PT training?

[fufu]

Just something that crossed my mind today. We get training for nearly EVERYTHING........ Why not PT?

There are so many misconceptions about healthy eating and exercise. The AF puts PT before almost every other task you do, but then doesn't give the proper training(and time for some us) to excel at this program.

There are people that literally think Frosted Flakes is a healthy breakfast. :rolleyes:

[Shaken1976]

Just something that crossed my mind today. We get training for nearly EVERYTHING........ Why not PT?

There are so many misconceptions about healthy eating and exercise. The AF puts PT before almost every other task you do, but then doesn't give the proper training(and time for some us) to excel at this program.

There are people that literally think Frosted Flakes is a healthy breakfast. :rolleyes:


Everyone knows you shouldn't eat Frosted Flakes. That is why I eat Dunkin Donuts... :D

[blacksheep1208]

Are you really asking for them to micromanage your life more than they already do? If people want to find out how to eat healthy they can sign up for classes at the HAWC.

[FCMVP#30]

I agree with you. 2 things I've said the AF needs to invest in to make the PT program successful. Certified personal trainers and sports medicine.

Your typical PTL has no idea what they are doing outside of the 1 day class they are given at the HAWC. Let alone do they know how to train different people and body types. The one sized fits all squadron PT really doesn't help anyone. It needs to be individually tailored to be as effective as possible. And trainer can educate each person and design a diet specifically for each individual.

The second thing is sports med people. They need an entire training room to help people before and after PT for injuries, and to help prevent injuries. People going to the doc and being on a profile doesnt work. Doc dont know how to treat sports injuries, motrine and rest doesnt help someone get in shape. And physical therapy being away from the gym deosnt help and they are understaffed as it is. Sports med will allow people to recover from injuries and in some cases treat them, tape them, or wrap them and still allow the individual to work out instead of being on a profile for six weeks while the rest the injury and go to Physical therapy.

Until the AF invests in both they are only giving lip service to PT

[Shrike]

Just something that crossed my mind today. We get training for nearly EVERYTHING........ Why not PT?

There are so many misconceptions about healthy eating and exercise. The AF puts PT before almost every other task you do, but then doesn't give the proper training(and time for some us) to excel at this program.

There are people that literally think Frosted Flakes is a healthy breakfast. :rolleyes:

Every HAWC at every base I've been at offers nutrition and/or healthy eating classes.

[technomage1]

I agree with you. 2 things I've said the AF needs to invest in to make the PT program successful. Certified personal trainers and sports medicine.

Your typical PTL has no idea what they are doing outside of the 1 day class they are given at the HAWC. Let alone do they know how to train different people and body types. The one sized fits all squadron PT really doesn't help anyone. It needs to be individually tailored to be as effective as possible. And trainer can educate each person and design a diet specifically for each individual.

The second thing is sports med people. They need an entire training room to help people before and after PT for injuries, and to help prevent injuries. People going to the doc and being on a profile doesnt work. Doc dont know how to treat sports injuries, motrine and rest doesnt help someone get in shape. And physical therapy being away from the gym deosnt help and they are understaffed as it is. Sports med will allow people to recover from injuries and in some cases treat them, tape them, or wrap them and still allow the individual to work out instead of being on a profile for six weeks while the rest the injury and go to Physical therapy.

Until the AF invests in both they are only giving lip service to PT

Well put, I agree.

[NFCstang]

Your typical PTL has no idea what they are doing outside of the 1 day class they are given at the HAWC. Let alone do they know how to train different people and body types. The one sized fits all squadron PT really doesn't help anyone. It needs to be individually tailored to be as effective as possible.

Really?

Because it seems to work pretty damn well for the Army and Marines and the AF until you get out of basic training and can start bitching about things.

I'll admit PT needs to have a focus but people have to actually work to improve.

One of the things we used to do when I was in ROTC for running was to break up into speed groups and work within your group to get faster. That way the slower folks aren't dragging the faster folks down, but still have the ability to work to get better. People have pointed out before that formation runs don't do much for anybody and they're right but try things like intervals and see how it goes.

For rugby we use a work out where we run 10 200s (timed between 30-40 secs) with 40 sec rest break between each one. That way you're covering 2000 meters but you can do it at a higher level of exerition then if you did it at one time. Think of it this way, you're covering 1.25 miles in 5-6 minutes. Probably works better to improve then jogging 1.5 miles in 13 minutes?

