Physical Fitness...A Way of Life...not just a New Year's Resolution

  • Published
  • By Col Joseph M. Mastriana
  • 421st ABG Commander
Now that the Holidays are behind us, you've probably thought to yourself, "I really need to get over to the gym to take off those extra pounds from all that uncontrolled holiday consumption."
Maybe, your New Year's resolution was to start up a new physical fitness routine. According to Wikipedia, a New Year's Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous.
However, recent research has demonstrated that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their stated goals--not very good odds when dealing with such a vitally important part of our lives.
So then what is the meaning of physical fitness? Physical fitness is defined as the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and muscles to function optimally. Furthermore, it enhances the body's ability to function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure activities, to be healthy, to resist diseases, and to meet emergency situations. I submit to you that a structured fitness program is far too critical to rely on a hastily crafted New Year's Resolution that will certainly fade quickly over time.
To get the maximum benefit, personal fitness needs to become an essential part of the daily routine, not just a fleeting effort brought on by peer pressure or annual ritual. Contrary to popular belief, personal fitness is much more than just intense physical exercise to the point of exhaustion. It involves a delicate balance between exercise (aerobic, strength and flexibility) and calorie intake with plenty of rest and relaxation. You don't have to be in the military to take advantage of a fitness routine...everyone will benefit by taking personal stock of one's health and well-being.
There are many fitness programs available through the Menwith Hill Fitness Center as well as healthy living classes on a recurring basis. I encourage you to check out the Services to You publication to get the latest schedules and availability. If you are at all like me or most people, you will be ultra-enthusiastic at the beginning and struggle to maintain focus and consistency as time moves on. I would now like to introduce you to a new method in which I have been able to maintain that required focus and dedication to make fitness a part of my every day life.
After years of on-again, off-again inconsistent exercise programs, I began my recent physical fitness journey almost two years ago when I first heard of the President's Fitness Challenge. By tracking and logging results daily on the easy-to-use web site, http://www.presidentschallenge.org/index.aspx one can build points toward various level awards. Much like Olympic competition, there are bronze, silver and gold level awards and for the fitness fanatics out there...the platinum level award awaits. This challenge, however gives credit for fun recreational activities as well as intense physical fitness sessions. Points are calculated automatically based on the type of activity, the time, and the level of effort. There's a simple sign-in process to get started and there is even a Menwith Hill Group established where you can track your progress compared to other members of the Group. Right now, I am the only member of the Menwith Hill group and it is very lonely in a group all by yourself. Technically, it's not a group until at least three people have joined--so please help me to help you get physically fit. Please enter the President's Fitness Challenge today by joining the Menwith Hill Group. What do you have to lose but a few pounds--no not Sterling--I'm talking about extra weight.