Billy Blanks visits as part of "Win by Losing Challenge"

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Saphfire D. Cook
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz., --  World-renowned martial artist and TaeBo creator Billy Blanks visited Airmen and families here with his daughter and master assistant, Shelly Blanks, to recognize winners of the base fitness challenge "Win by Losing" on 15 Dec.

The weight-loss competition was hosted by the Benko Fitness Center from 15 Sept. through 15 Dec.

Mr. Blanks kicked off his appearance with autograph signings at the Base Exchange and the Benko Fitness Center.

"It was great to meet Billy Blanks!" said Senior Airman Tess M. Velez, 357th Aircraft Maintenance Unit customer service technician, after receiving her signed photo. "He shook my hand and thanked me for my service."

Fans and challenge participants gathered in the Benko gymnasium to hear Mr. Blanks speak on fitness and living a healthy lifestyle.

"The most important thing about getting in shape is getting your mind and will in shape," Mr. Blanks told the audience.

In keeping with the spirit of health and wellness, Mr. Blanks and his master assistant held an hour-long TaeBo workout on the fitness center's outdoor track.

"Fitness is a very important part of a healthy life," said Marie Guinee, 355th Force Support Squadron base training and services education technician. "I workout to his tapes at home, and when I heard about the workout I just had to attend."

The new fitness standards have Airmen working harder than ever to get in shape, so service members and civilians showed up to sweat it out with Mr. Blanks and his daughter.

After the workout, a special recognition award ceremony was held for the winners of the "Win by Losing" challenge.

Col. John Cherrey, 355th Fighter Wing commander, was present, along with Mr. Blanks, to congratulate these Airmen on their dedication to mission readiness and fitness.

"I know how hard it can be to eat healthy during the holiday season, so I commend everyone involved in the challenge for being able to stick to their regimens and lose the weight," said Colonel Cherrey.

The winning team of the "Win by Losing" was team "Thin It to Win It". Collectively, the group lost 59 pounds, a 3.4 percent weight as a whole.

Cynthia Burgman, a military spouse and the female winner of the contest, lost 19.6 pounds and 15.3 percent of her total weight. She weighed in at 129.8 pounds and finished at 110.2 pounds.

The winning male, Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey J. Nichols, 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron acquisition operator signals proficiency instructor, went from 238.9 pounds to 206 pounds, losing an impressive 32 pounds during the 13 week challenge. He had a 13.3 percent weight loss.

The "Win by Losing" Challenge had 100 participants, and together they lost more than 300 pounds in 90 days.