March 4, 2017 –
To kick off “The Year of Fitness,” Brig. Gen. David E. Elwell, 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command commanding general, invited Tony Horton, a world-class motivational speaker and an author of top-selling books, and Garba “Mister G” Onadja, who teaches people the benefits of a nutritious, healthy, fit lifestyle, to a command-wide readiness session at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, March 4.
Best known as the creator of the commercial home exercise regimen P90x, Tony Horton spoke about the importance of nutrition and staying fit, challenging your body with many different forms of exercise and being consistent with your exercise routine.
A former professional athlete, Mr. G holds a Ph. D in Chinese Martial Arts, a 10th Degree Master Black Belt and was inducted to the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He took the time to show the Soldiers some self-defense maneuvers and many enjoyed his presentation.
Physical fitness is one the cornerstones of combat readiness because being physically fit means that a Soldier is always ready for any mission. At the 311th ESC, the focus is on fitness being a condition of service in the Army Reserve so that one is ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
The 311th ESC is introducing a new fitness challenge called, “Combat Fitness Challenge.” There are many Army fitness challenges like the Cadet Fitness Challenge, which is a one-week program designed to help prepare cadets and recruits for basic training, and others like the Extreme Military Challenge, designed for senior NCOs, but this new challenge is very unique.
The competitors of the Combat Fitness Challenge will be the elite. The participates are limited to the top one percent of combat athletes that will participate in extreme fitness challenges that will test them both physically and mentally. This event will test their resolve and is uniquely different because it gives junior enlisted, NCOs and officers an opportunity to participate in the same competition.
“I’m calling for ‘The Year of Fitness at the 311th ESC’ because fitness is the cornerstone of readiness and readiness is our number one priority,” said Brig Gen. Elwell. “I’m grateful that Tony Horton and Mr. G were here to inspire the troops because fitness and military service go hand and hand.”
The competitors in the Combat Fitness Challenge will become the fitness leaders in the 311th ESC. This new challenge will set a new standard and will have a real and lasting change that can help Soldiers who will commit to health as a lifestyle. Exercise, nutritious foods and the right mindset is the formula that leads to a vibrant, productive and full life for anyone who focuses on being the best they can be.