Story by U.S. Army Pvt. Jake McEvoy
(LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, Balad, Iraq) -- A little motivation and some imagination can go a long way. When Soldiers are deployed they are still expected to keep up with the Army's physical fitness standards. Due to hard work and long hours, it can sometimes be hard to find the motivation to make it to the gym every day.
One Soldier decided to think outside the box and incorporate something he enjoyed into his physical fitness program.
Sgt. T.J. Bilbrey, 1173rd Transportation Company, has been break dancing for a few years and decided that there was no reason to stop now.
"Even though I'm in Iraq there's no reason I can't keep doing what I love to do," said Bilbrey.
Break dancing may not be thought of as physical training, but after 15 minutes of Bilbrey's workout the connection was obvious.
"Its great PT, its good cardio and a lot of muscle building when you're working on the floor," said Bilbrey.
Bilbrey is a self-taught break dancer and encourages other people who are interested to get together and do the same.
"Most people can do it, but it takes a lot of practice you have to go through a lot pain while you're trying to learn," Bilbrey said.
Bilbrey isn't just encouraging people to learn on their own, he is willing to take the time and help them learn he says.
"It would be great if we could get a crowd out to come in and wanted to join, that would be awesome," Bilbrey said.
Bilbrey and others break dance at the gym every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 p.m. You don't have to be a professional or have a great since of rhythm and get a great workout.
"I couldn't dance at all when I started so if I can learn anyone can," Bilbrey said.
So the next time you get tired of doing the same old things for PT, remember you have more options than you might think.
Editor's note: Pvt. McEvoy is assigned to the 27th Public Affairs Detachment from Fort Drum, NY. He is currently deployed to Iraq in support of the 1st Corps Support Command at LSA Anaconda.