see which type of workouts will be most effective for each participant.” 

By fostering a competitive atmosphere and encouraging teamwork, the personal trainers at the Bryant Fitness Center hope that the challenge will motivate Airmen to successfully lose weight.

“Our goal at the end of this challenge is for our Airmen to benefit by becoming more active, make healthier life choices and achieve higher scores on their physical training tests,” Bazan said. “Overall, the healthier and more active our Airmen are, the more efficient they’ll become at achieving Luke’s mission of building the future of airpower.”

If you’re still interested in participating in the weight loss challenge, it’s not too late. Sign-ups take place at the front desk of Bryant Fitness Center. Call 623-856-6241 for more information.