Barksdale celebrates National Fitness Month Published May 6, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Samuel O'Brien 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- May is National Fitness Month, and the fitness center on Barksdale is going all out to give its patrons the best the experience possible. The fitness center will host a series of special events throughout the month designed to not only promote physical fitness, but also to do it in a way that makes working out enjoyable. Although participants can still enjoy regular events such as Maxed-Out Fridays, aerobics classes, Zumba, and the monthly fun run, sport events will be emphasized as well. "We hope to motivate and challenge people into participation of new and different fitness activities," said Tech. Sgt. Tommy LaBarron, 2nd Force Support Squadron NCO in-charge of programs and sports. For Airmen who are interested in sports, fitness center personnel will also host events such as a three-point shooting contest, home run derby, dodge ball, soccer and an obstacle course. May 25 will be the official "Sports Day" featuring many of the month's same events in one day. Additional sports day events include the Spartan Challenge, a tug of war and a flag football tournament. "Fitness can be fun. It doesn't always have to be about the physical training test," said Michael Kaplan, fitness and sports director. "Getting out and participating in sports as well as fitness will definitely assist you with whatever opportunities you have when it comes time to actually take that PT test." Col. Tim Fay, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, will present sports day trophies to the top three squadrons. Airmen and their families will later be treated to a free lunch from a local steakhouse. Prizes will be given away and special events will occur throughout the month. For more information, stop by the fitness center for pamphlets and sign-up sheets for all of the events.