Tactical fitness program debuting at Offutt next month

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jason L. Haag
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Coaches and initial participants are in the final stages of refining Offutt's CrossFit centered tactical fitness class that will be available to Team Offutt members in 2012.

The class came about after several Offutt Field House customers suggested a CrossFit program to the staff. After researching the idea, the 55th Mission Support Group decided to fund the training and equipment purchase to get the class going.

The coaches for the first class were selected and trained by lead coach a CrossFit Level 1 certified instructor during the first week of October. One of the first coaches recruited for the program was Maj. Marco Serna, U.S. Strategic Command J8 cyber defense analyst.

"I enjoy being a part of the transformation that occurs for new athletes. Being fit allows you to enjoy life more, whether that means keeping up with your kids or simply standing up out of a chair without significant pain," said Serna. "Helping someone establish, meet, and exceed a fitness goal is a gratifying experience. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?"

Serna, who taught functional fitness classes at Camp Lejeune, N.C. and an informal class here at Offutt, believes these classes can help people in everyday tasks, not just reaching fitness goals.

"The applications for what we do range from picking up a moving a heavy object to simply standing up out of a seated position. It's about learning how to move efficiently and understanding how to do physically challenging tasks without hurting yourself," Serna said.

"I've seen a variety of athletes at a broad range of skill levels benefit greatly from this type of training, from elite special operators to grandmothers and grandfathers. The beauty of functional fitness is that it can be scaled for anyone," he continued.

According to Mark Geairn, 55th Force Support Squadron fitness and sports director, students for the first class were selected by unit fitness monitors based on their fitness assessment scores and their passion for fitness. The students believe the class offers them an opportunity to improve their fitness and work out with like minded people.

"I signed up because I've been doing a similar program on my own for a couple years and really felt I was missing out on the camaraderie that a group setting provides," said Tech Sgt. Kyle Light, 55th Wing staff resource advisor. "I look forward to improving my form and flexibility as well as meeting new friends who share common fitness goals."

For 1st Lt. Alec Sankey, 55th Comptroller Squadron Financial Services Flight commander, the class offered him an opportunity to increase his physical fitness assessment score and improve other areas of his off-duty time.

"I hope to increase my lean body mass percentage and improve my PT score. I'm also an avid golfer. My golf game is pretty good but could benefit from added strength and flexibility," Sankey said.

For people interested in signing up for future tactical fitness classes, Serna recommends keeping an open mind and not being intimidated by the workouts.

"Incorporating functional fitness into your training regimen requires a different approach than many of us are used to. We incorporate a variety of activities into our program to include: weightlifting, gymnastics, running, rowing, etc.," he said. "Functional fitness can be scaled, or tailored, for anyone. Our focus is on the basics and the levels of skill and intensity are only increased when the athlete is ready. "

For more information about the tactical fitness program, contact your unit fitness program manager or the Offutt Field House.