Getting out of your daily fitness routine

Servicemembers and civilians start the 5k run during "Fitness Under the Big Top", here at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. Since 1983, the month of May has been observed as National Physical Fitness Month. In keeping with that tradition, Niagara hosted a “Fitness Under the Big Top” to serve as a way to get members on the installation out of their normal routines and engage in physical fitness for part of the day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Andrew Caya)

Niagara hosts Fitness Under the Big Top

Published May 23, 2013
By Tech. Sgt. Andrew Caya
914th Airlift Wing

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- Niagara hosted a "Fitness Under the Big Top" event May 23 in keeping with National Physical Fitness Month.

This event got service members out of their work areas and allowed them to contribute to their own fitness in a different way, said Carl James, 914th Airlift Wing recreation assistant .

Participants gathered under a tent erected specifically for this event and were split into two groups. One group ran in a timed 5K race that snaked around the installation, while the other group walked on the base track for their dose of fitness.

Participants were provided refreshments at the finish line and prizes were given to the winners of the walk and the run.

Airman Connor George, 914th Maintenance Squadron, won the 5K race.

James said there was a more important reason for run that to just break from daily routines.

James stated that in today's world of downbeat characteristics such as negative stress, depression, suicide, relationship problems and dependence on drugs, working out and getting physically fit is a way to rise above the negative. "Exercise is the antidote," said James.