Air Force Reserve begins fitness testing

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lance Patterson
  • Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) --  Air Force reservists across the country are under the new Air Force fitness-testing standards as of April 1.

Previously, fitness was measured by height-based weight restrictions, and reservists were tested on aerobic health through a 3-mile walk. The new standards include a waist measurement, push-ups, crunches and a 1.5-mile run.

“Our emphasis is on the overall health and wellness of our members’ lifestyles,” said 2nd Lt. Eric Doggett, unit fitness program manager for the Air Force Reserve Command headquarters here. “Being physically fit paves the way for more rewards than a passing score; it promotes a more productive and energetic way of life.”

About 75,800 reservists train on full- and part-time duty. Since Sept. 11, 2001, about one in four has been activated and about 6,000 are currently mobilized.

“Air Force reservists play an integral role in our national defense and are vital to the effectiveness of our military in combat,” said Maj. Richard Watson, commander of the 951st Reserve Support Squadron here. “Having our people physically fit not only helps that (they) stay healthy, but it also ensures the Air Force Reserve Command mission is a success.”

In February, key members of the command staff were tested under the new standards.

“In a climate with a high-operations tempo, we just need to be better fit,” Major Watson said. “

All Airmen are expected to meet the new physical-fitness program standards. People who score above 90 are considered in excellent health. A total score of 75 to 89.99 is good; 70 to 74.99 is marginal; and less than 70 is poor.

The scoring is broken down by age and gender. Beginning with “under age 25,” the charts go up every five years for both men and women. As an Airman’s age progresses, the number of push-ups and crunches required for a 100-point score goes down and more time is allowed for the run. However, the waist-measurement standard remains constant, no matter what the Airman’s age.

“Abdominal circumference is the only chart that doesn’t allow for age,” Lieutenant Doggett said. “For men, a top score of 30 points means a measurement of less than 32.5 inches, whether you’re 18 years old or 55. For women, it’s 29.5 inches.”

For more information on the new fitness program visit https://wwwmil.afrc.af.mil/hq/sg/FitnessProgram/PhysicalFitness.htm (Courtesy of AFRC News Service)