D-M's new Fitness Program Manager sees Airmen as Athletes

  • Published
  • By Guy Leahy
  • 355th Services Squadron
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Guy Leahy, and I am the new Fitness Program Manager at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. I hold a Master's Degree in Physical Education (Exercise Science emphasis) from Western Washington University. I am also certified as a Health and Fitness Instructor by the American College of Sports Medicine, and as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. I have over 10 years of professional experience in the field, and my first duty day at D-M was Nov. 5.

I spent the last six years working at a large community college in suburban Chicago. While there I managed the fitness center, fitness testing and personal training programs. I have also worked at a University in Kentucky. I have previous Air Force experience, as my first position out of graduate school was as the Fitness Program Manager at Edwards
Air Force Base.

We commonly use military terms in reference to professional athletes, and like such athletes, I strongly believe Airmen need to be in top physical condition to carry out their mission, as true warrior athletes. I want to emphasize and develop fitness training programs that not only help D-M personnel pass their fitness tests, but optimally prepare them for deployment, since warfare is a far more important test of physical ability than is any professional sport.

I believe that exercise is the fountain of youth. Most diseases we associate with 'getting older,' such as heart disease and diabetes, are not inevitable consequences of aging. They are inevitable consequences of not moving. One of my major goals is to strengthen the exercise is medicine concept. Many diseases can be managed or even prevented by exercise, and to prescribe exercise as a first line treatment option.

I work at the Health and Wellness Center, building 4220. My phone number is 228-5003, and my e-mail is guy.leahy@dm.af.mil. Along with my HAWC colleagues, we can design exercise, nutrition and wellness programs which will not only help you find that fountain of youth, but make you a more physically fit Airman both on and off the battlefield.