Fitness leader of the month: Staff Sergeant Chris Moore

Staff Sgt. Chris Moore, 30th Comptroller Squadron customer support NCO, performs a cable fly exercise, July 20, 2015, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. For Moore, physical fitness is extremely important. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Robert J. Volio/Released)

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Fitness leader of the month: Staff Sergeant Chris Moore

Staff Sgt. Chris Moore, 30th Comptroller Squadron customer support NCO, spots Airman 1st Class Joseph Weiler, 30th Medical Operations Squadron aerospace medical technician, on an incline bench press exercise, July 20, 2015, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Moore has taken future physique competitors, and fellow Airmen, under his wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Robert J. Volio/Released)

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Fitness leader of the month: Staff Sergeant Chris Moore

Staff Sgt. Chris Moore, 30th Comptroller Squadron customer support NCO, performs a diamond push-up, July 20, 2015, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. In addition to managing his Airmen, his duties as a Physical Training Leader and maintaining a grueling workout schedule, Moore currently is a men’s physique competitor under the National Physique Committee, the largest amateur bodybuilding organization in the U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Robert J. Volio/Released)

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Fitness leader of the month: Staff Sergeant Chris Moore

Published July 22, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Robert J. Volio

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Editor's Note: This is part of an ongoing series highlighting exceptionally fit Airmen.

Steel slips on steel screeching throughout the mostly vacant room. Mirrors lining the walls catch the glint of gritted teeth, and the sheen of a sweat-covered brow. Staff Sgt. Chris Moore, 30th Comptroller Squadron customer support NCO, contorts his face and flexes his muscles under the burden of making one last repetition. Then, as his ritual demands, he moves on to the next station in his circuit, like something he's rehearsed hundreds of times before.

For this staff sergeant, the importance of physical fitness is apparent.

"Fitness is extremely important to me because I believe that your body is your temple," said Moore. "If you take care of it, then it will take care of you. The benefits fitness has on the human body are simply remarkable. From fortifying your immune system, decompressing from stress, or sculpting your physique -- fitness is the universal multi-vitamin."

The origin of Moore's fitness mentality dates back to his days in high school, where martial arts first caught his eye.

"My journey started back in my early years of high school when I first walked into a Tae Kwon Do studio," said Moore. "I quickly realized the benefits of the fitness world and felt my fitness calling had just begun. Being an accomplished martial artist was just the beginning for me. Since my last time with the Armed Forces Tae Kwon Do team in 2013, I have transitioned from that type of fitness to building my physique."

Despite a rigorous weekly workout routine, Moore concedes that the biggest challenge doesn't occur in the gym.

"My workout routine consists of a five-day weight regime of chest, back, shoulders, legs and arms," said Moore. "In between, I do a four-day cardio cycle which helps me stay lean but constantly builds muscle. The biggest issue I face isn't in the weight room though, it's in the kitchen. Everyone can throw around weights, but the true fitness gurus know a person's physique is built on the foods that you put in your mouth. Discipline and dedication is critical in this aspect."

In addition to managing his Airmen and maintaining a grueling workout schedule, Moore is also currently encumbered by another endeavor.

"I currently participate as a men's physique competitor under the National Physique Committee, the largest amateur bodybuilding organization in the U.S.," said Moore. "Essentially these shows are geared around the science of proportion and symmetry of muscle. Defining muscle and building symmetry is not an easy task. I'm very humbled at how far I've come and look forward to my future in this sport. It has become a passion to constantly push my body and August 8th will be another day to see how far I can push it as I compete once more."

Moore has garnered a following of willing workout partners and taken future competitors, and fellow Airmen, under his wing.

"What made me want to train with Sergeant Moore was his dedication to fitness," said Airman 1st Class Joseph Weiler, 30th Medical Operations Squadron aerospace medical technician. "He is consistently motivated and dedicated to his physique. His knowledge about the sport and the competitions is something he has no issues sharing with others. I've learned many things about prepping for my upcoming show that I wouldn't have known about if I never met him."

At the end of the day, these standards and dispositions circle back to Moore's primary duty as an American Airman.

"Iron sharpens iron," said Moore. "In our world today we face constant uphill battles both abroad and at home. Being physically fit is of extreme importance to the success of our mission. As a team we must push each other both mentally and physically to ensure that we are fully capable to meet the demands and responsibilities imparted upon us each day. Every Airman is responsible for pulling their weight -- and maintaining proper fitness standards is a part of that responsibility."