Team Eglin takes on Team Lean Challenge

  • Published
  • By Noel Getlin
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Team Lean Challenge got off to a running start Wednesday as teams across the base came in to be weighed and attend a fitness expo at the Health and Wellness Center. 

"We were slammed," said Marilyn Leggett, RN, Civilian Health Promotion Service. 

Seventy-eight people weighed in on the first day of Team Lean Challenge and 184 attended the expo, according to Alison DeCaro, health promotion manager. 

Members of team Chief's Angels were excited about the challenge. 

"We're taking the BMI (body mass index) and physical training standards seriously," said Senior Airman Sade Leonard, 46th Maintenance Group. "We all have our own personal goals but we want to do this together." 

This is the third Team Lean Challenge for team CEVC 235. The group from 96th Civil Engineer Group Environmental Compliance has made a habit of walking together about three days a week. 

"We like a challenge," said Hank Birdsong, CEVC 235 team member. 

"And the free stuff," joked Tim Langley. 

But even more importantly, they're training. 

"We've got to get ready for the annual Gate-to-Gate Run," said Jim Reese. 

The fitness expo included information from personal trainers, a physical therapist, a massage therapist, a podiatrist, a running coach and demonstrations on exercise equipment. Several other base agencies were on hand to provide information on their services, as well. 

Runners also had the opportunity to take a wet test, in which footprints are analyzed to learn whether the runner needs stability, cushioned or motion control running shoes. 

"Wearing the right running shoe is extremely important, especially with all the running the active duty is now doing," said Andrea Moneymaker, HAWC fitness educator. "It can prevent ankle and knee injuries and shin splints." 

Also available was running gait analyses, where the foot is videotaped in motion on the treadmill. The trainers are able to help runners with shoe selection and to diagnose movement disorders. 

Every month, the HAWC holds a running clinic that includes an educational briefing, ideas for running workouts and injury prevention tips. 

For any active-duty, civil service civilian or Non-Appropriated Funds employees on base, it's not too late to join the Team Lean Challenge. The weigh-ins continue Feb. 19-26 from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m., and on Feb. 27 from 7:30-15:30  at the HAWC. It's not necessary for team members to come in together. 

In addition to the official weigh-in, participants must be enrolled online for Team Lean Challenge. Weigh-in information cannot be entered until online enrollment is complete. 

Log on to the Wellness Support Center at www.afmcwellness.com to establish an account. There must be five members per team and you must enter a team name. Civilians must take the online Health Risk Appraisal. 

Awards will be given to the top three teams with the highest percentage of weight loss, the winning unit and a winning individual.

Ms. DeCaro expects more teams to come in for the challenge. 

"We're usually slammed on the last day," she said. 

For more information and to register, visit The Wellness Support Center at www.afmcwellness.com or call 883-8020 or 883-8024.