Photo By Pvt. Kourtney Grimes | Roxy Bumpus, an MWR fitness coordinator and other judges evaluate and spectate while...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Suntanned skin, oiled muscles and vibrant personalities of Guantanamo Bay strutted across the stage of the Windjammer Ballroom Saturday in GTMO’s third annual Fitness & Figure Competition. The MWR-sponsored fitness event brought together residents from different workplaces and areas of GTMO who share another place where they put in work, the gym.
The competitors had a chance to show off their chiseled physiques with four predetermined poses and a 90 second routine. Open to all over 18 years of age, the fitness and figure competitors were divided into three different age groups to determine who would prevail with the title of GTMO’s fittest body. The audience clearly had its favorites but the judges were solid in making their decisions using only what they saw on the stage, not by what they heard.
Spectators filled the seats of the ballroom to cheer on friends and fellow service members who were competing in the evening’s contest.
“Some of my unit was competing in the fitness competition, and I wanted to come out and show my support,” said Navy Chief Petty Officer Caesar Othon, with the Joint Medical Group.
Aside from entertainment, the initial and long-term benefits of this event promote the importance of health and fitness through motivation and breaking down the wall between pursuit and success in the gym.
“Events like this motivate the Troopers to stay in shape,” said Othon. “It helps recognize the importance of maintaining health and recognizes their efforts at the gym.”
As a leader, Othon strives to encourage his Troopers to work on their physical fitness by showing his support and leading by example. A competitor that shared this mindset was Army 1st Lt. Lindsay Shababy, Camp Echo area officer in charge from the 346th Military Police Company.
“I’m a platoon leader, and I want my Soldiers to see me in shape and putting fitness as a priority,” said Shababy.
Shababy spends two hours a day, five day a week in the gym. With her rigorous exercise plan, she approaches fitness as a priority rather than an option.
“The way I look at it is mission first, and my next priority is fitness,” said Shababy.
Competing in her first fitness and figure competition this weekend, Shababy took the first place trophy for her age group.
“I want to do one of these [competitions] when I get home, and I thought this would be a good way to start,” said Shababy.
The event coordinated by the MWR fitness staff was intended to be a morale boost for those who take their physical fitness regimens seriously.
“It’s a reward for those who are working out all the time,” said Roxy Bumpus, MWR coordinator. “Some of the ladies said they’ve always wanted to do these [fitness competitions] but they just haven’t felt comfortable until now.”
While preparing for the competition is hard work, and the confidence required is exemplary, Bumpus and the rest of the MWR staff encourage those who work out arduously to attend and compete in these types of event.
| Date Taken: | 05.16.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.16.2014 10:07 |
| Story ID: | 130063 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY , CU |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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