[h0vit0]

Well im sure if enough attention comes up there will be a CBT on pt training.

[nikkir2004]

our Pt at my last base was a joke.. it was the same thing every week no changing it up even just a little bit.. when it came to indian runs it was not broken up by run speeds it was broken up by shops so there were always people who can run like gazels and not break a sweat doing those for 1.5 miles and they wouldn't consider the slower runner it was just horrible work outs.

squadron runs are a joke too it has the accordian affect and the people leading it don't take into consideration that not everyone can run a 9 minute mile and a half

[ProGlfer88]

Just something that crossed my mind today. We get training for nearly EVERYTHING........ Why not PT?

There are so many misconceptions about healthy eating and exercise. The AF puts PT before almost every other task you do, but then doesn't give the proper training(and time for some us) to excel at this program.

There are people that literally think Frosted Flakes is a healthy breakfast. :rolleyes:

Why not take your own intitiative and do some research yourself on PT/nutrition. Why does the AF need train you on that as well? I mean, really, are you that irresponsible? Are you one of those that will only do things because you are told? Are you one of those that would try to sue the Air Force (if you could) when you get kicked out because you failed your PT test due to the fact that the Air didn't send you to a training class before subjecting you to PT? Good grief, I am not the foremost expert on fitness/nutrition, but at the very least I can GOOGLE nutrition for christ sakes. You just want to be able to point the finger at someone else for your failure because of your laziness and lack of initiative to figure things out for yourself....I bet you have to be supervised when cutting paper....oh yeah, don't eat the glue either....

[BRUWIN]

when it came to indian runs it was not broken up by run speeds it was broken up by shops

Can we still call them "Indian Runs?" I don't think we can call them indian runs anymore...it's not PC.

[FCMVP#30]

Really?

Because it seems to work pretty damn well for the Army and Marines and the AF until you get out of basic training and can start bitching about things.

I'll admit PT needs to have a focus but people have to actually work to improve.

One of the things we used to do when I was in ROTC for running was to break up into speed groups and work within your group to get faster. That way the slower folks aren't dragging the faster folks down, but still have the ability to work to get better. People have pointed out before that formation runs don't do much for anybody and they're right but try things like intervals and see how it goes.

For rugby we use a work out where we run 10 200s (timed between 30-40 secs) with 40 sec rest break between each one. That way you're covering 2000 meters but you can do it at a higher level of exerition then if you did it at one time. Think of it this way, you're covering 1.25 miles in 5-6 minutes. Probably works better to improve then jogging 1.5 miles in 13 minutes?

I'm talking about more than just running, talking about overall fitness and getting fat people in shape. PTL's dont know how to do that. And a Cerified Trainer can get people in shape quicker by tailoring workouts to the individuals needs, not just saying run fatty. Days like the circut training where the PTL has no idea what they are doing. Not only that, but the trainer is there to push that person beyond their limits, that doen't happen in group PT.

I konw it goes against the AF's mindset of doing thigs as a group. But which is more important, working out together, or getting people that are out of shape actually healthy?

Now I'm not saying there needs to be a 1 to 1 trainer to trainee ratio. But a certified trainer could put similar needs and body styles in small groups and work them that way, but the one size fits all fits no one. The reason it works for the AF in basic training is beacuse the majority going through are young. But as you get older your body changes. For men, testosterone levels drop, which leads to muscle loss and an increase in body fat. Happens at different rates for each person.

You can say group PT works, but I was a PTL and I've seen how ineffective the majority of PT sessions are. And I'm not a certified trainer, but I know a few, and I've seen the results they get. There is no comparision. Even if the AF paid for 1 PTL out of each squadron to get ACE ceritified it would be an improvement, and the medical savings in the long run would more than pay for those certifications.

[ProGlfer88]

I'm talking about more than just running, talking about overall fitness and getting fat people in shape. PTL's dont know how to do that. And a Cerified Trainer can get people in shape quicker by tailoring workouts to the individuals needs, not just saying run fatty. Days like the circut training where the PTL has no idea what they are doing. Not only that, but the trainer is there to push that person beyond their limits, that doen't happen in group PT.

