HAWC offers PT leader training for all

  • Published
  • By Airman Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Team Sheppard members have an opportunity to improve their leadership abilities by attending the physical training leader courses at the health and wellness center.
The process of becoming a PTL begins with either a member's choice or that of their commander.

"Active duty members may ask to be appointed to be a PTL, or their commanders support staff may recommend them," said Nicole Wynne, information manager for the HAWC.
"Then their commanders write up a letter and assign them to PTL training."

Those choosing to become a PTL have a rewarding experience ahead of them, according to John Martin, the exercise physiologist at the HAWC.

"I encourage people that if they love fitness and want to contribute to the fit-to-fight program, talk to your commander and get appointed," Martin said.
"It's a great way to be a positive role model and help make the program as successful as possible."

In addition, it is required that PTLs maintain a good or excellent rating on their PT test.
If appointed, a prospective PTL will attend CPR and automated external defibrillator training before receiving a class date, Wynne said.
After signing up for a class, trainees will attend full-day training sessions held twice a month at the HAWC.

"The eight-hour session covers nutrition, injury prevention and physical training test administration," Wynne said.

"PTL training focuses on two main things: being safe and effective during PT and PT testing, and taking measures to prevent injuries," said Martin.
Martin said that while the curriculum is defined by U.S. Air Force headquarters, each bases exercise physiologist tends to tweak it somewhat.

Sheppard's PTL training includes the basic curriculum of PT and PT test, as well as guest speakers from Sheppard, Martin said. The speakers include a registered dietician, an orthopedic surgeon and a physical therapist.

In addition, the Sheppard HAWC teaches aspiring PTLs a myriad of exercises used for various purposes.

"We teach exercises focusing on injury prevention, result-specific (for those who want to tone certain muscles or lose weight in a certain area) and exercises to help increase a persons fitness level," Martin said. "We also teach PTLs to use exercises that maximize the workouts result while minimizing a persons time away from work."

The training PTLs receive is essential to ensure that the Air Force is fit to fight, Martin said.

"Our folks have to be ready to handle extreme conditions 12 to 14 hours a day," Wynne said. "If they aren't fit, they can't complete their mission."

For more information on becoming a PTL or the fit-to-fight program, call the HAWC at 676-4292.