Red Devils embrace fitness with “Biggest Loser” challenge

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Conor Murphy, 2nd Lt. David Bennett, 2nd Lt. Caesar Baldemor
  • 434th Fighter Training Squadron
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Red Devils of the 434th Fighter Training Squadron generally welcome the idea of a little competition. Upon returning from the holiday break, New Year's resolutions were discussed among the squadron's pilots and most included goals of improving personal physical fitness.

Within the walls of the 434th, competitive personalities are prevalent and physical fitness is a mission requirement. Through extensive debate, brain-storming and friendly trash talk, "The Biggest Loser: Red Devil Edition" was created.

The premise of the challenge is to promote the important concepts of fitness, health and wellness through friendly competition. Capt. Jeromy Guinther, 434th FTS fitness manager, partnered with Laughlin's Health and Wellness Center to monitor the progress of the competition with the HAWC's newest fitness measuring tool, the BodPod.

The BodPod accurately measures body fat percentage using Air Displacement Plethysmography. In simpler terms, you sit in the BodPod for about a minute and the complex system takes various measurements of body composition. Upon completion, the individual receives the measurements, which include weight, body fat percentage, and recommended caloric intake.

After obtaining these measurements, squadron members consulted with Captain Guinther and the health professionals at the HAWC to set a challenging, 60-day goal for lowering their body fat percentage and body weight. This goal cannot merely be reached by not eating because each squadron member must ensure proper nutrition and hydration in order to maintain physical-fitness standards in their Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals mission.

The goal of each participant is to decrease the percentage of fat in their body by as much as possible, and improve overall fitness through a personally developed diet and fitness regime. During the 60-day competition, contestants will be measured at the beginning, at the 30-day point to track progress and at the end. After 60 days, the Red Devil with the greatest percentage decline in body fat will be deemed overall winner. However, each individual who meets their personal goal will also be rewarded for their accomplishment.

As levels of body fat and fitness vary among squadron members, the greatest percentage drop in body fat percentage that will determine the winner. The real prize will be improved health but bragging rights will be awarded to the overall "Biggest Loser".

At the start of the challenge Jan. 10, the squadron had reached 76 percent voluntary participation. Stay tuned for the results of "The Biggest Loser: Red Devil Edition."