HAWC helps prepare Airmen for new PT test

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jennifer Viveiros
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  With the new Air Force physical training test coming out, it may be time for some Airmen to start being more proactive about their heath and fitness.

Some of the proposed changes in the new program include testing twice a year, a tougher scoring matrix and civilian test administration.

One option for getting a jumpstart on being fit to fight is by visiting the Warren Heath and Wellness Center located inside the Freedom Hall Fitness Center. The HAWC offers a number of programs, services and courses designed to help Airmen work on their health, fitness and readiness.

"We run the gamut with our programming here at the HAWC," said Tom O'Brien, the HAWC's health education program manager.

One of the fitness services the HAWC provides are exercise consultations, said Alison Morrell, a certified exercise physiologist at the HAWC.

"We teach exercise basics, provide fitness equipment orientation and give personalized training prescriptions," Ms. Morrell said.

Airmen who want to go a step further in bettering their fitness strength can participate in the running clinic, spinning certification or the physical training leader course, she added.

The HAWC also offers programs to Airmen who want to improve their diet and live a healthier lifestyle, Mr. O'Brien said. They provide nutrition counseling with registered dietitians, cholesterol classes, a diabetic support group as well as smoking cessation programs.

Currently, the HAWC is making some additions to the program, Mr. O'Brien said. They are building a videogame exercise room and are starting The F.E. Warren Active-Duty Community-Wide Fitness Challenge.

"This is a local biggest loser type program that is designed to increase physical activity, promote healthier eating and encourage smoking cessation," Mr. O'Brien said.
Both Mr. O'Brien and Ms. Morrell said that these new programs will help promote HAWC services on base.

"In the past there has been a negative misconception that the HAWC is strictly for Airmen in poor health or who are not passing their fitness test, we'd like to change that," Ms. Morrell said.

Ms. Morrell said she encourages those Airmen who are a little apprehensive about the HAWC to stop by, get some information and talk to somebody.

"We have an open door policy here," Ms. Morrell said. "We'll do whatever we can to address your health or fitness needs."

The concept of the new PT test is to encourage airmen to stay fit year round as opposed to keeping fit just to pass a test.

For more information call the HAWC at 773-4292.