JBLM Soldier brings new meaning to fitness

By Sgt. Deja BordenNovember 18, 2014

Nothing gets in the way of fitness
1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Erin L. Mckee and Sgt. 1st Class Christopher W. Sizemore, 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, perform physical training during a field training exercise in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Nov. 11. Sizemore took it upon himself to bring his ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Nothing gets in the way of fitness
2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Christopher W. Sizemore drags a tire across a field as part of his workout during a field training exercise in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Nov. 11. Sizemore took it upon himself to bring his very own workout equipment to the field... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Nothing gets in the way of fitness
3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Christopher W. Sizemore does squats while wearing heavy chain as part of his workout during a field training exercise in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Nov. 11. Sizemore took it upon himself to bring his very own workout equipment to... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Gym time jokes
4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Erin L. McKee (front) mentally prepares for a grueling workout by mocking Sgt. 1st Class Christopher W. Sizemore (rear), 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, during a field training exercise in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Nov. 11. Sizemore took... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Nothing gets in the way of fitness
5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Erin L. McKee (front) and Sgt. 1st Class Christopher W. Sizemore (rear), 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, perform physical training during a field training exercise in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Nov. 11. Sizemore took it upon himsel... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Nothing gets in the way of fitness
6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Christopher W. Sizemore, infantryman, 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, performs tire flips as part of his workout routine during a field training exercise in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Nov. 11. Sizemore took it upon himsel... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Dragging tires across a field, heavy chains draped over fatigued shoulders and old-fashioned pushups are considered normal activities in physical training, but to do this while in a field training exercise is not so average.

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher W. Sizemore, an infantryman with the 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, refused to let being in an isolated training area during the field exercise, Operation Gryphon Longsword, stop him from conducting physical fitness.

"I've got to do something to stay in shape," said Sizemore, a native of Novinger, Missouri. "It's our job as Soldiers to do PT."

The field exercise was intended to certify the 201st BSFB as an Army Contingency Force capable of providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support across a wide spectrum of operations. Sizemore used the training as an opportunity to enhance his Soldier mentality and his physical health at the same time.

Kettlebells, barbells, tires, chains, and more lay scattered across the ground at the training area on JBLM. The makeshift gym was exposed to heavy rains, wind and extreme cold that western Washington is known for in November. The severe weather conditions weren't enough to keep Sizemore and other fitness lovers away.

"It's great to get a workout in while training," said Capt. Katherine R. Banning, a paralegal with the 201st BFSB.

Banning was just one of the many Soldiers who utilized the equipment brought in by Sizemore. She was so intrigued by his idea she contributed with some of her own fitness equipment. She along with her group of staff officers and subordinates attempted to use the gym every other day, while working in the field.

Sizemore considers physical fitness to be an important part of his life and career. Throughout his 16 years of service in the Army, he keeps active and always makes time for a workout. He served as a drill sergeant in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in 2011 and currently works as the Army weight control physical training instructor.

He believes staying in shape is critical for all military personnel and being in the field is not a good enough reason to avoid doing PT.

He and his unit were in the field for approximately two weeks, but he still found it important to conduct a daily workout. He and Sgt. Erin L. McKee, a medic with the 201st BFSB, did their workouts together. McKee, referred to as "Steve" by Sizemore, took on grueling workout routines created by Sizemore throughout the field training.

"Some people use training as an excuse not to workout," Sizemore admitted.

He acknowledged that he witnessed individuals not taking PT as seriously as they should throughout his career.

He said that finding the time to add a workout into his busy schedule is a challenge, but it's something that he manages.

On top of conducting PT every morning with his unit, Sizemore makes it a priority to get to the gym at least five times a week, when not conducting field operations.

Banning found inspiration in Sizemore's dedication not only to staying physically fit, but to also help his fellow Soldiers.

"He's taken a personal interest in facilitating the brigade's ability to maintain its [physical training] standards and helping all Soldiers with fitness," Banning said. "His efforts here are small in comparison to what his does in garrison."

Banning feels the motivation and dedication Sizemore possesses encourages Soldiers like herself and McKee to work and train hard. She believes Sizemore is a great noncommissioned officer that goes above and beyond the standard to help better Soldiers.

When he isn't at work, Sizemore said he could be found going for rides on his motorcycle or spending quality time with his children.

More often than not, he is in the gym keeping in top shape for any mission he may be called on to do.

Physical fitness is more than just a body type or a number on a scale. It takes dedication and lots of effort to stay in good health, and according to fellow Soldiers like Banning, Sizemore possesses all the right qualities.