Success in the HAWC’s ‘Be Well’ program

  • Published
  • By Jasmine Simon
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  Airmen proving that they are ready to Fly, Fight and Win require rigorous training. Passing the Air Force physical training test is key to Airmen proving that they are "fit to fight."

The PT test is a four-part assessment that measures abdominal circumference, push-up and sit-up performance and an endurance run. Although most Airmen pass the PT test, occasionally Airmen need assistance in doing so. An Airman who does not pass the PT test has 10 duty days to enroll in the Health and Wellness Center's "Be Well" program, which currently has a 72 percent success rate.

HAWC Chief Flight Nurse Mitchell Tirado attributes the programs' success to Col. Maness.

"One reason for this outstanding success rate is because our Air Base Wing commander, Col. Maness, is a great proponent and supporter. Our troops come to class in their PT gear they are doing an hour of cardio, and doing flexibility (stretching/breathing); then we do strength training; working on the upper body and the core, concentrating on the muscle groups that control push-ups," Ms. Tirado said.

The "Be Well" encompasses nutrition, activity exercise and training principles.

Zac Holmes, a Fitness Assessment Cell staff member at the East Fitness Center, volunteers to lead a weekly running group that helps Airmen make their best run time. Many Airmen opt to prepare for the PT test by joining his group.

Master Sgt. Stephen Kline, 705th Combat Training Squadron, has participated in both the Be Well program and running group and has seen results.

After training with the running group, he beat his total run time by two and a half minutes.

"The most beneficial thing about Zac's approach is learning to pace; for example, not starting off too quickly then dying for the last half mile. My run time in September was 15:28. In early December, I had my time down to 13:02. I'm 44 years old... the fastest I've ever run is 12:30."

To accommodate varying schedules, the Be Well program is every Tuesday 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. On the third Tuesday of the month, the program is 4 to 8 p.m.

For more information, call 846-1186.