108th Wing becomes home to CrossFit community

NJ, UNITED STATES

05.19.2020

Story by Senior Airman Andrea Williamson 

108th Wing

The 108th Wing is now home to a CrossFit program at the security forces squadron hanger, building 3322 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

Thanks to enthusiasts, U.S. Army Maj. Caitlin Hinterman and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Wade, the Get Connected Club affiliated program was able to secure a spot, attracting more and more new faces.

All Department of Defense ID holders can participate, said Hinterman, of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company Army Support Activity, Fort Dix. “CrossFit is about community.”

When Hinterman first arrived here in 2018, she said, she immediately began looking for a CrossFit gym on base, as it would provide fitness as well as connection to her new station. “Most military bases have CrossFit available,” Hinterman thought, but unfortunately, the program had gone by the wayside.

No one really knew much about who started [the program], but there was record of CrossFit’s existence on base in previous years, said Hinterman.

That’s when she began to lead the program, coming together with a few others.

The small group developed a bond, registered CrossFit’s location and spread the news that they were open for members, said Hinterman.

Classes were held at the 305th Operations Security Squadron building for nearly two years. The move came about when the squadron needed the space for another purpose, said Wade, manager.

After talking to Lt. Col. Walter Dragon Jr., commander, 140th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, the 108th Wing became the new home for CrossFit, said Hinterman.

No different from any other home, Wade and Hinterman express that CrossFit members encourage one another while holding each other accountable. 


Hinterman said, “The intensity is in respect to your own fitness.”

CrossFit consists of cardio, weightlifting, gymnastics, barbells, along with healthy nutrition. It is all encompassing and can prep military members for their physical training test by mimicking functional duty movements, notes Wade, a contingency skills instructor from the 421st Combat Training Squadron.

“The accountability is for the goals you set for yourself. We help you attain those goals,” said Wade.

“Just leave your ego at the door. There’s no pressure to win or be better than someone else. It’s you versus yourself,” Hinterman adds.

Hinterman has been in CrossFit for 11 years and now leads sessions with Coach Cassie Cochran to provide members with a timed, structured routine and warm up that focuses on everything from weight loss to muscle building to mobility.

“Each class has anywhere from 6-10 athletes from every branch,” said Hinterman.

Classes are held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 6:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m., or Thursday, 5:30 a.m.-6:30 a.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Hinterman coaches morning classes, while Cochran coaches in the evening.

The program welcomes new members and is now seeking new coaches. Those interested can be trained and can reach out to current leaders for more details.

Hinterman, will be permanently changing stations soon, but says of her time [here], “CrossFit was the best part of being stationed at JBMDL. We are very welcoming and have a friendly environment.” She notes that the comradery helped her find her ‘fit’ on base.

During this time of the coronavirus pandemic, the gym remains closed for protective measures.

Still, for the group, having a community established has proved to be exactly what members needed as they work from home.

Workouts are being continued virtually.

“McGuire CrossFit has a running/core work challenge for the month of May,” Hinterman updates. “We are trying to find ways to keep our athletes engaged and not sedentary during this time. So far, we have 18 people signed up. It’s been fun to engage and encourage each other.”

The group can be found on Facebook at McGuire CrossFit.

• Date Taken: 05.19.2020
• Date Posted: 06.02.2020 14:56
• Story ID: 370344
• Location: NJ, US