April showers bring May fitness fun

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman C.J. Hatch
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 56th Force Support Squadron Fitness Center is currently planning a variety of fitness events to be held during May Fitness Month. 

"We are looking to have a good time and get people excited about fitness," said Kevin Bruaw, 56th FSS Fitness Center sports director. "The whole month we'll be having events for every kind of athlete." 

Fitness month begins May 1 with a scheduled Chiefs and Eagles vs. Phoenix Mercury basketball game and a half-mile marathon the following day. 

"Last year we had a great turnout for the half marathon," said Mr. Bruaw. "We hope to have the same if not better this year." 

Other events in the works include a four-hour aerobathon, 3-on-3 sand volleyball and a bowling tournament. Two of the highlighted events being planned are a powerlifting competition and the CrossFit Luke Games. 

"The CrossFit Luke Games will be arranged like the World CrossFit Games held in California," said Pernell Stony, 56th FSS Fitness Center director. The games will consist of three sets of five exercises for a duration of a minute per exercise and scored by individual judges. 

"Judges will tally the numbers and the person who performs the most exercises will be the champion," Mr. Stoney said. "We have a men's and women's category and will present awards for first, second and third-place winners in each category. It might sound easy, but it's not." 

Even with the CrossFit Luke Games being a tough competition, the fitness center is anticipating a good turnout. 

"We will be holding the games outside so everyone can come watch," Mr. Stoney said. "It would be ideal to have 16 people compete, eight men and eight women. Filling the men's category will be easy but we might not get enough women." 

A powerlifting competition will also be held during the month to name Luke's strongest. The month will end with a closing ceremony and award presentation at the fitness center. 

"We had a blast last year and plan to have an even better time this year," Mr. Bruaw said.
Registrations are being taken now for the CrossFit Luke Games. For more information on other May Fitness Month activities, call (623) 856-6241.