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Team Eglin Fitness Assessment Cell prepares for testing

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrew Caulk
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Force will begin testing twice a year beginning in January and the newly created Fitness Assessment Cell at Eglin will be ready.

Ben Gleason, Judith Forsyth, and Doug Crossland currently comprise the assessment team for all Team Eglin.

Air Force leadership implemented testing cells to accurately enforce standards and ensure fair testing.

"The Air Force fitness program audit in 2006 uncovered units implemented inconsistent PT programs. Waist measurement discrepancies were as much as five inches," said Mr. Gleason.

Because of the discrepancies, civilians now administer the fitness test to the base military populace. The team talked about being fair and consistent with the standards.

"We understand what it's like to be tested and we aren't here to hammer people," said the Mr. Gleason.

"A correct pushup is a correct pushup," said Ms. Forsyth in regards to standards.

The team also cited videos on the Air Force Portal to demonstrate the correct form for each exercise.

With the new standards coming in, the team is gearing up for a lot more testing. According to the team, they will test up to 70 people per day.

"I'm glad we are going to a two times per years testing cycle though," said Ms. Forsyth.  "It encourages people to stay in shape all year instead of scrambling at the last minute to get in shape. It's like cramming the night before an exam."

The Fitness Assessment Cell sees their team as a line of defense against future failure.

"We want to make sure everyone knows the standards, but more importantly we want to help people become better athletes," said Mr. Gleason.

Each member of the assessment team served in the military and they all hold advanced degrees in either exercise physiology or exercise science. Their experience also extends to strength and conditioning, general wellness, rehabilitative exercise, sport coaching and even active duty PT programs.

"With the educational experience we have between us, we can say these exercises will help you stay fit," said Ms. Forsyth.

The team cautioned about only working the exercises for the test. Instead, they suggest a variety of exercise to promote general health.

"Make sure to alternate pushups with pull-ups to prevent overdevelopment of the shoulders and the same could be said about working the back in opposition to abs," said Mr. Gleason.

Ms. Forsyth also suggested going to the Health and Wellness Center to visit the nutritionist if a member currently has a weight issue now instead of waiting.

The Nutrition Program Manager, Melissa Brannon suggests tracking daily food intake to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"One of the best tools a person can use to lose weight is simply to keep track of calorie intake. It helps to raise awareness and a lot of times that is all it takes," said Ms. Brannon.

To find more information regarding the new Air Force fitness standards and program, visit this link. http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram/index.asp