Win with fitness Published Nov. 12, 2010 By Col. S.L. Davis, 341st Missile Wing vice commander and CMSgt Cari Kent, 341st Missile Wing command chief 341st Missile Wing MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- We all regard fitness as important in our lives and something that can have a huge impact on our ability to effectively accomplish our mission. But let's face it, with our high operational tempo, balancing mission and family life while finding time for regular physical training can be a challenge. In an effort to help combat the challenges we face in this area, the 341st Missile Wing will conduct a Wing wide fitness challenge beginning Monday and running for two consecutive months. The challenge is for squadrons, working as a team, to do the most pushups and crunches. Each week squadrons will report their total pushups and crunches done for the week to their group. The group will then forward these numbers to Master Sgt. Dave Graf at the Health and Wellness Center. Weekly numbers for units and groups will be published in the base paper. At the end of the two month event, the unit with the greatest total number of pushups and crunches will receive a quality of life award from the 341st Missile Wing commander. The totals will be calculated on a per capita basis; for example, if the Logistics Readiness Squadron has 175 personnel who do 1,750 pushups/crunches they will be awarded 10 points, and if the Security Forces Squadron has 500 people and they do 5,000 pushups/crunches they will also be awarded 10 points. All pushups and crunches must be done by active duty personnel. Pushups and crunches done during scheduled squadron PT can be counted in your weekly totals. Squadrons are expected to have fun with the challenge and we expect some innovative ideas that will help to improve the fitness culture at Malmstrom AFB. For example, a commander may choose to do a certain number each day and then challenge their personnel to match or exceed that number. Please remember the event is designed to emphasize fitness in a positive light and give us a chance during our busy day to participate in some additional physical activity. Along with the number of push-ups and crunches, each week groups will also submit their best innovative program that helps boost fitness at the unit level and we will share the best ideas in the base paper. At the end of the challenge, we will also provide special recognition for the most innovative program. Thanks for all you do for Team Malmstrom and our important missions...let the Challenge begin.