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The quiet of the 723rd Air Mobility Squadron gym is interrupted with the sounds of hardcore rock music. Staff Sgt. Adam Keep prepares for his workout, but this is not an average person’s workout. The maximum weight that he lifts this day is 675 pounds without a belt. This is a normal day for Sergeant Keep, who has been competing in Strongman competitions since 2004.
***image1***While many Airmen are juggling their everyday tasks, Sergeant Keep is lifting trucks and objects that weigh more than people can comprehend. But the constant struggle of keeping up with his Air Force career and Strongman competitions has been easier for him because of the support from his squadron.
“The 723rd is really supportive. They take good care of me and help me with everything that I need,” he said.
“He does a great job balancing both his Air Force career and his Strongman career,” said Master Sgt. Bryant Merafuentes, 723rd AMS Maintenance C- Flight section chief. “He completed his seven-level upgrade in nine months, which is a 12-month standard. He is also cross utilized as a C-5/C-17 crew chief.
“We as a flight look forward to listening to his stories about his competition and how well he performed. He is a motivator and definitely someone to look up to. Also, he gives great advice on physical training.”
Sergeant Keep not only balances Air Force life with civilian life, but he maintains a constant presence in the Strongman competitions. He has been competing for four years and won his pro card in the 105K class just one year after he started Strongman competitions.
According to Sergeant Keep, he gets the strength and power from his mom, who also competed in bodybuilding competitions.
“I’ll be competing as long as my body will let me, and as long as it’s fun – I’ll keep doing it,” said Sergeant Keep, a Washington native. He will travel to his next competition in Iceland, followed by contests in Hungary and Croatia.
