Edwards reaches Team Lean Challenge mid-point Published July 17, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Julius Delos Reyes 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- "Sexy Backs" are the biggest losers. Working out at least three times a week has helped the 95th Aerospace Medical Squadron "Sexy Backs," lose the most pounds for the Edwards Team Lean Challenge's mid-point. Team Lean Challenge is a program introduced by the Air Force Materiel Command to promote wellness and weight loss through camaraderie and enjoyable activities. The program, which kicked off April 16, is now at its mid-point. "Members are enthusiastic about the program," said Master Sgt. Aggie Regidor, 95th AMDS noncommissioned officer in charge. "They not only compete with other teams, they also compete among themselves. It is a friendly competition with friendly rivalry." Though the concept of camaraderie has been greatly emphasized in this program, the 95th AMDS took a different approach. Each team members do their exercise routine on their own pace and time. Capt. Shannon Lee, 95th AMDS "Sexy Backs" member and public health flight commander, runs and performs push-ups and sit-ups every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she uses her own time to workout more. She said this workout regimen helped her lose weight. It is not always possible for the "Sexy Backs" team to workout together because they have different schedules, Captain Lee said. However, they use the "Team Comments" section on the AFMC Wellness Web site to encourage each other. "We often talk about the challenge and how we're doing throughout the week," she said. "We try to plan office meetings where healthy food choices are present." Captain Lee said the "Sexy Backs" are on top right now because of personal motivation to succeed coupled with the push from the TLC program. The 95th AMDS "Sexy Backs" have already lost 47 pounds, with an average of 9.4 pounds per person. Trailing them are 412th Test Wing "Maintainers" and 95th Mission Support Group "Pounds Away." But the 39 other teams can still grab the top spot at the final weigh-in on Sept. 28. Team Edwards, as a whole, however, is on the actual "loser's" bracket, as the base only placed eighth among the AFMC bases. Currently, the base's overall weight loss is 382.2 pounds, with an average team weight loss of 7.8 pounds and 1.7 pounds per individual. Sergeant Regidor said this is due to members not updating their weight loss. "It is important for members to log in their personal data in the AFMC wellness Web site," she said. The Health and Wellness Center offers various programs aimed at promoting weight loss. These include healthy-living workshops, body composition improvement program, healthy cooking demonstrations, label reading at the Commissary, and cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension classes. The key word here is team work, said Todd Amon, systems manager with the 95th Aerospace Medical Squadron. "We see members exercising together," Mr. Amon said. "They support and cheer for each other, especially when it comes to stepping on the scale at the HAWC." He said that everyone works together to achieve a certain goal. "The Four Dimensions of Wellness actively comes into play with this program," Sergeant Regidor said. "A combination of healthy body and a healthy mind creates a chain reaction that leads to healthier outlook and healthier lifestyle." Official weigh-ins are done only at the Health and Wellness Center weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The deadline for the mid-point weigh in is July 27.