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HAWC provides new physical training education

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicole Sikorski
  • 20th Fighter Wing public affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Shaw Health and Wellness Center now offers six different classes to educate Airmen who do not meet Air Force physical training standards. 

Airmen are tested regularly with a fitness assessment comprised of a 1.5 mile run, pushups, sit ups and a waist measurement, all of which requires an overall composite score of 75 to pass.

When Airmen do not meet the minimum standard, they will be offered classes such as Running 101, Healthy Weight 101, Strength Training 101, Better Body Better Life, a Military One Source Personal Health Coach or BE WELL online.

Currently Airmen have only one choice, to take BE WELL, which stands for: balanced eating, workout effectively, and live long, and is also a two to three-hour course which provides them with resources to optimize fitness. However, according to the HAWC, it is an unrealistic wish for such a short class to make such a lasting impression.

Now after failing the fitness assessment, Airmen will receive an AF form 108 which will be signed by their unit fitness program manager and commander, enrolling them in one of the available courses.

The new courses are geared toward Airmen's individual needs, while involving commander's oversight, and provide greater flexibility for Airmen as far as shifts and family so that they may focus on failure prevention.

"The new course will be much more flexible," said Penny Hardin, HAWC promotion programs coordinator. "I think individuals will be able to meet their individual goals for fitness a lot better."

Not only are Airmen required to take one of these courses as a result of a pt failure, but they are also offered the option to enroll in more than one if they are struggling in multiple areas.

"It will definitely provide more available options for Airmen to be successful," said Tech. Sgt. Suzie Bright, HAWC NCO in charge.

If there are any questions about the new program, which will be implemented July 1, please call the HAWC at 803-895-4902.