News

Tired of being one of the 'walking dead,' employee takes steps toward fitness

  • Published
  • By Holly Logan-Arrington
  • Robins Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Some things happen at the perfect time. And such was the case for Bob Fiske, an F-15 Avionics Division F-15 first article manager here.

The 409th Supply Chain Management Squadron employee participated in the Health and Wellness Center's 10,000 Steps A Day Walk Challenge from April 2 through May 31.

He said he recently began his weight loss journey, and the challenge just provided him with another tool to use toward success.

"The challenge was perfectly timed," he said. "I had to do something because my blood work and blood pressure identified me as one of the 'walking dead.'"

Fiske decided he would average at least 10,000 steps a day and beat the challenge. But he had no idea just how challenging that would be.

Having a desk job presented an obstacle Fiske had to be creative to overcome.

To accomplish his goal, Fiske began walking to meetings when he could.

He also walked two laps around Bldgs. 300 and 301 both before work and at lunch.

He stepped that up by taking a 12-minute mid-morning break to walk around Bldg. 300.

Fiske took the challenge as a personal goal and managed to rack up his steps without taking fitness leave during his work day.

By the challenge's end, Fiske lost 9 pounds and brought his at-rest blood pressure reading from 155/96 to around 138/91.

Fiske said his efforts to move more and weigh less will continue. He also challenges others to progress toward becoming healthier too.

"You'll feel so much better," he said. "My results gave me what I needed to continue the 10,000 step daily objective."

Challenge yields results, prompts future activities

More than 300 people joined Bob Fiske in the HAWC's 10,000 Steps A Day walk challenge from April 2 through May 31.

Their goal? To get moving and get healthy.

April 2 was National Start Walking Day, a fitting time to kick off the 60-day challenge intended to encourage people to walk more, said Stuart Bapties, 78th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Health Promotions Flight commander.

A few of participants produced results that stood out above the rest.

The top performers included:

Top Female Participants: Donna Phillips, Robin Hamsley and Jodi Meagley.

Top Male Participants: Jay Breyer, Robert Fiske and Jeffery Jennings.

One child, Jasmine Cyrulinski, also participated.

The top performers will receive certificates and medals at the Integrated Delivery System meeting July 18.

The average weight loss during the challenge was 4.5 pounds, with 11 pounds being the most.
The average miles logged was 56 with a high of 99.

"As you would expect, Jay Breyer - who logged 99 miles - is the person who lost the most weight," he said.

"The initial turn-out was very good, and we had a lot of requests to do more of these events," Bapties said. "Walking is one of the easiest exercises for most people to do, and it's relatively cheap while showing great results."

"Take Mr. Breyer for instance, how many of us wouldn't like to lose 11 pounds every 60 days just by increasing our steps?" Bapties added.
 
Other Challenges on the Horizon

For those who missed the challenge or want to continue on the good progress they've achieved, the HAWC has several upcoming events.

The 70-Day Biggest Loser Competition is a collaboration between the HAWC and the 78th Force Support Squadron which will kick off in August and run through much of October.
October's Triple Ribbon Month of Activities will include a 5K Run/ Walk and Health Fair on Oct. 17.

In November there will be another Air Force Materiel Command-sponsored Pedometer Challenge which will last through December.

"For 2015, we anticipate rolling out our Walk Club using the AFMC Wellness Site to create our very own 24/7 Walk/Run Club," Bapties said.