HAWC helps Airmen prepare for new PT standards Published April 1, 2010 By Samantha S. Crane 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Editor's note: This is part one in a series of articles focusing on the Air Force's new physical training test standards and how Team Scott is preparing. With the Air Force's new physical training standards only three months away, Airmen here must ask themselves, "Am I ready?" If the answer isn't reassuring, there's still time to set a goal and hit the gym, but it doesn't have to be done alone. Under the current standards, some Airmen count on one portion of the test to earn extra points to make up where they have not done as well on another portion, but with the new standards being introduced July 1, a minimum requirement is enforced in each component, making it necessary to meet the standard in all areas. The 375th Medical Group's Health and Wellness Center, located on the second floor of the Fitness Center, offers more than half a dozen different classes each month to help Airmen get and stay fit. The 375th Force Support Squadron fitness staff also offers aerobics classes to pump up any fitness plan. "We want to teach people not to train just for the biannual test, but to adopt a year-round fitness lifestyle," said Lue Daniels, HAWC health program manager and flight commander. The Scott HAWC focuses on four areas--tobacco prevention and cessation, healthy weight, optimal nutrition and physical activity, and offers classes focusing on each specific area. If that's not enough, one-on-one counseling is available. "Anyone can make an appointment to be seen if what they're doing isn't working," said Ms. Daniels. "If you're just getting by, you may not anymore when the new standards come out; therefore, you should come in now. Don't wait until you're put on a mandated program." Laura Weiglein, HAWC health technician, said, "be proactive. Let us help." The HAWC also offers tools to help determine a member's fitness progress like the "Bod Pod." The egg-like container calculates a person's body fat percentage. Customers sit in the pod while the computer calculates body fat and lean muscle mass. The whole process takes less than fifteen minutes. To help relieve stress from workouts, work or just day-to-day life, Team Scott can also take advantage of free, 15 to 20 minute aqua massages through the HAWC. While some classes are mandatory for individuals with failing PT scores, like the Healthy Living Program and Body Composition Improvement, everyone is welcome. "These classes are beneficial to anyone seeking to improve their fitness program," Ms. Weiglein said. The Fast, Faster, Fastest class trains participants on techniques to improve a 1.5 mile run time while Anatomy of a Running Shoe helps people find the right shoe for them. Running Gait Assessments are also available. Exercise physiologist, Mr. Bromley, recommends training for the new fitness standards now. "When it comes to meeting the new PT standards, proactive behavior will beat reactive behavior. All components of the fitness test will count." The HAWC's dietician, Christine Cooley, teaches classes focused on eating for performance, menu planning and managing the scale. "If you're having issues managing your weight, these classes are a good source to get information," said Ms. Cooley. "We can also help you devise a plan that works for you." "Everything the HAWC offers is free to everyone here--active duty, Guard, Reserve, DoD civilians, contractors, family members--everyone," said Ms. Daniels. "We are here for you." "Fitness is a lifestyle," said Ms. Daniels. "It's your health." Visit the Web site www.scott.af.mil/news/bulletinboard.asp for a schedule of HAWC classes or www.375fss.com/fitness_center.htm for a list of classes offered by the gym staff. To reach the HAWC, call 256-7139. To find more information on the new standards, visit www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram/index.asp.