Spang Airmen lift to new heights, weigh-in on fitness routine

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eydie Sakura
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  The clanking weights and ambient noise around the room didn't break his concentration as he prepared to lift 590 pounds from the floor. His eyes focused straight ahead as he inhaled a deep breath and used every fiber of strength to lift the weights. The veins bulged from his neck and blood rushed to his face.

Troy Saunders, a powerlifting guru on base, instills the image of strength, determination and health. He recently introduced a powerlifting team here and hopes to increase the team's size and strength by the end of the summer.

A 2006 U.S. Forces European Powerlifting champion, the 198-pound Saunders does heavy lifting 90 minutes a day, three times a week to maintain his body mass, yet does cardio six hours a week to round out his healthy, fitnesscharged lifestyle. His best lifts to date are: squat, 606 pounds; bench press, 407 pounds; and deadlift, 595 pounds.

"Often, I am approached by people interested in getting in shape and wanting diet and fitness (routines). More than half of them balk at the initial ‘diet' regiment, which is basically just eating healthier," said the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron European Transportation Training Center NCO. "All but two out of 100 people drop their jaws when I tell them that it's a life-long and permanent change."

Saunders said his more than 25 years of training is a way of life, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel and no final destination to reach. He said he knows he'll always have fitness in his life.

"This (healthy lifestyle philosophy) has proven true in my Air Force career. I learned a long time ago that working to complete a job is not an end in itself," Saunders said. "Finishing a deployment or exercise, or getting through the latest (Operational Readiness Inspection) are only part of what I'm doing. Anyone who continues to have success throughout their career has more than likely kept to their ‘strict diet'."

The notion of a "strict diet" could be related to any of life's endeavors. Saunders says that no matter what skill level a person has in the beginning, the dedication to the sport is invariably the best way to become the best.

Janna Evers, 52nd Medical Support Squadron medical logistician, said she began powerlifting when she ran into Saunders in the fitness center and he told her about a competition that was happening that weekend.

"I only had one week to get ready for the competition, but I love anything that is a challenge, and every time I lift weights, I try to push myself to lift more. So I figured, ‘why not?,'" she said.

Evers said she had butterflies in her stomach at her first competition, the 2006 U.S. Forces Europe Powerlifting Championship in January. She placed second in her weight class, lifting 221 pounds in the deadlift, nearly double her bodyweight.

"Being a woman in a male-dominated sport drives me to be more competitive, and I like the challenge," Evers said. "I think women are scared that they are going to get huge with muscle mass just by picking up weights, but it actually has kept my body well-toned and defined."

Staying in shape and staying slender is important to Evers for her military career. She recently earned a perfect fitness test score, and she said it makes her feel proud to know she's achieving and excelling at the Air Force fitness standards.

Anthony Anderson, 52nd LRS petroleum, oil and lubricants hydrants supervisor, also enjoys the health benefits of anaerobic (weight training) and aerobic (cardio training) conditioning that come with powerlifting.

"Powerlifting is awesome because of the compound movements involving just about every muscle group," he said. "It's a total body workout and increases my overall strength, which is why I like it so much."

Anderson is competing in his first powerlifting competition next month. He says the team from Spangdahlem Air Base represents excellence in the fitness arena and is a strong representation of the base.

Saunders agrees and says no matter what the experience level, he highly recommends powerlifting as a means to change a person's fitness lifestyle.

"The team spirit and competitive camaraderie is very inspiring for people interested in trying something new to pep up their fitness regime," Saunders said. "Anyone willing to dedicate the time and effort will be successful in whatever they choose to accomplish."