128 ARW Airmen Prepare for New Fitness Standards

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze
  • 128th Air Refueling Wing
MILWAUKEE --  Airmen from the 128th Air Refueling Wing gathered at the Cudahy High School on Saturday, April 10, 2010, to perform their annual physical fitness test.

Tech. Sgt. Amy Auxier, a 128 ARW services fitness program manager, said the physical fitness program is designed to "promote a healthy lifestyle, for your whole life."

Being fit and healthy will benefit all Airmen, regardless of their duty responsibilities, she said.

The Air Force's fitness standards are measured by how many push-ups and sit-ups an Airman can do in one minute each, what an Airman's waist size is, and by how fast an Airman can run a mile and a half. Requirements for these actions are based on age, and they do take into account an Airman's current health.

Fitness standards are being revamped, though.

Run times will be faster, the waist-measurement requirements will become more lenient, and the age brackets regarding performance requirements will increase from five-year to ten-year intervals, Auxier said.

Tech. Sgt. Adam Zuniga, also a 128 ARW services fitness program manager, said fitness has a bearing on deployments as well as home-station duties.

"Being fit enables you to focus on your mission," Zuniga said. "There isn't much else to do after work [while deployed], so fitness helps pass the time."

Zuniga also stressed the importance of incorporating fitness and work-outs into the daily lives of Airmen.

"People are the most important asset of the Air Force. If they're healthy, then the mission is healthy," he said.

However, the Air Force isn't the only motivation Airman should have for being physically fit.

"You need to be fit for yourself, not for the Air Force," Zuniga said. "Fitness should be something you enjoy."

Auxier also offered advice, saying, "You need to find a healthy balance [regarding fitness] that works for you and your schedule."

Air Force fitness tests have increased to twice per year for active duty members, while the Air National Guard will maintain a single annual test.