Communications squadron holds body challenge Published May 14, 2010 By 1st Lt. Ashley Hardt 21st Communications Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 21st Communications Squadron kicks off its body challenge June 1. Modeled after the television show "The Biggest Loser," the program will be tailored to a whole different set of goals, rather than just losing weight. "This program is about making tiny baby steps towards a more complete healthy lifestyle," said Sharon Cantwell, 21st Space Wing publications manager. "It will have components on building muscle (for those that are looking to gain weight), good nutrition, and getting out there to get exercise and working toward being physically fit." According to a 21st Communications Squadron body challenge representative, weekly incentive points can be earned by doing things like cooking a healthy recipe, trying out a type of exercise you have never done before, cutting out all caffeine, and participating in a local 5K. "Every week, we will be giving out weekly prizes to individuals and teams throughout this 10-week program," Ms. Cantwell. "Whole Foods has agreed to sponsor this event and they are excited to run the program in conjunction with us. This means they will donate prizes, conduct the initial weigh-in, pictures, and schedule doctors to come speak and advertise the program at their store on Powers Boulevard. Our base dietician, Julie Anderson, has also agreed to give our body challenge participants a lecture on how healthy eating can affect stress levels," she said. Even with all the prizes and support offered, only a fraction of the communications squadron's active duty, civilian or dependants have accepted the challenge. "So far we have about 45 people signed up for the Body Challenge event, and we hope to see many more get signed up before the June 1 start date," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Ihnken, non-commissioned officer in-charge of 21st CS voice network systems. "We will be utilizing the "Bod Pod" at Schriever in order to obtain the most accurate initial body fat calculations. Some prizes that we already have secured include: six free rounds of golf at Silver Spruce Golf Course, two free massages, free full car detailing, $100 grocery gift certificate, free personal training sessions, parking spot for a week, five free drinks at the PAFB fitness center smoothie bar, pedometers and water bottles, and more." The 21st CS hopes that prizes won't be the only draw. "The team-based competition part of the program is aimed at fostering teamwork, esprit de corps, and pride within the unit by being a part of something that reaches out to just about everyone within the unit in one way or another," said Sergeant Ihnken. "The program re-enforces the "Fit to Fight" mentality that has become the flagship slogan of deployment offices, commanders, and deployers everywhere. This ensures that the Airmen are both physically and mentally capable of doing the job they are designed to do downrange." For more information on joining the body challenge, 21st CS active duty Airmen, civilians and dependants can call 556- 4173.