Fitness testing program sets the bar

  • Published
  • By by Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  When the new Air Force fitness standards go in effect July 1, Osan Airmen should be ready to meet and exceed standards, thanks to the base's innovative fitness testing program.

51st Force Support Squadron members and Health and Wellness Center staff have teamed up to provide a program that has already earned praise from other bases who have implemented many of its elements at their own testing centers.

Most importantly, the testing program clearly defines and measures the new standards, while Airmen still have time to recognize areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to improve their scores.

Fitness Assessment Cells were created and began testing in March 2009 - 11 months ahead of schedule, said Capt. Jennifer Cornell, 51st Force Support Squadron. A video briefing of the Air Force's new fitness standards was created, and push-up, sit-up, and run stations were implemented using testing "chalks."

"Our exercise physiologist put together an 'assembly line' style of testing," said Captain Cornell. "The system is very efficient ... standardizing and streamlining the process saves time and resources."

As Airmen arrive at the HAWC for testing, according to their scheduled chalk, they view the video briefing, which provides not only the verbiage of Air Force Instruction 10-248 - fitness standards - but a visual demonstration of proper push-up and sit-up techniques from three different angles.

"This standardizes the process," said Dr. Reggie O'Hara, 51st Medical Group exercise physiologist. "Airmen see the same thing each time they test, so there are no surprises."

Standardization is the prevalent theme in each area of testing. Waist measurements are performed using Gulick tape, said Dr. O'Hara, which is a tension regulated tape that applies exactly four ounces of pressure each time.

Airmen then transition from one testing station to the next, where FAC testers observe, then record scores on two cards - one card tallies their official score under the current fitness standards; the other calculates points under the new standards, so Airmen can gauge where they stand.

Another benchmark of Osan's fitness program is the running test. Airmen testing at the indoor fitness center wear jerseys corresponding with color-coded display cards, allowing each runner to maintain constant awareness of how many laps they have to go.

Testing chalks are scheduled Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. On Tuesday and Thursday, the chalks meet in the afternoon.

A portion of each of the testing elements here, including the jersey system, testing chalks, and video were adapted by HAWCs at Kunsan AB, ROK, Travis AFB, Calif., and the Air Force Academy in Colorado.

"Testing is fair and accurate - all Airmen are held to the same standards," said Dr. O'Hara.

"We trust our testers 100 percent," he said. "They're constantly observing and validating each other."

Mike Deckard, 51st FSS fitness center director, said, "We're ahead of the ballgame ... both within the command and Air Force-wide."

"The fitness center and HAWC staff have partnered up to make this transition work," he said. "The coordination has been unbelievable."

For Airmen who don't meet current fitness standards, or who would not score a passing grade after July 1, "Helping Airmen Willing to Change" is the base's fitness increment program that lives up to its billing.

"Some Airmen have seen an increase of 30 to 40 points on their test scores," Mr. Deckard said. "Classes have been completely full each time, so Airmen eligible for the program should apply quickly."

For Airmen simply looking to get into better shape, the fitness center and HAWC both offer many programs, Mr. Deckard said.

Just a few of the options include the Osan running club, spin classes, kickboxing and Zumba. The fitness center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has 200 pieces of equipment available.

"Having access to these tools, there's really no excuse to not get into shape," said Mr. Deckard.