EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- “It’s my Zen, it’s what I do when I am stressed or not stressed to keep the daily balance.”
Staff Sgt. Ashley Bethel, 33rd Maintenance Squadron Command Support Staff noncommissioned officer in charge, strength trains on a daily basis.
”I’ve been weight lifting since high school. That was ten years ago, so now it’s just a natural thing to me to lift. If I am not lifting weights, something is wrong.”
Recently, Bethel competed in the Eglin’s Strongest Competition and took first place in the female category.
“I wasn’t training to compete at the time. I told myself to treat it like any other workout, give it my hardest and give it my best. That is how I ended up competing and winning.”
Despite not having much time to prepare for the event, Bethel back squatted 250 pounds, deadlifted 275 pounds and benched 155 pounds.
Bethel uses the knowledge and experience she’s learned through years of strength training to motivate her peers.
“When people ask me for advice on how to get fit I encourage them to not be afraid of picking up dumbbells. Anyone can weightlift and there is no limit to strengthening yourself. Always be competitive with yourself.”