I konw it goes against the AF's mindset of doing thigs as a group. But which is more important, working out together, or getting people that are out of shape actually healthy?

Now I'm not saying there needs to be a 1 to 1 trainer to trainee ratio. But a certified trainer could put similar needs and body styles in small groups and work them that way, but the one size fits all fits no one. The reason it works for the AF in basic training is beacuse the majority going through are young. But as you get older your body changes. For men, testosterone levels drop, which leads to muscle loss and an increase in body fat. Happens at different rates for each person.

You can say group PT works, but I was a PTL and I've seen how ineffective the majority of PT sessions are. And I'm not a certified trainer, but I know a few, and I've seen the results they get. There is no comparision. Even if the AF paid for 1 PTL out of each squadron to get ACE ceritified it would be an improvement, and the medical savings in the long run would more than pay for those certifications.

For the most part, the PTL postiion is nothing more than a bullet for an EPR. In our squadron, PT is once a week mandatory thing, that apparantly we need a PTL to lead. All but 2 of our PTL's actually look like they know a thing or two about fitness, the others are fat and slow and can't do a push correctly to save their asses. While the PTL position is, in my opinion, a worthy position, it needs to be filled by legitimately knowledgeable folks in nutrition and fitness, not someone that scores a 76 on their PT test and looks like a life-sized weeble...

[Falcongunner]

Quote:
Originally Posted by nikkir2004
when it came to indian runs it was not broken up by run speeds it was broken up by shops

Can we still call them "Indian Runs?" I don't think we can call them indian runs anymore...it's not PC.

They are called Native American Sprints now.

[BRUWIN]

They are called Native American Sprints now.

That's better. Although in all the westerns I've ever watched on TV I've never seen Native Americans doing Native American Sprints. They were always on horseback peering down from steep canyons at an unsuspecting marching Army calvary.

[ProGlfer88]

That's better. Although in all the westerns I've ever watched on TV I've never seen Native Americans doing Native American Sprints. They were always on horseback peering down from steep canyons at an unsuspecting marching Army calvary.

Of course they were peering down on an unsuspecting Army.....it was in the script.....And you can bet that John Wayne knew they were up there.....

[nikkir2004]

Can we still call them "Indian Runs?" I don't think we can call them indian runs anymore...it's not PC.

wow really... who really cares

i'll go back to basic training and call it last trainee up if that make you feel any better

[fufu]

Why not take your own intitiative and do some research yourself on PT/nutrition. Why does the AF need train you on that as well? I mean, really, are you that irresponsible? Are you one of those that will only do things because you are told? Are you one of those that would try to sue the Air Force (if you could) when you get kicked out because you failed your PT test due to the fact that the Air didn't send you to a training class before subjecting you to PT? Good grief, I am not the foremost expert on fitness/nutrition, but at the very least I can GOOGLE nutrition for christ sakes. You just want to be able to point the finger at someone else for your failure because of your laziness and lack of initiative to figure things out for yourself....I bet you have to be supervised when cutting paper....oh yeah, don't eat the glue either....

Your right, I'm sorry..... Next time I need to change a KC-135 tire, I'll just google it. Instead of going to the doc when my ankle hurts, I'd just google a step by step "how-to" surgery. Perhaps I'll google "how fire an M16" instead of going to CATM..........


For the most part, the PTL postiion is nothing more than a bullet for an EPR. In our squadron, PT is once a week mandatory thing, that apparantly we need a PTL to lead. All but 2 of our PTL's actually look like they know a thing or two about fitness, the others are fat and slow and can't do a push correctly to save their asses. While the PTL position is, in my opinion, a worthy position, it needs to be filled by legitimately knowledgeable folks in nutrition and fitness, not someone that scores a 76 on their PT test and looks like a life-sized weeble...

While your other post was stupid, this one solidifies my point. The AF trains you to do everything but running, eating and lifting properly. How can they put that much emphasis on PT and not give you the proper training to succeed?

As others have said, we need Sports Med individuals hired to teach, lead and train AF members based on BODY TYPE. I've always ran, ellipticall'ed, bike but was never gaining time on my run. I lifted and never gained on my pushups. It took me a considerable amount of time to figure out on my own what worked based on my body. This is where a Sports Med/Personal Trainer could help, that was the point I was trying to make.

[Shrike]

They are called Native American Sprints now.

