Must Adjust: Make fitness a lifestyle

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tabitha Dupas
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. --  The Air Force implemented the current fitness standards a little over a year ago and Citizen Airmen are making the adjustments to ensure a passing score.

"I believe Airmen are realizing that these standards are not going away and are making the changes to stay fit for the military," said Lt. Col. John Fox, 403rd Wing fitness program manager. "They know it's either shape up or ship out."

Fox monitors the entire physical fitness testing program for the 403rd Wing here. He ensures there are enough physical training leaders present at the time of each test, and works as a liaison between the wing and Keesler Air Force Base fitness assessment cell to inform Reservists of any new modifications to the program.

Airmen with unsatisfactory scores must take part in the Healthy Living Program and remedial training to help maintain their personal fitness and get them back up to Air Force standards.

The HLP course is web-based training teaching Airmen how to be disciplined when it comes to their health and fitness, according to Fox. It is part of the BE WELL program--Balanced Eating, Work out Effectively, Live Longer--that the Health and Wellness Centers provide.

"When Airmen complete the HLP, they can print their certificates," explained Maj. John Mckee, 403rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron fitness monitor. "After that they are required to participate in remedial training scheduled every UTA (unit training assembly)."

The training is held Sundays of UTA at 6 a.m. during hot months and 3 p.m. during cooler months, according to Tech. Sgt.Tony Eckwood, 403rd ASTS and manager of the Blake Gym here. He volunteers to help with the remedial training.

Each training session includes a 30-minute workout of different exercises including push-ups and sit-ups and an additional 30-minute run, said Eckwood.

"It provides a guideline for those Airmen who have a hard time passing the PFT and gives them the necessary tools to utilize in order to prepare for their next test," he said.  "They must test three months after their failed PFT."

"I believe the remedial training is beneficial to Airmen in that it shows them weaknesses they may have in their personal fitness training methods they use at home," said Mckee. "It is important to keep up with a weekly fit plan to prepare for PFT. "

Airmen are being held more accountable for their personal fitness now that the testing is twice a year instead of annually. According to Mckee, a majority of the Airmen he monitors have improved their scores since the Air Force implemented these standards.

"Testing twice a year helps Reservists stay in shape," said Fox.

Mckee believes that it is an incentive for those who score 90 percent to only have to test once a year.

"It seems as though more Airmen are trying to reach that excellence level," McKee said.

Fox emphasizes the importance of training for PFTs.

"Airmen definitely must get used to running," he said.  "For push-ups and sit-ups, I would recommend doing approximately two-thirds of your maximum amount four to five times a day and increase as your maximum increases."

With these standards being in place for over a year, programs have been developed to help Airmen adjust and pass their PFTs by keeping a consistent healthy lifestyle.

"This program is not going away and it is imperative that we maintain a level of fitness so that we can pass at any given time," said Fox. "Not only will it make us better Airmen, but give us healthier lives so that we can enjoy our families longer."