Nellis soars into shape for the new year Published Jan. 4, 2011 By Senior Airman Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Nellis Health and Wellness Center is set to begin its second annual Soar into Shape Wellness Competition 7 Jan. Soar into Shape is a 12-week competition designed to encourage and to motivate Airmen to exercise, lose weight and promote healthy living habits in a friendly competitive atmosphere. "The Soar into Shape competition is a kick-start for our Airmen to keep their New Year's resolutions of staying in shape," said Laura Weart, HAWC director and Soar into Shape coordinator. "Hopefully, the information and healthy living habits they develop during this competition will become part of their everyday living habits." Recently the Air Force instructed installation wellness centers to find fun and innovative ways to get Airmen into shape in order to prepare for tougher physical training standards. "The HAWC staff, under the orders of headquarters, got together two years ago and decided the best way to motivate people is to make getting in shape a competition," said Mrs. Weart. "Many individuals try to lose weight by enduring unhealthy diets and unsafe fitness habits. We are offering a competition where people can push themselves and can learn ways to safely and quickly get into shape." Airmen are able to participate in the competition in two categories: squadron teams or as individuals. Both are designed to push participating members to excel in physical fitness. "We designed this competition to appeal not just to the larger squadrons, but also to the individual just seeking a healthier living standard," Mrs. Weart said. During the competition, Airmen will receive points for fulfilling certain fitness accomplishments such as running certain distances, winning the various fitness challenges, and attending health-related activities like cooking classes with Le Cordon Bleu, nutrients programs and energy drink awareness classes. Points also will be awarded for correctly answering the daily trivia questions posted on the HAWC facebook page. The Soar into Shape Competition lasts until March. At the end of the competition, the individuals and teams with the highest number of points will receive prizes. Last year's prizes included shirts and workout equipment. For more information on how to join the Soar into Shape Wellness Competition call the HAWC at 702-653-3375.