I thought they were "Bangladeshi-American" runs. Or have I been miscontruing the whole "Indian" thing?

[AlanW]

I'm talking about more than just running, talking about overall fitness and getting fat people in shape. PTL's dont know how to do that. And a Cerified Trainer can get people in shape quicker by tailoring workouts to the individuals needs, not just saying run fatty. Days like the circut training where the PTL has no idea what they are doing. Not only that, but the trainer is there to push that person beyond their limits, that doen't happen in group PT.

I konw it goes against the AF's mindset of doing thigs as a group. But which is more important, working out together, or getting people that are out of shape actually healthy?

Now I'm not saying there needs to be a 1 to 1 trainer to trainee ratio. But a certified trainer could put similar needs and body styles in small groups and work them that way, but the one size fits all fits no one. The reason it works for the AF in basic training is beacuse the majority going through are young. But as you get older your body changes. For men, testosterone levels drop, which leads to muscle loss and an increase in body fat. Happens at different rates for each person.

You can say group PT works, but I was a PTL and I've seen how ineffective the majority of PT sessions are. And I'm not a certified trainer, but I know a few, and I've seen the results they get. There is no comparision. Even if the AF paid for 1 PTL out of each squadron to get ACE ceritified it would be an improvement, and the medical savings in the long run would more than pay for those certifications.

Seriously. Really. A certified trainer for PT scrubs who can’t pass something that my 10-year-old nephew can. Really. Who should get fat people into shape? How about themselves! We already have the HAWC that offers HLC and 5 day a week PT for those not meeting standards. I think those that are not meeting these easy standards should show some personal pride.

Who is going to pay for these “certified trainers”? We are in an economic crisis and you want to increase the budget, for “certified trainers”. Really? If you are fat then push yourself past your “limits”!

What’s next, we should have Jillian Michaels make a guest appearance at each base? Maybe she can motivate those who need their hand held, or maybe the Air Force can hire personal chefs and nutritionists too? I mean it’s not a fat persons fault what they eat because they need someone certified to tell them a jelly donut may not be the best thing for them. I am sure the “medical savings” would be tremendous.

[BENDER56]

Can we still call them "Indian Runs?" I don't think we can call them indian runs anymore...it's not PC.

Admit it Chief ... you're just jealous 'cause you can't have your Indian Head busts in your office anymore.

[ProGlfer88]

Your right, I'm sorry..... Next time I need to change a KC-135 tire, I'll just google it. Instead of going to the doc when my ankle hurts, I'd just google a step by step "how-to" surgery. Perhaps I'll google "how fire an M16" instead of going to CATM..........



While your other post was stupid, this one solidifies my point. The AF trains you to do everything but running, eating and lifting properly. How can they put that much emphasis on PT and not give you the proper training to succeed?

As others have said, we need Sports Med individuals hired to teach, lead and train AF members based on BODY TYPE. I've always ran, ellipticall'ed, bike but was never gaining time on my run. I lifted and never gained on my pushups. It took me a considerable amount of time to figure out on my own what worked based on my body. This is where a Sports Med/Personal Trainer could help, that was the point I was trying to make.

Really, you need to be taught "how to run"? Really? Did you actually do push-ups or watch others do it and hope through osmosis that it will magically help you? How freaking lazy are you? There is so much literature out there on fitness, but yet you need a directed training class on how to run, do a push-up and a sit-up, that is just pitiful! The only way to run faster is to run faster, the only to do more push-ups, is to do more push-ups, the only way to do more sit-ups, is to, you guessed it, DO MORE SIT-UPS!! Doing these sinmple exercises on a regular basis, and you will knock out the PT test, it doesn't take a training class to figure that out!

You would be amazed at the information you can "Google" the days. If I have a medical condition, I will 100% of the time, Google the Web MD before going straight to the Dr. If I can fix the problem then it saves me a trip, if I cannot, then at the very least I have done my research and I can better help to cure the problem. But by the sounds of it, you would be to lazy to accomplish a "step-by-step" surgery anyway....I wouldn't expect you to be able to google anything since the Air Force didn't send you to a class to teach you how to do it. However, you can google "how to shoot an M-16", how to accomplish the proper push-up, sit-up, lose weight, oh and you'll like this one.....how to RUN...

