Get Fit to Fight at the HAWC

  • Published
  • By Ashley Mangin
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs volunteer
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  If being round is a shape, then some Airmen on base are in shape. Yet, there is hope for Airmen haplessly unfit, and it comes in the form of the 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron's Health and Wellness Center's classes, which are designed specifically to help Airmen re-shape themselves and become fit to fight.

Failing a PT test can result in serious consequences for Airmen, said Aaron Leach, 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron HAWC exercise physiologist. If an Airman accumulates four PT test failures, the squadron commander has the option to decide whether separation from the Air Force is appropriate or if the Airman needs more personalized help to get physically fit. The commander has the option to mandate the Airmen take one or more of the classes offered at the HAWC.

Shock and Awe and Vital 90 are the two most recommended of the HAWC's programs for Airmen who have failed or are at risk of failing their PT test, said Leach. While the programs can be mandatory, they are also open to anyone who wants to take the initiative to seek help getting in shape.

"The main reason these programs were started was because Airmen wanted different options to improve depending on where they are in the program," said Leach.

Shock and Awe is an intensive program modeled after The Biggest Loser, said Leach. Airmen work out twice a day five days a week for 90 days. The program also includes mandatory nutritional guidelines and counseling provided by the HAWC's registered dietician. Shock and Awe was specifically designed for Airmen who have had multiple PT test failures.

"Shock and Awe is the last resort," said Lindsay Burks, 19th AMDS HAWC health and fitness specialist. "They've had at least three PT test failures by the time they get to me."

However drastic and rigid Shock and Awe is, the results are extremely effective, said Burks.

"We had someone in the program who was 48 years old," said Burks. "In a month's time, he took three minutes off his run, and after four failures, got his PT score up past 90."

While Shock and Awe is designed for Airmen in drastic PT circumstances, Vital 90 is a total body workout for individuals who have only failed once or are concerned they might fail their PT test, said Burks. It's not as intense as Shock and Awe, but it still gets results.

"The success rate for Vital 90 is 82 percent, said Burks. The average improvement in test scores was 19 points."

The HAWC doesn't only offer classes for Airmen who have or fear they will fail PT, said Leach. There are also classes designed for Airmen having difficulty with the individual components of the PT test, there is a clinic to help strengthen those areas.

"We'll work on technique and then dial up the intensity with repetitions," said Leach.

Airmen struggling with their PT tests are not a new problem, however, the classes and support offered at the HAWC is specifically designed to combat these problems head-on. The classes can be mandated or voluntary, but are specifically designed to help Airmen achieve the ideal and remain fit to fight.