PT still mandatory for those on profile

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Ashley Conner
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFPN) --  Many Airmen believe being on profile is an escape route from participating in unit physical training, but officials here said it is not.

“Just because a (person) has a profile that says ‘no running, jumping, crunches, push-ups, and no cycle ergo’ does not mean that the (Airman) cannot go to the fitness center and participate in unit fitness,” said Lt. Col. Kathleen Ankers, 22nd Medical Group’s medical staff chief.

There are only a few reasons an Airmen can be exempt from unit fitness, which include being hospitalized, being closely medically supervised during convalescence from a very serious illness and being on medically prescribed bed rest, officials said.

Though a person may not be able to participate fully in all the unit’s specific exercises, he or she will need to participate in an individual exercise program.

Health and wellness center officials can tailor individual exercise routines to meet the person’s needs and limitations.

“We conduct a one-on-one interview with (Airmen) to determine (their) limitations unique to them, such as high blood pressure, pregnancy or injuries,” said Bart Patterson, a health technician at the center here.

In most cases, the person’s limitations are what prevent him or her from participating in the unit’s program, officials said.

Once the limitations are assessed, they list their goals, such as to lose weight or increase muscle mass, and describe what type of workout they want.

“They tell us how often they want to work out and what equipment they want to use. If their ideal workout isn’t effective, we tailor it. It is a very individualized process,” Mr. Patterson said.

Airmen may not be able to run or complete the push-up portions of the fitness test, but if they are able to have their abdominal circumference measured, they can be fitness tested, since a score can be calculated on the basis of just one measure, officials said.

A primary care provider can recommend exception from abdominal circumference testing only after an abdominal surgery or up to 180 days after pregnancy, according to Air Force Instruction 10-248, Fitness Program.

Airmen who violate a profile can have administrative action taken by their commander. This could possibly have negative repercussions if they meet a medical board and it is documented that they did not follow orders.