YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan - Maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes a lot of time, dedication, discipline and a strict diet. It can be challenging but the challenges lead to rewards.
Senior Airman George Mau, 730th Air Mobility Squadron Cargo Processing technician, does just that using body building. He recently placed first in this year’s men’s physique category at the U.S. Bodybuilding Japan contest.
“Your body is one thing you truly own,” Mau said.
This statement represents not only Mau’s personal mindset, but also reflects the Air Force’s mission when it comes to personal fitness - to be physically ready at all times.
Mau said during his deployment, he took the advantage to better himself and maintain the “fit to fight” mentality by weight lifting.
“With my job, there are often obstacles that require you to move a lot of weight,” Mau said. “Pushing myself daily in the gym makes it easier to do my job. I’m able to do more and not get fatigued.”
According to Mau, someone wanting to start bodybuilding, preparation is key. Setting up a diet, small incremental goals and having consistency, can lead to success. Fundamental weight lifting exercises like bench press, dead lift and squats can help overall physical training scores.
“It doesn’t matter what gender you are, don’t be scared to try,” he added.
Airmen wanting that extra push in the gym have the option to take supplements. Mau advises against it.
“It’s like a cake - the bottom is the foundation [diet], and the supplements are the icing. You really don’t need them. It’s about a consistent healthy diet,” Mau said.
Supplements are allowed in the Air Force, but some may cause airmen to test positive on a drug screen. Service members are encouraged to use supplement brands that are certified as “clean.” Operation Supplement Safety has a list to check if your supplement is safe to use.
To help those wanting to eat better, the Samurai Café recently received a new food service officer, Claude Bryant, who said there are healthier options now available at the dining facility. Some of the food options include a fruit bar, wheat instead of white bread, more protein packed foods with the salad bar, turkey burgers and more. Bryant, like Mau, recommends airmen use the Café to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Mau said the Samurai Fitness Center and dining facility lend a great hand in him maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
It is important to be physically fit in the military, and the Air Force provides options for airmen to stay healthy and fit. Whether it is using the gym for weights, or eating healthy food at the dining facility, airmen can build foundations for a healthy lifestyle.
For more information on supplement safety, visit: http://hprc-online.org/dietary-supplements/opss