Sheppard unleashes the BEAST

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Robert L. McIlrath
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Instead of waiting for New Year's Day to start improving yourself, why not start sooner with the new basic exercise and strength training (BEAST) program available here.

The BEAST program evolved from the running improvement program that started in 2010, with a major difference.

"The Running Improvement Program educated people on how to be more efficient runners," said Master Sgt. Derek Allar, 82nd Contracting Squadron contract administrator. "The workouts were intense, but strictly based around running, and around core work. BEAST will train these same areas, but will also include flexibility training as well as upper body training."

The 12-week program offers a higher level of intensity for those who need to reach that next level of fitness.

"We would like everyone who comes through the program, and really dedicates themselves to it, to achieve at least a 90 on their PT test," Allar said.

Scoring over a 90 on a PT test isn't the only objective BEAST offers.

"Even if they don't reach a 90 percent score, we want them to be more confident in their own abilities," Allar said.

The BEAST program has been in the development stage for several months and consists of many moving parts.

"We are coordinating with several base agencies to give people a better understanding of overall fitness, so that they can be healthier, more effective individuals," Allar said. "We wanted to ensure that we had the proper equipment and the proper workout routine for our participants."

The meeting places for BEAST will be at the base track and the fitness center and will last one-hour.

"The meeting will take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday," said 1st Lt. Ana Habluetzel, 82nd Training Wing chief of protocol. "During the fall and winter seasons the meetings will be at 4:30 p.m., once it's back to hot weather we will meet early in the mornings around 5 a.m."

If you are interested in joining the BEAST program or have any questions, an information briefing is scheduled to be held at the Solid Rock Café Oct. 29, 2014, at 4:30 p.m. and a pre-assessment is scheduled for Oct. 31, 2014, at 4:30 p.m. at the Health and Wellness Center.

For more information please contact Airman 1st Class Dustin Fazzini at 940-676-5188.