Kirtland to host Alpha Warrior competition
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Air Force is putting more emphasis on functional fitness, and Team Kirtland members will have an opportunity to see it in action when Alpha Warrior makes a stop at the base May 9-10.
The Air Force Services Activity has teamed with obstacle race specialists Alpha Warrior, using equipment similar to that used on the television competition series American Ninja Warrior, to promote individual and unit resiliency while providing a new way for Airmen to work out.
“Fitness-minded individuals are always looking for ways to test themselves, and this provides that opportunity,” said Steve Bowlin, Fitness Center director. “The equipment lends itself to a different way of fitness. Our Airmen need to train in tactical fitness, rather than just be able to lift weights. Alpha Warrior provides that opportunity.”
The Alpha Warrior team will be bringing obstacle race equipment to Kirtland, allowing members of the base to test their skills, strength and endurance. Obstacles on the equipment include the salmon sadder, where competitors move a metal bar up while hanging from it, and devil steps, where competitors climb steps using their hands and rope climbs.
The equipment will be set up in the East Fitness Center’s gymnasium. Base patrons will be able to use the equipment May 10, with the actual timed competition taking place around 2:30 p.m. In addition, there will be food, information booths and inflatables set up outside the Fitness Center.
Athletes Kacy Cantanzaro, the first woman to qualify for the American Ninja Warrior finals, and Rebekah Bonilla will be on hand to meet fans and sign autographs. May 9, they will be at the Fitness Center at 4 p.m., and they will be at the event May 10 to demonstrate the equipment.
The program includes a 15-region competition with the top male and female qualifiers from each region guaranteed to move on to compete in an Air Force-wide competition at the Alpha Warrior Challenge course in San Antonio in November. The 10 male and 10 female competitors with the fastest times from across the Air Force will join the 30 regional champions for a total of 50 Air Force athletes earning a spot in the final competition.
The Air Force Alpha Warrior program incorporates the four domains of CAF – physical, mental, social and spiritual – to help Airmen achieve readiness and resilience. Air Force is hoping the program will bring enthusiasm to the service’s fitness equation.
Those interested in competing can sign up at the Fitness Center. For more information, contact the Fitness Center at 846-5100.