Shoguns get fit to fight Published Jan. 16, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- (Below is the first in a series "Fitness Challenge" articles. This article introduces the 2013 Extreme Fitness Challenge program and the goals are of its participants. Subsequent articles will track the progress of the program and its participants.) More than 90 people jumped at the chance to sign up for the 2013 Extreme Fitness Challenge, which kicked off Jan. 7 and continues on through April 1. The annual challenge aims to educate SOFA personnel about healthier eating habits, staying in shape and losing weight in the process, said Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Randolph, 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron NCO in charge of the Health and Wellness Center. "Working out is fine, but that's just one side of it," she said. "You still have to eat right and take care of your body." Over the course of the next few months, participants will track their participation points for various activities on a point card. Points are awarded based on educational courses the participants take or how intense their workout is. The more intense the workout, the more points participants will earn. The challenge has two categories: individual and team. Both will compete against each other as they earn points throughout the challenge. "I'm excited about getting back in shape and doing it with my co-workers who have similar goals," explained Senior Airman Taniah Otis, who entered the team category of the fitness challenge with coworkers from the 18th Medical Group. "Plus the challenge gives me more motivation!" "My goal is to pretty much lose 15 pounds and hopefully two inches off my waist," answered Master Sgt. Gerald Braswell, 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron after entering the individual category. At the end of the fitness challenge the HAWC and the Risner Fitness Center will select the top male, female and team participants. Good luck to all in the 2013 Extreme Fitness Challenge.