Alaska Reservist wins CrossFit divisional State Championship

by Tech. Sgt. Dana Rosso
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs

10/16/2012 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska  -- A Reservist was awarded first place in his division at the 2012 CrossFit Alaska State Championships in Anchorage Oct. 13.

Lt. Col. David Piffarerio, 302nd Fighter Squadron commander, competed in the over 40 male category of the first annual CrossFit competition during the Fitness Expo at the Dena'ina Center.

"I've been doing cross fit since 2007 and I have never looked back," said Piffarerio. "It's a phenomenal fitness program as I'm in the best shape of my life. It's very challenging but rewarding at the same time as you meet fitness goals and accomplish things you never thought you could."

CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program consisting of varied, high intensity, functional movement with the stated goal of improving fitness which it defines as work capacity across broad time and modal domains. They combine movements such as sprinting, rowing, jumping rope, climbing rope, flipping tires, weightlifting, and carrying odd objects; they use barbells, dumbbells, gymnastics rings, pull-up bars, kettle bells, medicine balls, boxes for box jumps, and many bodyweight exercises.

"The interesting thing about CrossFit is there isn't a 'typical' workout," said Piffarerio. "Every day is something new and challenging. You can see workouts range from five minutes up to an hour, with combinations of metabolic conditioning, weightlifting and body weight movements all in the mix."
Athletes throughout the state gathered at the Dena'ina Center to compete in the CrossFit competition, Strong Man and Woman competition and the Fitness and Figure competition.

"CrossFit can offer anyone and any level the ultimate fitness program," said Piffarerio.

Hangar 5 on JBER-Elmendorf is equipped with all the necessary cross fit equipment.

"There is not a full time staff at the hangar to take care of all of the equipment, so it is up to the people using the facility to police up after themselves, help others when they can, and keep a positive attitude while training there," said Piffarerio. "That's the spirit of CrossFit."