Liberty Wing reservists get results with CrossFit

  • Published
  • By Capt. Shirley Whitney
  • 709th Airlift Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  About 20 Liberty Wing Airmen recently embraced a program called CrossFit, which resulted in improving their physical fitness assessment results. 

CrossFit is the creation of former gymnast Greg Glassma, and the prescription of this exercise regime calls for three things: constant variation, high intensity and functional movements such as pushing, pulling, squatting, lifting or running. 

George Dobbins, owner of CrossFit Dover, trained about 20 Liberty Wing Airmen for three months this summer. He trained the Airmen on proper technique, cardiovascular endurance, stamina and strength training. 

Master Sgt. Jeremy Lee, 709th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, said he decided to try this new exercise program to enhance his current fitness and was interested in trying a different workout option. 

Many of the training sessions utilized teams and took place both inside and outside. During this time, Sergeant Lee and his Reserve counterparts were introduced to new equipment and exercises such as the Kettlebell Swing, Sumo Deadlift High Pull and Burpees. 

Training sessions varied, so the workout of the day was rarely repeated. And, while individuals competed primarily against themselves, there was always some friendly competition, said Sergeant Lee. 

Following the three months, of training several of the reservists completed their annual fitness test, and results were evident. 

"After completing the three-month program, I took my annual physical fitness assessment and shaved 1 minute and 18 seconds off my mile-and-half-run time," said Sergeant Lee. "The biggest change I've noticed is I have an increased level of energy throughout the day. In fact, the change has been so significant I've continued training with CrossFit at least three to four times a week." 

Although not new to the exercise program, Master Sgt. Charles Thomson, 46th Aerial Port Squadron, started training in September 2008 and said it's made a huge difference in improving his fitness score. 

"I was able to successfully pass the Air Force fitness test before, but the part of the test that caused the most problem was the run," he said. "However, in just two months of Crossfitting I improved my run, and I was able to cut approximately two minutes off my run time. I was taught a different running style that improved my form and reduced the discomfort of running." 

Master Sgt. Phillip Vickery, 326th AS loadmaster, said CrossFit has changed his life. He has been doing the exercise program for more than two years and received instructor certifications more than a year ago. He also assisted in training the Airmen undergoing the three-month program. 

"Since joining CrossFit, I have lost 40 pounds and improved my physical fitness assessment score from a 77 to a 90," said Sergeant Vickery. "I'm in the best shape of my whole life right now, and CrossFit has now become a family affair." 

His wife Heather just received her instructor certification in August and is working on the creation of a children's workout program. 

" In fact, our lives have changed so much, it's no longer a question of how do we work our CrossFit time into our lives, but how do we fit everything else into our daily schedule," said Sergeant Vickery. 

CrossFit is not unique to Dover Air Force Base. Several stateside bases such as Travis AFB, Andrews AFB, Bolling AFB, Schriever AFB, and Luke AFB have fully staffed CrossFit Centers that challenge Airmen in high intensity settings. 

For more information, visit www.CrossFit-Dover.com.