Have you never been to the HAWC (google it, it will tell you what it stands for)? There are Nutrionists and Sports/Med Personal trainers there for your disposal, and they even have college degrees. You complain that the Air Force needs to provide this, the fact is, your are to lazy to actually visit the HAWC and see that these avenues are provided. Just because someone doesn't tell you these things exist, or hold your hand and physically show you, doesn't mean they aren't out there. How many times did you piss on the toilet seat before realizing you needed to put it up? Just keep sitting on your couch playing World of Warcraft and "lifting" your red bull. And by the way, the characters on that game even run....figure it out!

[AlanW]

Nothing against anyone on the board, as most people have good intentions. However, the Air Force does not owe anyone anything more then what it says on their contract. I do not recall having a "certified trainer" as part of the deal. I thought the free gym membership was pretty cool in of itself.

As far as "certified trainers" are concerned, screw that! If someone needs a certified trainer then they can hire one for themeselves. I do not believe that the American tax payer should be paying for Airman to get in shape! That is something that an Airman (all ranks) should do on their own time, or with their own money.

We already get 3 days a week to get in shape as best as we possibly can. However, if that is not good enough then by all means do 25-50 crunches between the tv show you are watching at night. You do not need to go to gym to work out! Seriously. As a matter of fact, let the whole family bust out some push ups and crunches together, call it a chance for some family bonding. Hell, by a Nintendo Wii fit and try to do the hula thing a mig. You will drop some pounds.

By all means, please respond.

[AlanW]

Really, you need to be taught "how to run"? Really? Did you actually do push-ups or watch others do it and hope through osmosis that it will magically help you? How freaking lazy are you? There is so much literature out there on fitness, but yet you need a directed training class on how to run, do a push-up and a sit-up, that is just pitiful! The only way to run faster is to run faster, the only to do more push-ups, is to do more push-ups, the only way to do more sit-ups, is to, you guessed it, DO MORE SIT-UPS!! Doing these sinmple exercises on a regular basis, and you will knock out the PT test, it doesn't take a training class to figure that out!

You would be amazed at the information you can "Google" the days. If I have a medical condition, I will 100% of the time, Google the Web MD before going straight to the Dr. If I can fix the problem then it saves me a trip, if I cannot, then at the very least I have done my research and I can better help to cure the problem. But by the sounds of it, you would be to lazy to accomplish a "step-by-step" surgery anyway....I wouldn't expect you to be able to google anything since the Air Force didn't send you to a class to teach you how to do it. However, you can google "how to shoot an M-16", how to accomplish the proper push-up, sit-up, lose weight, oh and you'll like this one.....how to RUN...

Have you never been to the HAWC (google it, it will tell you what it stands for)? There are Nutrionists and Sports/Med Personal trainers there for your disposal, and they even have college degrees. You complain that the Air Force needs to provide this, the fact is, your are to lazy to actually visit the HAWC and see that these avenues are provided. Just because someone doesn't tell you these things exist, or hold your hand and physically show you, doesn't mean they aren't out there. How many times did you piss on the toilet seat before realizing you needed to put it up? Just keep sitting on your couch playing World of Warcraft and "lifting" your red bull. And by the way, the characters on that game even run....figure it out!

I really could not say it any better than that! Nice.

[BRUWIN]

wow really... who really cares

i'll go back to basic training and call it last trainee up if that make you feel any better

You better start caring Mister...now STFU.

[Jefe03]

What’s next, we should have Jillian Michaels make a guest appearance at each base? Maybe she can motivate those who need their hand held, or maybe the Air Force can hire personal chefs and nutritionists too? I mean it’s not a fat persons fault what they eat because they need someone certified to tell them a jelly donut may not be the best thing for them. I am sure the “medical savings” would be tremendous.

...a guy can wish!

[Shaken1976]

I don't think the Air Force needs a formal training on PT. But I do think that some people might need a little help. Maybe their form is a little off and someone can watch them run, sit up, and push up and give them advice on how to improve their form. Now if someone is running and notices someone else could do better if they changed something simple in their form they could improve running time. Maybe it could be something the PTL's do. If someone feels they need assistance they can go to a TRAINED PTL and request help. I know when I first did sit ups for my pt test the guy let me get all the way to the end before telling me that my hands had to stay on my chest and none of them had counted. I made a comment that he could have told me after the first one and he let me redo them.


