'Survival of the fittest:' Knight's Brigade Soldiers compete for functional fitness crown

Story by Warrant Officer Richard Vandeway

16th Sustainment Brigade

BAUMHOLDER, Germany - Teams of exercise enthusiasts drawn from across the Baumholder and Kaiserslautern military communities squared off to determine the "fittest" of the "Pfalz" during a functional fitness competition held Oct. 24 at the Mountaineer Fitness Center at Smith Barracks Oct. 24.

Participants consisted mainly of Soldiers and family members from the 21st Theater Sustainment Command. Troops from the TSC's 16th Sustainment Brigade played a particularly dynamic role in an event conducted on their home gym. Teams composed of three men and three women from each base community performed various lifts in the morning and a team workout at noon. Soldiers and non-military personnel in the community participated.

The lifts started at 9 a.m., with a male and female from each team performing the deadlift, while a different pair executed the back squat and the third pair implemented the bench press.

"It was great to see the athletes do the lifts but even better to see them get behind each other," said Ja'non Hilton, a Mountaineer Fitness Center staff member. "They were so motivated; it made me want to join in!"

The popularity of "functional fitness" training has increased over the last couple of years. Enthusiasts believe the high-intensity workouts result in fast weight loss and strength gains.

Functional fitness consists of a combination of cardiovascular as well as strength conditioning. It appeals to many military members not only because of perceived strong results but because it takes less time than other workout programs.

As the popularity of functional fitness grows, competitions such as the one held in October are increasingly popular - especially in military communities. Organizers say they're careful to promote sportsmanship even though fitness events can be very competitive.

Intense effort and training lifted the Kaiserslautern team to a 295 to 265-pound triumph over Baumholder in the women's deadlift competition. The men's competition was even closer, with the teams tying at a 460-pound lift.

"I was really impressed by what they could do," said Kim Kennedy, one of the spectators. "They worked really hard and were fun to watch."

Baumholder defeated a game Kaiserslautern squad 475 to 385 pounds in the "back squat" portion of the competition. The women also pushed their limits, with Baumholder winning 230 to 165 pounds. Baumholder eclipsed Kaiserslautern in the final lift among men, winning 315 to 225 pounds.

Teams of one male and one female competitor had to complete 1,500 meters of rowing, 50 repetitions of a "knee to elbow" exercise on a pull-up bar, a 50-meter "tire flip," 50 "box jumps," 50 "kettle bell swings," and 100 meters of "overhead walking lunges" during a dynamic afternoon session. The event continued until all six participants finished. As the competitors neared exhaustion, the crowd grew louder, cheering on their efforts.

"When you come to that moment when you feel like quitting, remember why you started and why you're doing this in the first place," said Tabitha Lomo, a Baumholder competitor. "You've decided what you want commit to it and you will succeed."

In the end, Baumholder beat the Kaiserslautern team and captured the event trophy.

Organizers and participants seemed happy with the results of the weighty competition.

"I think the competition went great," said Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Mitchell, the coach for the Kaiserslautern team. "The competitors displayed heart, effort and teamwork throughout contest. There is room to expand. We have a lot of athletes that love to do this stuff."

"We had a great crowd and I'm looking forward to doing more of these competitions in the near future," added Danny Smith, the fitness facility manager.