Airmen encourage each other for healthy lifestyles Published Nov. 15, 2012 By Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- A good mentor will give you the sound advice that you need to take care of yourself in regards to physical and mental health. If you aren't physically and mentally in shape, it makes taking care of your family members, fellow Airmen and pursuit of any personal goals difficult to accomplish. A great mentor will get out of the office or shop, challenge you to do things, do these things for themselves and practice what they preach. Senior Master Sgt. Florencio "Larry" Lopez, 22nd Air Force additional duty first sergeant, has been getting out of his office to maintain his physical fitness standards by attending a Fitness Boot Camp twice a week. His mentor, Master Sgt. Eric Jones, of the 94th Logistics Readiness Squadron, has shown up as well to challenge Lopez and other Airmen. "This is really more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle," said Lopez. "I smoked for over 20 years and when the PT test came about, I failed multiple times, thinking anyone can do that. I had to quit smoking. You can't incorporate an unhealthy way of living with the Air Force values of a healthy lifestyle." For the last several years, Lopez has been highly successful at the Air Force PT test, and spends time encouraging others to do the same - just as Jones has encouraged him. Lopez, is a triathlon competitor and recently competed in a half Ironman Competition. The half Ironman consists of a mile and a half swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run at the end. "I credit my mentor, Sgt. Jones," said Lopez. "No one can do this program by themselves. Sgt. Jones has been instrumental in getting me going. It takes mentors and instructors to help make people successful." John Mikula, Dobbins exercise physiologist, instructs the fitness class and uses the Total Body Resistance Exercise, or TRX, Suspension Training, which has roots in Navy SEAL training. "This program is here to promote people's fitness potential," said Mikula. "Whether it be to pass a physical fitness test, or to participate in events such as the Air Force Marathon or triathlons. We started this program because we saw a need to increase overall fitness. People seem to find it enjoyable, so we keep it going." The TRX apparatus, was given to the base, free of charge, while the rest of equipment needed for Mikula's program cost less than $4,000, according to Mikula. This is less than what one quality machine in a gym costs. The class is highly effective. Of the participants in the class, 99 percent pass their PT test, according to Mikula. Of the 200 plus people that participate in the program, they have an average increase in scores on their fitness test of 10-15 points. Jones and Lopez will go forward from here to push each other to compete in future Ironman competitions. They credit Mikula and his fitness program for their successes, and look to encourage other Airmen to come out and increase their fitness. Mikula offers his strength and conditioning classes for Dobbins members three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. For more information, please contact John Mikula by phone at 678-655-4363.
