Leaders start PT program to prep for new AF standards

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard's squadron, group and base commanders, chief master sergeants and acting and diamond wearing first sergeants recently launched a new fitness program to prepare the base for the Air Force's new physical training standards that are planned to be implemented in 2010.

The changes will include having two PT test per year, minimum standards for each portion of the test, more emphasis on the run portion of the test and fitness assessment representatives will administer the test rather than PT leaders.

To reach the goal of passing the updated standards, the base leaders are required to go to one mandatory PT session and complete two other PT sessions.

"Leaders need to lead the way before they can ask Airmen to live up to the standards," said Lt. Col. Bridget Gregory. "Leading by example gives us credibility to expect the same from our Airmen."

She said the first PT session went great. The leaders wrote down the amount of repetitions they completed for each exercise and at the end of six weeks they will be able to see their progression.

"For some it's new to work out like that, we concentrated on trying to max out everything," Colonel Gregory said.

John Martin, exercise physiologist at the HAWC, said he wants to get everyone out of their comfort zone to get them in shape.

"People tend to gravitate toward their strengths," he said. "We know this diverse workout produces results and we're looking to have everyone pass the test to be combat capable. These workouts focus on things that many aren't used to, but we want them to have the necessary fitness skills to handle everything thrown at them."

Mr. Martin's associate Brent Ragsdale, who designed and implements the program for base leadership, said the new standards won't allow people to make up for their weaknesses in other areas of the test.

"If someone fails to reach the minimum in one portion of the test, they fail the whole test," he said. "We're focusing on all areas of fitness so the mile and a half, pushups and sit ups will take care of itself."

Mr. Ragsdale said the workers at the HAWC want to help everyone exceed the standard "and if anyone needs help, that's what we're here for."

For more information on the PT program contact the HAWC at 676-4292.