thedrifter
08-25-09, 08:18 AM
Marines first to get equipment donation
By DawnDee Bostwick
Waynesville Daily Guide
Mon Aug 24, 2009, 07:01 PM CDT
FORT LEONARD WOOD— The Marine Corps detachment on Fort Leonard Wood will be working toward improved physical fitness thanks to an equipment donation.
Operation Phoenix, a non-profit organization, provided the detachment with the first-ever gift of its kind— a $10,000 set of CrossFit training equipment. CrossFit is a physical fitness routine that incorporates a variety of workouts to achieve maximum fitness through high-intensity, constantly varied movements.
“Ultimately, we’d love to outfit all fighting forces,” Operation Phoenix director Jimi Letchford said. “These guys need to be ready in combat and be fit in general. They need to be mentally and physically tough, and that doesn’t always translate from a three mile run, 20 push ups, 20 pull ups.”
Detachment Commander Col. Jorge Ascunce said he began doing the CrossFit regimen after a person in the Army told him about it.
“I have never been fitter than doing CrossFit everyday,” said Ascunce, who worked to get the equipment brought to Fort Leonard Wood.
“It will be integrated and combined with the other training,” he said of CrossFit, sharing that even before the equipment arrived, Marines were getting prepared for the change in routine.
Sgt. Adam Shugart was among the Marines using the new equipment Thursday.
“This tests you a little bit more,” he said, noting that, for example, when they run they’re in a big group following the guy in front of them. “Here, you can push yourself.”
Ascunce noted that the high strength requirements, quick movements and endurance are part of what makes CrossFit the best kind of training possible.
“It’s the kind of thing that changes your mind, beyond pushing yourself to change your body, and it will change your body,” he said.
By DawnDee Bostwick
Waynesville Daily Guide
Mon Aug 24, 2009, 07:01 PM CDT
FORT LEONARD WOOD— The Marine Corps detachment on Fort Leonard Wood will be working toward improved physical fitness thanks to an equipment donation.
Operation Phoenix, a non-profit organization, provided the detachment with the first-ever gift of its kind— a $10,000 set of CrossFit training equipment. CrossFit is a physical fitness routine that incorporates a variety of workouts to achieve maximum fitness through high-intensity, constantly varied movements.
“Ultimately, we’d love to outfit all fighting forces,” Operation Phoenix director Jimi Letchford said. “These guys need to be ready in combat and be fit in general. They need to be mentally and physically tough, and that doesn’t always translate from a three mile run, 20 push ups, 20 pull ups.”
Detachment Commander Col. Jorge Ascunce said he began doing the CrossFit regimen after a person in the Army told him about it.
“I have never been fitter than doing CrossFit everyday,” said Ascunce, who worked to get the equipment brought to Fort Leonard Wood.
“It will be integrated and combined with the other training,” he said of CrossFit, sharing that even before the equipment arrived, Marines were getting prepared for the change in routine.
Sgt. Adam Shugart was among the Marines using the new equipment Thursday.
“This tests you a little bit more,” he said, noting that, for example, when they run they’re in a big group following the guy in front of them. “Here, you can push yourself.”
Ascunce noted that the high strength requirements, quick movements and endurance are part of what makes CrossFit the best kind of training possible.
“It’s the kind of thing that changes your mind, beyond pushing yourself to change your body, and it will change your body,” he said.