I have seen people who think that the Keesler Shuffle is the best way to run. Just one person helping them by running with them and getting them to lengthen out their stride made all the difference.

[CLSE]

I don't think the Air Force needs a formal training on PT. But I do think that some people might need a little help. Maybe their form is a little off and someone can watch them run, sit up, and push up and give them advice on how to improve their form. Now if someone is running and notices someone else could do better if they changed something simple in their form they could improve running time. Maybe it could be something the PTL's do. If someone feels they need assistance they can go to a TRAINED PTL and request help. I know when I first did sit ups for my pt test the guy let me get all the way to the end before telling me that my hands had to stay on my chest and none of them had counted. I made a comment that he could have told me after the first one and he let me redo them.


I have seen people who think that the Keesler Shuffle is the best way to run. Just one person helping them by running with them and getting them to lengthen out their stride made all the difference.

ProGlfer88, I'm glad that you and so many others are gifted athletes.

Not everybody is (In case experience and the Air Force's diversity training program didn't get the point across, everybody is not the same)

If the Air Force is going to hang so much of the test on the run, then they need to at least make sure that everybody knows how to run properly.

Shakens bit about people doing the Keesler shuffle is a perfect example.

An individual will expend x amount of energy in x amount of time at a rate of x. If that individual can run efficiently, they will go far and fast.

If they can't run efficiently, they are going to waste a lot of energy on things other than moving down the track in a straight line. It doesn't matter what shape they're in, they are not going to run far or fast.

I have that exact problem. I can actually walk a forced march pace faster than I can jog. As a result, my attempt to keep running, by alternating between running and jogging, all the way through the 1.5 has been killing my time.

I was doing that based on listening to people like you who say "run, run, run and run some more - that'll do it!!!".

6 months after not being able to do more than about 3/4 of a mile at a stretch, I was able to do 3-mile runs, not really fast, but I was doing them, so my problem hasn't been from a lack of effort.

And, yes, I Googled it, I even asked the Pararescue guys at my least unit about it. It all helped a bit, but it doesn't fix the problem that I suck as a runner.

I'm good at fast walks and sprinting, not good at the in-between paces.

I'm sure there are plenty of others who are in similar situations.

The diet part is just as, if not more, critical.

If somebody is in the position of simultaneously having to lose weight and run farther and faster, then what they eat and how much they eat is going to be critical, or it won't work.

Currently, if somebody is overweight, the standard line is to tell them to restrict their caloric intake to 1200 calories per day.

That's idiotic for somebody who is trying to improve their running time, push-ups and sit-ups.

Not only are they not necessarily modifying what they eat, if they don't eat properly, they will force their body into starvation mode, which means that their body is going to store every bit of fat that it can (yes, there is scientific evidence for this).

On top of that, they're not even, or just barely, taking in enough calories each day to support just staying alive.

Now you expect them to have the energy available to go run 1.5 miles?

Back to the whole point of this, somebody needs to make sure that they are eating the right food and enough of it.

If the Air Force has the money to blow on new, distinctive uniforms, PT uniforms, PT program changes, consultants on the PT program that the Air Force will promptly ignore, flat screen TVs, etc., etc., etc., then the Air Force can afford some professional training to at least make sure that the people who need help have access to the proper resources that will help give them a chance at passing the test.

[Clevy03]

Yes,i have a problem doing PT on my own,and doing PT is all on me.What can i do to get more motavated to do PT?

[fufu]

ProGlfer88, I'm glad that you and so many others are gifted athletes.

Not everybody is (In case experience and the Air Force's diversity training program didn't get the point across, everybody is not the same)

If the Air Force is going to hang so much of the test on the run, then they need to at least make sure that everybody knows how to run properly.

Shakens bit about people doing the Keesler shuffle is a perfect example.

An individual will expend x amount of energy in x amount of time at a rate of x. If that individual can run efficiently, they will go far and fast.

If they can't run efficiently, they are going to waste a lot of energy on things other than moving down the track in a straight line. It doesn't matter what shape they're in, they are not going to run far or fast.

I have that exact problem. I can actually walk a forced march pace faster than I can jog. As a result, my attempt to keep running, by alternating between running and jogging, all the way through the 1.5 has been killing my time.

I was doing that based on listening to people like you who say "run, run, run and run some more - that'll do it!!!".

