Don't drink your PT scores away Published Oct. 19, 2012 By Senior Airman Tiffany M. Grigg 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- In those few months prior to taking a physical fitness test, many Airmen hit the gym more vigorously, drink more water and cut out the cakes and pies. However, one area that Airmen may not change is how much alcohol they're consuming; ignoring that area could be what's keeping some from getting that score of 90 or even passing. The best route for Airmen to take is to lead a healthy lifestyle year round, not just shortly before a PT test. "Working out last minute will not give you the best results," said Airman 1st Class Matthew Russ, 48th Force Support Squadron fitness center journeyman. "Success is not something given. You have to work hard." Despite working out regularly and eating healthy, Airmen that drink on a regular basis could still be putting on weight from alcohol, which may negatively affect their PT scores. "If you drink just two beers a day for a week, that adds up to more than 2,000 calories for a weekly calorie count, which can add up to 15 pounds of fat per year," said Tech. Sgt. Anna Glorioso, 48th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment. "With excessive intake, putting on that weight and getting a beer belly, a lot of people will have issues with the waist measurement on a PT test." Along with the negative physical aspects, alcohol can also affect the fitness of Airmen by instilling a lack of motivation. "After a night of binge drinking, a lot of individuals are then not motivated to get up and go to the gym the next day," said Glorioso. Binge drinking is four or more drinks for females and five or more for males in one sitting. "Also, if they were to get up and go work out the next day, the heart muscle is weakened, so they're actually in danger of doing significant cardiac damage to themselves." Aside from failing PT tests, excessive alcohol consumption can be a serious threat to your life. "Every organ and facet of the body can be negatively affected (by alcohol)," said Glorioso. "Because of the nature in which alcohol is consumed, it actually goes to all cells in the body. The primary areas are the muscles and organs, where particular atrophy can occur." Atrophy is the partial or complete wasting away of a part in the body. Through regular exercise, a healthy diet and limiting alcohol consumption, not only can PT tests be passed, but Airmen can find themselves with less stress and more energy.