Ellsworth competes in Fitness Survivor

  • Published
  • By Airman Nathan Riley
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  Forty-five Airmen here were challenged by Ellsworth's version of Survivor - "Fitness Survivor" - Dec. 7 at the Bellamy Fitness Center.

Fitness Survivor was composed of 10 events, all of which were kept confidential until the event took place.

"We wanted to keep (the events) a secret so people wouldn't be able to stack their team for the challenges," said Staff Sgt. Ann Mitchell, 28th Services Squadron Fitness Programs NCO in charge. "I think people liked the surprise."

David Chick, 28th Mission Support Squadron community readiness consultant echoed her words.

"(The surprise) was perfect," he said. "(You) couldn't really prepare for it, except for mentally."

Nine teams competed in 10 events, which not only tested fitness, but also knowledge, teamwork and strategy.

The weight caterpillar, which tested strength, had Airmen standing on different sized weight plates in a line. Each member passed a weight toward the front of the line without stepping off the plates.

Senior Airman Christina Rodriguez, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Communication and Navigation mission specialist said she enjoyed the challenge.

It was fun, challenging, and took teamwork and cooperation, she said.

The frozen T-shirt contest, which tested more of the Airmen's creativity, had teams digging out frozen t-shirts from a cooler and scrambling to put them on.

Staff Sgt. Brittany Boduch, 28th MSS NCO in charge of formal training, said the challenge was difficult.

"The only way to get (the T-shirt) wearable was to beat the crap out of it," she said.
That was the popular opinion as participants beat frozen T-shirts against the gym walls to break the ice.

Events ranged from pure physical events, such as the push-up and sit-up relay, to events that tested the mind, such as the word scramble.

The event that caught many by surprise was the mystery drink race. Participants had to race to a table and drink the contents of a cup, which was not that pleasant to the nose or taste buds, then race back.

"I didn't try to taste it," said Sergeant Boduch. "I just tried to chug it."

After each round, last place teams were eliminated and winning teams sometimes received immunity for the next challenge.

"It fit right along with the television show," said 2nd Lt. Matthew Dunn, 28th SVS combat support flight commander and member of the winning team.

"Winning felt great but I was hurting for four days after (Survivor Fitness)," said Lieutenant Dunn.

Fitness Survivor wasn't a normal everyday fitness event, but the participants still enjoyed it.

"It was a huge success," said Mr. Chick. "(Survivor Fitness) was a great way to stay fit and a great way to build teamwork."

For more information about services events, call the Bellamy Fitness Center at 385-2266.