Leaders try out new combat fitness program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Leadership in the 82nd Training Wing tried out a new combat fitness program Dec. 18. 

The new program was implemented Dec. 4 with all Airmen in Training and permanent party Airmen during physical training sessions. This was the first time the base's leaders got together to experience the program. 

The new PT sessions focus on 10 pillars of fitness that include areas that have often been overlooked. The focuses are now cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, speed, strength, flexibility, power, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. 

"These are the skills a person in the military needs," said John Martin, exercise physiologist at the Health and Wellness Center. "We're training Airmen in physical fitness appropriately." 

He said due to the time allotted in previous PT sessions the focus was on running, push-ups and sit-ups, but overemphasis on cardio has resulted in unnecessary running injuries. 

Mr. Martin said when considering fitness programs, he asks "Is that preparing Airmen for deployment?" 

He said the combat fitness program will prepare Airmen for deployments as well as motivate them because each PT session will have a different workout. The change in workouts will address each of the 10 pillars, he said. 

During their introduction session, base leaders recognized the impact the new fitness program will have. 

"It changes things, switches it up. It puts them in shape because it's not the same PT," said Maj. Shane Barrett, commander of the 982nd Maintenance Squadron. 

Maj. Terry Koester, commander of the 362nd Training Squadron, agreed and felt this training was a more effective use of PT time. 

"I loved it, I got a good workout. That's what PT should be all the time... It's a whole body workout that will reduce injuries," he said. "That's going to motivate everyone."