May Fitness Month a hit Published June 22, 2010 By Senior Airman Ricardo Rivera 6th Force Support Squadron Fitness Center MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- May has passed and with more than 500 participants, May Fitness Month was a success! Kicking off the month with our walking and running incentive, more than 50 people tracked their steps for a full 31 days. Fitness assessment classes were offered every Monday throughout the month teaching participants how to determine and improve current fitness levels. Our popular 5K run, sponsored by Stadium Toyota, was the most popular event with more than 300 runners. Our first Fitness Expo hosted by the Airmen and Family Readiness Center was also a hit. More than 20 military spouses accepted the challenge of becoming more fit and learning more about fitness. The Short Fitness Centerstarted the event with a warm up Step class that got everybody "pumped up" and ready to begin their day. This was followed by an opportunity to learn about several different areas of fitness that included TRX, speed training, core, nutrition, and much more. We ended the expo with a Cool-Down/Yoga class that our military spouses really enjoyed. The A&FRC provided complimentary gifts for all spouses. We also sponsored a Cardio Challenge that consisted of 20 minute sessions on the elliptical, treadmill, and spinning bike. Several individuals participated and all got a great workout! Again this year we hosted Dodgeball and Sand Volleyball tournaments. The "LTS" hold the crown for Dodgeball and the "MDSS Log Dogs" reined in Sand Volleyball. Finally, we offered several activities during the month that were sponsored by a variety of outside agencies. We had Free Massage Therapy provided by certified therapists Tech. Sgt Wesley Williams from the 6th Force Support Squadron and Staff Sgt Kenny Marrero from the 6th Communication Squadron. Better Bodies by OJ demonstrated Zumba which quickly became a popular event for everybody. With all the enthusiasm we added a demonstration that combined Spin, Pilates, Yoga and Zumba. The Health and Wellness Center presented a Healthy Eating Family forum focusing on healthy cooking. The Fitness Center staff gave it their all to present a program that would motivate and benefit all military, civilians, Department of Defense employees and their families. We hope that everybody who participated left with more knowledge about fitness and tips for living a longer, healthier life. We close this year's May Fitness Month with a quote from Edward Stanley: "Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness."