Maintainer pedals his way to fitness

Published April 7, 2010
By Senior Airman Carl Berry
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- After receiving poor ratings on physical fitness tests in early 2008, Tech. Sgt. Allen Walden, 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron guidance and control system specialist, made physical fitness a top priority in his life and received an excellent rating on his latest physical fitness test in February.

Realizing that he wasn't getting any younger and desiring to further his Air Force career, Sergeant Walden knew that he had to make some changes in his physical fitness routine.

The change that he made in this area of his life was to make bicycling a part of his life.

"In the past, I viewed biking more as a leisure activity, but in 2008 biking became more than a leisure activity, it became a daily part of my fitness regimen," said Sergeant Walden.

Biking certainly did become a part of his life, in 2008 the sergeant cycled 3,000 miles and in 2009 he accumulated 4,000 miles, and has set a goal of cycling 5,000 miles in 2010.

He also purchased a stationary trainer in January allowing him to keep his mileage up through the winter months when inclement weather doesn't allow him to ride outdoors.

After cycling more than 7,000 miles in two years the sergeant has been able to improve his 2008 low fitness score of 53.75, by nearly 69% to 90.6.

"I knew that if I made a concerted effort to exercise every day that meeting the Air Force Fit-to-Fight standard would ultimately take care of itself, but quite frankly I was surprised when I scored a 90.60 on my latest physical fitness test in February," said Sergeant Walden.

"While meeting the Fit-to-Fight requirements became a top priority, my primary focus and effort was reaching the goals that I set for myself and the Fit-to-Fight requirements through cycling," he added.

Although, it was the sergeant who peddled his bicycle, he shared that he would not have been able to meet his goals without the support of his supervisors.

"My supervision [at Grissom] was and continues to be very supportive," said Sergeant Walden. "They have been very helpful and understanding, looking at me as an individual member, having worked with me in a manner that not only has helped me reach my own personal fitness goals but also the Air Force Fit-to-Fight standards."

The sergeant's supervisors considered their support as one that is both and obligation and a privilege.

"Encouragement is the job of every supervisor, it is important to provide tools to our members to be successful and then get out of the way and let them achieve their goals," said Senior Master Sgt. Richard Scully, 434th AMXS specialist flight chief.

Senior Master Sgt. Rodney Gunter, 434th AMXS specialist flight chief, shared "All that know Allen have seen this amazing transformation and have been nothing less than inspired by him."

Not only has his physical fitness improved, but by keeping a consistent exercise routine he has found that he has a lot less stress in his life.

"Biking has provided a two-part benefit for me, one part is improved health / fitness, and the other part is reduction in work-related stress," said Sergeant Walden. "I currently commute by bike to my civilian employment 2 - 3 days / week when the weather allows and have found that cycling helps release much of the stress I experience at work on a daily basis."

The sergeant has also been able to combine community service with his love for cycling, by participating in various charity bike events such as the Hope Ride, in which the majority of the proceeds for the event went to the local food bank.

"Bicycling just happens to have been the means I chose to meet my own personal physical fitness goals, but there are many other activities an individual can participate in to achieve their own goals," said the sergeant.

"My advice to anyone seeking to improve their physical fitness is to first consider an activity they truly enjoy, set realistic goals and keep a personal log to document their progress," said Sergeant Walden.

"Once they find the physical activity they enjoy most and works best for them, work at it to become the best you can be, then meeting the Air Force Fit-to-Fight standards will take care of themselves," he concluded.

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Public Affairs Staff