Exercise physiologist holds fit-camp Published Sept. 15, 2011 By Senior Airman Danielle Purnell 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, GA -- Eleven Airmen raced the clock after being challenged to run two laps in three to five minutes. Their faces grimaced as they paced down the final stretch. The breeze of the upcoming fall lightly pushed them forward. Their sun appeared like a spotlight, following the group as it set in its place. "4:41, 4:45, 4:51," John Mikula, the 94th Airlift Wing exercise physiologist and fitness assessment cell coordinator called out as the final fit-camp members finished the run. Participants could barely hear Mikula because their hearts seemed to beat outside of their chests while they worked to catch their breath. The wind carried his voice through the atmosphere. "Excellent job -- grab a drink of water and we'll head toward the gauntlet," he said to the fit-camp participants who were weary of what was in store for them. He pointed to the same turf the group had done warm-up exercises on just a few minutes earlier. The turf was set-up like an obstacle course. Twelve circuit exercises were set up for endurance and strength training including a push-up and sit-up section as well as a set of ten pound weights. "You will get a chance to try most of these," said Mikula. "For now, you will choose four." Each fit-camp member got in place in front of one of the challenges. One person started at the soccer ball dribble, another started at the balance exercise. Some of the participants laughed together after they began because they were surprised at how challenging the exercises were. Mikula's whistle blew, indicating 60 seconds had passed and that it was time to rotate. Lt. Col. David Rodberg, member of the 94th AW Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron transitioned from a tire-lift exercise where he lifted the weight over his head, which depended on muscles from his legs to a weight training exercise using bands. "This really makes a difference," Colonel Rodberg said "Fitness is where the Air Force's emphasis is right now and because of this training I feel I am continuously 'Fit to Fight'." As the four minutes expired, the group took another water break. "You all did so well that I have a reward for you," Mikula said as he started his stop watch and readied the group for a quarter-mile run, which would be followed by two more minutes of circuit exercises. Some fit-camp members held their waists while others rested their hands over their heads. Many lined up at the water fountain or gathered around their personal water bottles. "Right now you would be about half-way through with Fit to Fight," he said. "You are making deposits into your fitness account and you never know when you will need to make a future withdrawal like during Fit to Fight or during a deployment." The group ran a final quarter mile at interval speeds and returned to the turf for the last set of circuits. "I'm going to push you," said Mikula. "But the most rewarding feeling is to watch fit-camp members cross the finish line during Fit to Fight and to hear them say they scored exceedingly high." When John Mikula came to Dobbins Air Reserve Base earlier this year he stated he would be committed to training smart, training frequently, training with intensity and training with a purpose. Conducting fit-camps twice a week was a tangible part of that commitment. Fit-camps are conducted every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. and every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. Fitness assessments are also conducted every weekday at 8:00 a.m. with the exception of Wednesdays when the assessment is conducted at 10:00 a.m.
