Wing accepts challenge to get lean together Published July 17, 2006 By James Baker 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- In the Air Force, when you hear the word lean, one might think of the methodology used to streamline processes and improve current work flows. For team members of 554th Electronic Systems Wing - Wright-Patterson, or ELSW-WP, lean goes beyond value stream mapping and work flow diagrams; it also relates to physical fitness and personal weight loss. ELSW-WP kicked off the summer with a weight loss challenge competition led by Capt. Juan Martinez, junior work-force president, and Nicole Hamlin, vice president. The competition lasted five weeks and had a weekly weigh-in every Friday morning. The event was open to all members assigned to ELSW-WP. Teams of four were encouraged, but single players were also accommodated. “The competition timing could not be better with summer just starting, said Ms. Hamlin. “Everyone couldn’t wait to accept the challenge.” She said 14 teams accepted the mission, which included 57 military, government and contractor members. Weight loss was not the only issue on competitor’s plates; education and awareness coupled workouts. Teams were required to follow pre-established organizational exercise rules, but all were encouraged to attend an hour long weekly class. The lecture consisted of nutrition awareness, hypertension training, cardiac risk, workout safety and an exercise panel discussion led by ELSW-WP’s very own certified personal trainer, Captain Martinez, and Jeanette Robinson, a national wellness research speaker who has presented for the President’s Council on Exercise in 2005. “The people were really motivated for the challenge, and it exceeded my expectations in every way,” said Captain Martinez. “My goal was to educate them in a manner that would change their attitude toward physical fitness for life.” The teams were provided expertise to stay on track to eliminate “fad” diet competitions, and they were able to focus on true behavioral changes and lifestyle changes for life. The health and wellness center along with the civilian promotion services office also played a part in educating the challengers in health-related issues, ranging from stress management to blood screenings for the government civilians. The winning teams lost 52.5 pounds and 5.62 percent of their body weight respectively. ELSW-WP recorded a combined weight loss of 327 pounds. According to Men’s Health Magazine, that is approximately the equivalent weight of Shaquille O’Neal, the 7-foot-1-inch center for the Miami Heat. Captain Martinez said he had one message to send to everyone who participated in the weight loss challenge: “Great job, losers!”