ARPC members win Buckley fitness challenge Published April 3, 2014 By Airman Emily E. Amyotte 460th Space Wing Public Affairs BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Participants of the Buckley Total Fitness Challenge celebrated personal accomplishments and the finale of the challenge with a party workout and prizes April 1, 2014, at the Buckley Fitness Center. Four members from the Air Reserve Personnel Center were among the winners. First place winners were Master Sgt. Manuel Zubia and Mark Williams. Second place winners were Patricia Rosas and Master Sgt. Karla Ibarra. The fitness center began the challenge as a way to promote exercise and motivate Team Buckley members. Participants said the fitness challenge was a great way to get fit and meet people who had similar interests. "We wanted to get people to be more active," said Azul Farrera, Buckley Fitness Center recreation assistant and fitness challenge leader. "We want to keep people coming in and have a community. People got to know each other and felt more comfortable about coming to the gym when they could socialize a little bit." Along with living a healthier lifestyle, the fitness challenge participants had the additional goal of earning the most points in comparison to their competitors in their age group. Participants would earn points according to the work and effort they put out. Once a week, the fitness center sent out emails with suggested daily workouts with corresponding points that participants would track. The names of participants who earned enough points were entered into a raffle to win prizes such as water bottles, gym backpacks or balaclavas at weekly classes. The fitness center offered the participants classes on nutrition, fitness and the importance of variety in exercise. "Something that I really enjoyed about it was learning that you have to change things because your body peaks," said Aiesha Morris, Buckley Fitness Challenge participant. "Azul trained us and showed us different things that we can do not only at the gym, but things we can do at home or even on vacation." When asked if there would be another upcoming fitness challenge, Morris said, "I hope that they do! Let's get it in writing." (Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazelett contributed to this article)