'Soar into Shape' is around the corner at Grand Forks AFB

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  After last year's challenge saw participants drop nearly 1,000 combined pounds, the highly motivational "Soar into Shape" is gearing up for another go-round with initial registration set to begin early February.

The competition, co-hosted by the base Health and Wellness Center and Fitness Center, is an eight-week challenge that allows participants to decide whether to lose or maintain weight through a series of events and incentive-based activities ranging from hands-on workout challenges to health and wellness classes.

"Soar into Shape is taking something that tends to be challenging and stressful, and making it fun," said Leah Melquist, HAWC health promotion manager. "I've never seen people have so much fun with this type of endeavor."

Everyone is invited to take part, and participants can choose to compete individually or in three- to four-person teams, with points being awarded for participation in every aspect of the competition throughout the two months. Prizes will be awarded at a luncheon at the conclusion of the competition.

Last year's competition saw more than 350 challengers sign up, and coordinators hope to see that number increase this time around with significant improvements being implemented, beginning with fewer classroom-based activities.

On top of shifting point-earning sessions from the seat to the feet, more mainstream events will be hosted this year to compliment last season's obstacle course and water aerobic competition. Additionally, in an effort to prevent teams overworking themselves, teams will be awarded full points for group activity by participating in only one workout class per day.

With kickoff only weeks away, Melquist encourages competitors to start coordinating team members and brainstorming team names ahead of time. Whether you're competing individually or on a team, SIS has a history of building unexpected friendships.

"The camaraderie of the teams, the competiveness, going to the wellness challenges and cheering each other on creates such an element of support," said Melquist. "It creates opportunities to befriend people you may have never otherwise met."

Following last year's competition, a post-program survey concluded 85 percent of participants said they felt like Soar into Shape fostered a sense of community here. One competitor coined last year's tagline: "Soar into Shape was the most fun I've ever had suffering."

Along with individual and team recognition, a squadron traveling trophy is at stake as well, which this year's winner will have to pry from the hands of the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron.

To volunteer to assist with this program, or for additional information, contact Leah Melquist at 701-747-3853 or leah.melquist.2@us.af.mil.