Buckley fitness challenge comes to an end

fitness center

Buckley Total Fitness Challenge participants toast to the finale of the 10-week challenge April 1, 2014 at the Buckley Fitness Center on Buckley AFB, Colo. The Buckley Fitness Center began the fitness challenge as a way to motivate and promote exercising to Team Buckley members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Emily E. Amyotte/Released)

fitness center

Buckley Total Fitness Challenge participants balance eggs while completing an obstacle course as part of the finale workout of the 10-week challenge April 1, 2014 at the Buckley Fitness Center on Buckley AFB, Colo. The Buckley Fitness Center began the fitness challenge as a way to motivate and promote exercising to Team Buckley members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Emily E. Amyotte/Released)

fitness center

Buckley Total Fitness Challenge participants play musical chairs as part of the finale workout of the 10-week challenge April 1, 2014 at the Buckley Fitness Center on Buckley AFB, Colo. The Buckley Fitness Center began the fitness challenge as a way to motivate and promote exercising to Team Buckley members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Emily E. Amyotte/Released)

fitness center

Buckley Total Fitness Challenge participant balances an egg on a spoon while completing a lap around the gym as part of the finale workout of the 10-week challenge April 1, 2014 at the Buckley Fitness Center on Buckley AFB, Colo. The Buckley Fitness Center began the fitness challenge as a way to motivate and promote exercising to Team Buckley members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Emily E. Amyotte/Released)

Published April 2, 2014
By Airman Emily E. Amyotte
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Participants of the Buckley Total Fitness Challenge celebrated personal accomplishments and the finale of the challenge with a party workout and prizes Jan. 21 at the Buckley Fitness Center.

The fitness center began the challenge as a way to promote exercise and motivate Team Buckley members.

Participants said the fitness challenge was a great way to get fit and meet people who had similar interests.

"We wanted to get people to be more active," said Azul Farrera, Buckley Fitness Center recreation assistant and fitness challenge leader. "We want to keep people coming in and have a community. People got to know each other and felt more comfortable about coming to the gym when they could socialize a little bit."

Along with living a healthier lifestyle, the fitness challenge participants had the additional goal of earning the most points in comparison to their competitors in their age group. Participants would earn points according to the work and effort they put out. Once a week, the fitness center sent out emails with suggested daily workouts with corresponding points that participants would track.

The names of participants who earned enough points were entered into a raffle to win prizes such as water bottles, gym backpacks or balaclavas at weekly classes.
The fitness center offered the participants classes on nutrition, fitness and the importance of variety in exercise.

"Something that I really enjoyed about it was learning that you have to change things because your body peaks," said Aiesha Morris, Buckley Fitness Challenge participant. "Azul trained us and showed us different things that we can do not only at the gym, but things we can do at home or even on vacation."

When asked if there would be another upcoming fitness challenge, Morris said, "I hope that they do! Let's get it in writing."