WSMR honors hero by hosting the Murph Challenge for Memorial Day Weekend

Photo By JOSE SALAZAR | Every year during May, Bell Gymnasium at White Sands Missile Range hosts various events for the STRONG B.A.N.D.S. campaign that promotes resiliency within the Army. As a part of the campaign, on May 26, the gym hosted the Murph Challenge in honor of U.S. Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy. He was a Navy SEAL whose life came to an end in Afghanistan back in 2005 while in combat.  

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NM, UNITED STATES

05.31.2022

Story by Vanessa Flores 

White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. (May 31, 2022) – Every year during May, Bell Gymnasium at White Sands Missile Range hosts various events for the STRONG B.A.N.D.S. campaign that promotes resiliency within the Army. STRONG B.A.N.D.S. stands for STRONG Balance, Activity, Nutrition, Determination, and Strength. It is a way for civilians, retirees, families, and Soldiers to stay fit. Participants wear their band during the month to show their commitment to a healthy, fit lifestyle.

As a part of the campaign, on May 26, the gym hosted the Murph Challenge in honor of U.S. Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy. He was a Navy SEAL whose life came to an end in Afghanistan back in 2005 while in combat.

"We do the Murph here at Bell Gym, before Memorial Day, to pay tribute to Lt. Murphy,” said Lori Baker, Supervisory Recreation Assistant at Bell Gymnasium. “We then start our Memorial Day weekend, with an understanding of the importance and weight of this holiday.”

Murphy became a Medal of Honor recipient when recognized with the award posthumously. The Medal of Honor is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government for valor in combat. Murphy's story of bravery is so compelling it was the inspiration for a Hollywood movie that came out in 2013 titled, “The Lone Survivor.”

“Paying tribute to Lt. Murphy by completing his favorite workout ensures that we remember these people we have lost were fathers, husbands, sons, part of a community, people who loved to go to their gym,” said Baker. “If you read about the heroic efforts Lt. Murphy endured on June 28, 2005, you will not think twice about doing this workout. You will feel fortunate to be able to participate in this workout.”

Matthew Lujan is a Fitness Specialist at Bell Gymnasium, and this is his ninth year doing the Murph Challenge. He began doing the challenge annually when he started doing CrossFit, a high-intensity interval training. He calls the Murph a "hero challenge," meaning it is a little extra. It's longer and more intensive than the average CrossFit class workout. He also said it takes most people about an hour to complete. Gyms across the country host the challenge during Memorial Day weekend.

"Many people of all walks of life do the challenge every year on Memorial Day as a tribute workout to Murphy. The workout is what he would do every day, and we are doing it in honor of him," said Lujan. "You begin with a mile run, then 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, you can break them up however you want, and then you end with another mile run. If you have a vest, you wear it, and it is 20 pounds."

The gym will end the STRONG B.A.N.D.S. activities with a Sunset Yoga Class on June 3 at 5 p.m. The class will take place at the Frontier Club in the grassy area. It is open to everyone, including beginners or those at an entry level.

If you want more information on Bell Gym, or health and fitness at WSMR call: 575-678-3378.

• Date Taken: 05.31.2022
• Date Posted: 06.01.2022 16:05
• Story ID: 421876
• Location: WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NM, US