Combat cowpokes focus on fitness

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Though each of the Rodeo competitors used different training regimens in preparation for Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007, all are looking for the same result -- taking home a giant trophy. 

Saturday's Fit-to-Fight competition will be one of the first opportunities the teams will have to show off the time and effort they put into training. 

Armed with the goal of looking like gladiators from the movie "300," the 62nd Maintenance Group's Rodeo team captains put together a two-and-a-half month spread sheet detailing each workout day, said 1st Lt. John Barry, officer in charge of the 62nd MXG Rodeo team. 

The 62nd MXG team started working out six days a week in May. The strict schedule consisted of a cardio workout, two days in the gym focusing on the upper body and three days of circuit training. 

"The idea [of training together] was to make the training a team building experience in addition to getting in shape," he said. "So at least if we were all suffering through a  tough workout, we were all doing it together." 

In contrast, the 62nd Security Forces Squadron Rodeo team, ran in 35-pound battle gear and hit the pool to spice up its workout. 

"Swimming changes things up a bit, builds cardio and is a bit easier on the body," said Master Sgt. David Newhardt, a fourtime Rodeo veteran who served as the team's fitness coach. 

A combination of underwater sprints teamed with push-up sessions out of the pool helped the team build solid breathing techniques and endurance, Sergeant Newhardt said. 

The 62nd Aerial Port Squadron's Rodeo team pushed Humvees and lugged around 50 to 75-pound four -by-four logs made of composite plastic to get in shape and emphasize teamwork while mixing in weight lifting, interval training and attending spin classes, said Tech. Sgt. Scott Winchell, 62nd APS. 

While most of the 62nd AW's teams spent numerous hours in the gym preparing for the physical challenges each of their respective competitions pose, the 62nd Operations Group's Rodeo team -- three pilots and two loadmasters -- honed their skills and others in their overseas deploymentsand local training, said Maj. Tony Carr, 62nd Airlift Wing Rodeo team commander. 

That experience and teamwork will help the team excel in Rodeo flying events such as low-level navigation, airdrop, engine running on-load, short-field and aerial refueling, he
said.