Fitness class makes Airmen sit up

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Dobrydney
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 1.5-mile run might be worth the most points on the Air Force Physical Training test, but the sit-up and push-up portions can cause Airmen the most problems.

To help Airmen improve their scores, the 48th Force Support Squadron Fitness & Sports Center has begun a sit-up and push-up class Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:15 to 4:40 p.m.

The class is not restricted to active-duty military members, said Lorraine Botwright, 48th FSS fitness program director, however having 'sit-up' and 'push-up' in the class name is sure to be a draw.

"A big reason we are here is to help keep the military 'fit to fight;' maintaining fitness for everyday duties, fitness tests and deployed requirements, so I wanted a name that is clear, especially to active-duty military, that if you need help in this area, this class is for you," said Ms. Botwright.

The class focuses on everyday muscle functionality and posture in order to develop strength in a more effective way. Exercises range from isolating the different muscles to a large number of multi-muscle or compound exercises.

"The class environment takes away the competitive element allowing the individuals to challenge themselves," said Ms. Botwright.

Ms. Botwright added that as students progress in the class they should become stronger in ways that will help with everyday posture and movement and, especially for military members, when it comes time to take the PT test they will have developed more muscular strength and endurance.

Senior Airman Maxo Pierre, 48th Component Maintenance Squadron Aerospace Propulsion specialist, came to the class for the first time after hearing it advertised over the fitness center public address system.

"A lot of people could use this," Airman Pierre said after the class was finished. "It targets a lot of muscles you don't think about when you're doing push-ups."

Though the class has only just started, Ms. Botwright is keen to see its effect on those who attend.

"I am certainly interested to see how students who attend regularly improve their score and would love to think that with the help of this class some can turn a fail into a pass," she said.