Leading by example, Whiteman Body Building Team takes fit to fight concept to a new level

  • Published
  • By Airmen 1st Class Stephen Linch
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  It started six weeks ago with about 15 people sitting around a table eating pizza and talking about the hardships and strain that would soon come in their upcoming months of preparation; preparation that would push them further mentally and physically than any of them thought possible. 

Since then every meal eaten, repetition executed and mile ran by the Whiteman Air Force Base Body Building Team members have been done with the Sept. 27 and Oct. 25 North American National Bodybuilding Federation bodybuilding competitions in mind. 

Each team member started out with an overall fitness assessment, which measured body fat and also assessed their muscular development, said Capt. Michael Boswell, 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron and WAFB Bodybuilding coach. Using those assessments they were given a nutrition plan and work out regiment specifically for their metabolic and muscular needs that would prepare them for their upcoming bodybuilding competitions. 

Preparing for the competition has been exhilarating, exhausting and at times difficult, but always very satisfying at the end of the day, said Murica Simmering, WAFB Bodybuilding team member. 

"Regardless of why we chose to do this we've come together as a team," added Mrs. Simmering, who is competing in the figure, female bodybuilding, and couples categories at both competitions. "As a team we don't want to let each other down. "
When considering joining the WAFB Bodybuilding team she wasn't sure if she was up to the challenge. 

"If anyone had told me three years ago, I'd be on a bodybuilding team I'd have told them they were crazy," said Mrs. Simmering, the oldest member of the team. "In fact when Captain Boswell first approached me about joining the team, I told him I didn't think I could do it." 

"It doesn't matter if you're 17 or 70, you can do this," said Mrs. Simmering. "Now is the perfect time to take charge of your life. Set goals for yourself and become a healthier you." 

As the team progresses towards their competition dates their hard work starts to pay off.
"I'm really impressed by the energy that the team has as far as commitment level, said Dr. Nita Hawk, Health Promotions Element Chief and bodybuilding team assistant. "It is inspirational; here we are in the middle of a war and we have people dedicated to the fit to fight mission, people who are willing to go above and beyond and train their bodies to a level so precise it is a science." 

"This team is Whiteman's answer to the fit-to-fight mission," said Captain Boswell. "We are not producing Airmen that can pass a physical training test, but Airmen who really exemplify the fit-to-fight concept."