Offutt Tactical Fitness Program takes fitness to new level

  • Published
  • By David R. Hopper
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  If you'd been to the Offutt Field House lately, you already know that Offutt's CrossFit class is in full swing.

Known simply as Offutt Tactical Fitness, participants have been aggressively filling up classes since it began here in November.

Since the Offutt Tactical Fitness class began, classes have been aggressively sought after with classes being added with 40 - 50 new Tactical Fitness crusaders.

"This class is for everybody who is willing to get fit and push themselves to find a new perspective on fitness," said Senior Airman Samantha Braley, Air Force Weather Agency. "I have met challenges before in working out, but this [class] takes it to a whole other level."

The Offutt Tactical Fitness class has done so well that Greg Glassman, Founder and CEO CrossFit International, is donating 30 free CrossFit level-one certification slots that Offutt will be hosting April 11 and 12 in the field house. Each level-one certification has a price tag of $1,000 which doesn't include the sweat equity one has to endure to become certified.

"We are so grateful to Coach Glassman for donating this CrossFit Level-one Certification Seminar to our program," said Maj. Marco Serna, U.S. Strategic Command. "Our coaches and athletes are very excited about the impact CrossFit has on our military community's fitness. These Level 1 Training Certificates will enable us to reach an even greater audience, improving both quality of life and mission readiness for Team Offutt."

"His [Glassman's] generosity to the armed forces is well above and beyond anything we expected," said Mark Geairn, 55th Force Support Squadron.
As a result of the CrossFit certification classes the North end of the Offutt Field House will be closed April 11 and 12, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. The track will remain open for customer use.

The effect of Tactical Fitness on Team Offutt can only be described by results.

"I've lost 13 pounds and several inches in the 10 weeks since I started the Tactical Fitness Program," said Jackie Griego. "Through this program I have gained strength, endurance, and increased flexibility."

"My cardiovascular endurance has improved, running has become easier, climbing the stairs is easier -and I hate climbing the stairs," Braley said. "I have noticed that my back and knees feel strengthened and I have become more flexible as well."

According to Braley and Griego, there are some unexpected side-effects to Tactical Fitness workouts.

"My mood has benefited from Tactical Fitness and so has my eating habits," Braley said. "[Tactical Fitness] has improved my perseverance and motivation, not only in working out, but everyday tasks."

"The workouts leave me with such a sense of accomplishment," Griego said. "No cardio machine could ever do that."

To learn more about becoming part of the Team Offutt Tactical Fitness team or joining a class visit www.totactfit.com.