6 months after not being able to do more than about 3/4 of a mile at a stretch, I was able to do 3-mile runs, not really fast, but I was doing them, so my problem hasn't been from a lack of effort.

And, yes, I Googled it, I even asked the Pararescue guys at my least unit about it. It all helped a bit, but it doesn't fix the problem that I suck as a runner.

I'm good at fast walks and sprinting, not good at the in-between paces.

I'm sure there are plenty of others who are in similar situations.

The diet part is just as, if not more, critical.

If somebody is in the position of simultaneously having to lose weight and run farther and faster, then what they eat and how much they eat is going to be critical, or it won't work.

Currently, if somebody is overweight, the standard line is to tell them to restrict their caloric intake to 1200 calories per day.

That's idiotic for somebody who is trying to improve their running time, push-ups and sit-ups.

Not only are they not necessarily modifying what they eat, if they don't eat properly, they will force their body into starvation mode, which means that their body is going to store every bit of fat that it can (yes, there is scientific evidence for this).

On top of that, they're not even, or just barely, taking in enough calories each day to support just staying alive.

Now you expect them to have the energy available to go run 1.5 miles?

Back to the whole point of this, somebody needs to make sure that they are eating the right food and enough of it.

If the Air Force has the money to blow on new, distinctive uniforms, PT uniforms, PT program changes, consultants on the PT program that the Air Force will promptly ignore, flat screen TVs, etc., etc., etc., then the Air Force can afford some professional training to at least make sure that the people who need help have access to the proper resources that will help give them a chance at passing the test.

^^^^^^^^^This.

It is very difficult to INCREASE strength and LOSE weight. You can't just "decrease your calorie intake".

My story:

I was about 220lbs one year ago. I have always been able to run and had moderate strength. I could pass my PT test with a larger waist, b/c I could run low 11s for 1.5 miles. My diet was actually pretty good compared to my co-workers. I rarely ate fast food, fried food, high fat meals...one diet soda a day, water or tea unsweetened otherwise. My issue was overall calorie intake and carb intake.

I was able to get down to about 170 by the middle of May. I focused mainly on weight loss regardless of where it came from. I was one of those 'fat' skinny people. You know, the guy with a belly but only weighs 175.

Anyway, i got deployed and refocused my diet on protein intake and gaining strength. I've been able to increase my strength considerably the last 4 months.

I know some of you think "everybody should be able to max out pushups and situps". The fact is genetics plays a HUGE role in each individuals fitness level. Both of my parents are extremely overweight. I was raised in a house that didn't teach good eating habits.

I don't think google is the answer. Sorry. There are many lies being passed as "healthy". My son will never get Frosted Flakes as a regular breakfast. We will limit his simple carbs/sugars.

FWIW...............

[hcm2009]

Nothing against anyone on the board, as most people have good intentions. However, the Air Force does not owe anyone anything more then what it says on their contract. I do not recall having a "certified trainer" as part of the deal. I thought the free gym membership was pretty cool in of itself.

As far as "certified trainers" are concerned, screw that! If someone needs a certified trainer then they can hire one for themeselves. I do not believe that the American tax payer should be paying for Airman to get in shape! That is something that an Airman (all ranks) should do on their own time, or with their own money.

We already get 3 days a week to get in shape as best as we possibly can. However, if that is not good enough then by all means do 25-50 crunches between the tv show you are watching at night. You do not need to go to gym to work out! Seriously. As a matter of fact, let the whole family bust out some push ups and crunches together, call it a chance for some family bonding. Hell, by a Nintendo Wii fit and try to do the hula thing a mig. You will drop some pounds.

By all means, please respond.

Thanks for the post

[fufu]

Nothing against anyone on the board, as most people have good intentions. However, the Air Force does not owe anyone anything more then what it says on their contract. I do not recall having a "certified trainer" as part of the deal. I thought the free gym membership was pretty cool in of itself.

As far as "certified trainers" are concerned, screw that! If someone needs a certified trainer then they can hire one for themeselves. I do not believe that the American tax payer should be paying for Airman to get in shape! That is something that an Airman (all ranks) should do on their own time, or with their own money.

Working out during duty hours means the tax payers are paying us to get in shape.


We already get 3 days a week to get in shape as best as we possibly can.

Well, you might.