OCR Text |
Show Fighter Country August 25, 2005 Top: Airmen with the 388th Fighter Wing intelligence shop and others run on treadmills at the Hess Fitness Center as part of their physical training. These intelligence Airmen are required to show up three times a week to exercise with their unit as part of a fitness program. Working out together builds comradarie and morale. Bottom left: Airman 1st Class David Yoon, an intelligence analyst with the 388th FW, builds up his triceps during squadron physical training. Bottom right: Tech. Sgt. Shawn Unruh, NCOIC of targets in the 388th FW intelligence shop, works on his upper body strength in the fitness center Phoios by Airman Stefanki Torres 388th Fighter Wing Airmen remain fit to fight, improving health awareness together as team By Airman Stefanie Torres 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Up -- down! Up -- down! Jumping jacks! Ready — go! These reminiscent sounds of the joys of exercising and basic training are enough to make some Airmen flee. Although exercising is supposed to be implemented in everyday life in the military, that's not always the case. Working during the summer months can be draining and Airmen Pholo byAifman Stefome Toffos Senior Airman James San key, an intelligence weapons apprentice, works hard on the elliptical machine at the Hess Fitness Center as part of his units physical training program. are still finding ways of avoiding the gym for various reasons. Gen. John Jumper, Air Force chief of staff, stated in October 2003, that the culture of the Air Force is changing. Exercise should be implemented almost everyday and Airmen should be ready at all times. "I want to make very clear that my focus is not on passing a fitness test once a year,'1 he said. Many squadrons within the 388th Fighter Wing have physical training to keep their Airmen in shape. Exercising can be tedious to begin or keep up with, but the impact is worth it for most. The Hess Fitness Center here is open for military and civilians and employs personal trainers for those who are looking to improve their physical fitness. "The military1 has first priority on physical assessments if they want to utilize one of our trainers," said Mike Rypian, a 75th Services fitness specialist. "When Airmen come in, we give them a basic assessment to determine their fitness level and then we put them on a resistance and cardiovascular program based on what they want or need," he said. Studies prove that keeping up fitness standards contribute directly to looking and feeling better on the outside as well as inside. According to the Acefitncss website, running decreases blood pressure, blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol levels and decreases body mass index scores, which will prove highly effective in the Air Force for the new fitness program. With the new program. Airmen with a BMI of less than 25 will earn 30 points for their total body composition instead of having waist measurements. But, if the BMI is higher than 25, waist measurements will be the alternative. Your BMI uses your height and weight to estimate how much tat is on your body. A BMI of at least 25 indicates overweight. A BMI of 30 or more indicates you are obese. Your waist size indicates whether you have an apple shape and tend to carry fat around your midsection. Your health risks increase even further with increasing waist size. A waist measurement greater than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women indicates a significant increase in health risk, according to the website. "The training sessions last for one hour a day and up to four times a week, depending on the types of goals and plans the person has," said Mr. Rypian. Training programs arc available on base for those who want to get back into shape. It is free and at the Airmen's convenience. As part of the Air Force fitness test. Airmen have to complete a 1.5 mile run under a certain time limit. The websites provide very useful tips for those who have trouble running. Running isn't for everyone, it states. But if you're a regular walker, you can begin a training program to gradually pick up the pace and become a runner. If you're not a walker, start out with an eight-day walking program. Walk 20 minutes for the first four days and 30 minutes for the next four days. Don't push yourself too hard at the beginning, the website explains. Start out running slowly (about the pace of a fast walk) for about two minutes and walking for four. Repeat the run/walk interval four more times (fora total of five times or 30 minutes). Do this regimen three times a week or longer - until you feel comfortable with the pace. The next week, run for three minutes and walk for three minutes. Eventually, you'll be running for the full 30 minutes. For more health tips, visit www.acefilness.org or talk to a representative at the Mess Fitness Center. The number you see on the scale doesn't necessarily tell you whether you need to lose weight. That's because two people of the same height and weight can have different bone structures. They may carry different amounts of muscle and body fat. For most adults, determining your BMI and waist size are reliable ways to tell whether you are overweight and to estimate your risk for health problems, according to the website. There are many other useful websites with tips on running or working out. Military members are encouraged to find the program that's right for them, and don't hesitate to talk to a representative at the Fitness Center. "We are constantly working for those who choose to give themselves a great lifestyle," said Mr. Rypian. The Hess Fitness Center also has different types of classes for cardio, body sculpting, abdominal classes and many more available. Flyers are available at the gym. The personal training assessments and equipment orientations are free. The number to the Hess fitness center is 777-2762. |