HAWC adds new fitness training Published Aug. 15, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Foster 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- An Air Force-wide effort recently launched for all installation exercise physiologists to assist in developing cardiovascular fitness for Airmen. With the emphasis placed on the running portion of the Air Force fitness test, the eight week intervention is aimed at significantly improving an Airman's performance in that area. "This program is an evidenced-based training protocol to help improve an Airman's 1.5 mile run time and overall cardiovascular fitness level," said Dale Bennett, Hanscom's Health and Wellness Center exercise physiologist. Although the training program is open to everyone, the target population is Airmen who are not receiving at least 45 of the 60 points available on the cardiovascular portion of their Air Force fitness assessment. Priority in the class will be given to active duty Airmen with a run score that falls below 45. "Programs such as this are ever present through the Health and Wellness Center, but they are often not sought out, or folks tend to wait until after there is a problem, such as a fitness failure," Bennett said. "With the impact that an unsatisfactory fitness test score has on one's career, it is ever more important to achieve and maintain a healthy fitness regime." Airmen may join the program at anytime; however, the most improvement will more likely be seen by those participating in the entire training protocol. The program begins with building a foundation of cardiovascular endurance and then the training will shift and focus on increased speed. Because of that, those that engage early will likely reap the most benefits. Bennett explained that although the goal is to increase participants' 1.5 mile run times, an important factor is the decreased health risk related to cardiovascular disease. "Cardiovascular fitness is intricately tied to the risk of developing many diseases that plague our population, both active duty and civilians," said Bennett. "Our aim in health promotion is to decrease that risk of disease and injury and work to 'prehab vs. rehab' folks." A secondary focus of the program is for unit physical training leaders to build upon their skills in working with Airmen. PTLs will assist with the program and hopefully learn important tools that can be used when devising a training plan for their units or individual members. Even though unit physical training sessions are no longer required in the Air Force, there are many units on base that still offer them to their members. "The assistance of the PTLs is critical to the success of not only this round of the intervention but also to the future of it," said Bennett. "The intent is to train the PTLs in this protocol so they may take it back to their units to incorporate into their unit-based training efforts. With only one exercise physiologist on the base, it is imperative to provide the PTLs with effective, evidence-based tools that they can incorporate into their unit programs." Hanscom's Health and Wellness Center has only three staff: a health educator, exercise physiologist, and a dietitian. In training the PTLs, Bennett hopes it will open his schedule to perform more in-depth counseling or analysis, such as a Gait Analysis. A Gait Analysis is when a member is videotaped standing, walking and running so their running form and foot type can be evaluated. For those unable to attend the intervention, Bennett said his advice is to get engaged and ask for assistance. "There are a number of great resources available for free, which cost a premium on the local economy," Bennett said. "Unit PTLs are trained in exercise and nutrition and assistance may also be found from the HAWC staff, via classes or individual counseling and assessments." The eight week training program, that began Aug. 13, holds sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 3 p.m. at the HAWC or outdoor track. For information about the cardiovascular training program, contact the HAWC at 781-225-6374 or register by emailing 66.mds.hawc@hanscom.af.mil.