May is fitness month

May is fitness month in the KMC, and local fitness centers are hosting events to help people stay fit.

Fitness has been emphasized in the military since day one. Taking a journey into the history of fitness month, President Ronald Reagan recognized the importance of physical activity as part of daily life. In 1983 he proclaimed that May would be the month of observance. That is why the fitness centers in the KMC are doing their part by staging appropriate events.

“The importance of hosting these events stresses fitness as a lifestyle, and fitness in the military,” said Shawn Skrip, 431st Services Squadron fitness director at Sembach Fitness Center. The Sembach center holds a unit PT challenge May 11, a 5K and 1.5 mile run May 18, a 10-mile ‘Tour de France’ bike race May 21 and a day-long Sembach Crunch Challenge May 24.
“All ID cardholders are eligible,” said Staff Sgt. Aundrea Grant, 431st SVS fitness specialist at Sembach.

The Ramstein northside and southside fitness centers, which already have 35 ongoing aerobics classes, host a bench press competition May 7, a racquetball tournament May 14 and a wing run May 20.

“We consider every month fitness month, but recognizing May just adds variety,” said Staff Sgt. Dawn Erdmann, 435th SVS fitness specialist.
For avid fans of soccer and dodge ball, the Vogelweh Fitness Center sponsors the Department of Defense Dependants Schools European Soccer Championship, to be held at the Kapaun Field. Local Girl Scouts also hold a dodge ball tournament as their fund-raiser. Participation is open to all ID cardholders who sign up at the respective fitness centers.

For more details on fitness month and events, contact Ramstein Northside Fitness Center at 480-7661, Ramstein Southside Fitness Center at 480-5491, Vogelweh Fitness Center at 489-7329 or Sembach Fitness Center at 496-7140.