U.S. Forces Fitness

Story by Nicole Hawk U.S. Army Human Resources Command At 4 feet 10 inches tall and poised to compete on the world’s stage in powerlifting, U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) Sgt. 1st Class Celina Flores is an inspiration to other Soldiers and civilians. Placing first in the Drug-Tested Tennessee State Championship, she qualified to compete in the 56 kilogram weight class at the International Powerlifting League World Championship in Ireland.  She will have three attempts to lift the maximum weight she can on a squat, bench press, and deadlift. Flores said she looks forward to competing. “I’m proud that I’ll be representing both the U.S. and the Army.  I’m looking forward to meeting powerlifters from around the world and to making my colleagues and family proud.”  Flores began powerlifting to relieve stress during her first deployment to Iraq, but didn’t become serious about competing until January 2016. “I saw other women who were super strong and tha...

Story by Laurie Pearson Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow Michelle Lawing, Installation Sexual Assault Response coordinator for Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, is not only winning powerlifting competitions, but she is breaking world records in the process during competitions throughout 2017 and 2018. “It’s amazing!” the athlete said of her recent accomplishments. “I never thought I’d break any records. I was just trying to increase my numbers (weights and repetitions) for myself, but that’s where a good coach comes in. Jim looks up the records and plans meets for me according to what goals we have set.” The Jim she is referring to is Jim Seifert, engineering technician at Production Plant Barstow, Marine Depot Maintenance Command with 12 years of civil service. Before that he served 24 years active duty with the U.S. Marines, retiring as a Master Sergeant as a Data Communications chief. “I’m also a Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist through an organiz...

Story by Airman BrieAnna Stillman 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Many times people go through life never knowing about the incredible talent they may possess. This would be true for Staff Sgt. Allen Plata, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron stockpile management crew chief, who may have never known about his powerlifting abilities if it weren’t for joining the Air Force. Physical fitness has always been a part of the military way of life and fitness tests ensure members are maintaining that way of life. But for some, push-ups, sit-ups, and running just isn’t enough. “I was bored of the normal workouts so I decided to switch it up and start lifting,” said Plata. “Prior to the military I had never stepped in a gym, I used to just surf or play golf.” Little did Plata know he had a talent that would lead him to rank third nationally and break records in the state of South Carolina. Plata began powerlifting while in the gym in order to mix up his workouts and soon realized...