911 Fitness Challenge 2008

For the third year in a row, Alaskan fire fighters, police, and other first responders participated in the 911 Fitness Challenge, an annual competition to lose fat and gain muscle. The emphasis of the 911 Fitness Challenge is to increase fitness levels by losing fat while maintaining or increasing lean muscle mass. In early January, first responders created teams and set about to increase their total fitness over the following 12 weeks. Team members encouraged each other to eat right and exercise consistently, providing motivation and holding each other accountable. This team approach is a key part of the challenge. It's too easy for resolutions to be broken, for good intentions to be put aside as the details of daily life get in the way of goals. The men and women who competed in the 911 Fitness Challenge knew that their team members were counting on them, and that the entire team faced disqualification if any member lost lean mass. Further incentive came from knowing that that the winning team from each of four regions wins $5,000 and a trip to the Octagon in Las Vegas to claim their prize. Proceeds from the nominal entrance fee benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children, which provides free medical care for severely injured or sick children.

Jim Sayih started this nationwide competition 10 years ago in an effort to encourage his fellow officers to improve their fitness, health, and quality of life. It should be recognized that 911 responders face highly stressful and potentially physically challenging situations every day on the job. It is imperative for these individuals to do their jobs to the best of their abilities that they have high levels of physical fitness. The 911 Fitness Challenge encourages public responders to take responsibility for their health in a fun and motivating way. Each of us, as a member of a larger community, needs to follow the example set here and accept personal responsibility for our own health and fitness. We owe it to our children, spouses, parents, friends and family members to be the healthiest we can be and we owe it to ourselves to enjoy the highest quality of life possible. While community members support the 911 responders in their efforts to be healthy, the 911 responders likewise support the entire community in investing in their health. The healthier our community is, the better able and available public responders are to respond to other emergencies. With obesity and the associated health risks on the rise, it will continue to put a greater burden on our public responders. Everyone benefits from a fitter, healthier public response community, and everyone benefits from a fitter, healthier community.

Over the course of 12 weeks, Alaskans lost over 1,500 pounds of body fat while simultaneously gaining an amazing 800 pounds of muscle! The Frozen Chosen, from Palmer, had the highest scores in Alaska, while The Midtown Fat Dawgs, a group of firefighters from Fire Station 5, led the Anchorage Teams. Congratulations to all who participated and good luck to each of you as you continue to strive toward your personal health and fitness goals.

2008 911 Fitness Challenge, Alaska