Maintainers uphold fitness standards

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica Stamps
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  As Air Combat Command's lead unit for F-22 deployments, Airmen from the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron have created a four-day-a-week fitness improvement program designed to increase scores on the Air Force physical fitness test in order to maintain mission readiness.

Headed by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cheyenne Jackson and Senior Airman Rebecca Serrats, both from the 49th AMXS, the number of fitness failures has dropped from 42 to 12 in the last four months.

"Fitness comes natural to me, so it's easy to help everyone out and cater to everyone's level," said Jackson. "Some are maybe stronger in areas than others, but I make a baseline for everyone to start from."

These workouts are intended to strengthen the core, upper body and cardio, geared toward increasing the three components of the PT test: sit-ups, push-ups and a one-and-a-half mile run. These isolation workouts are designed to get the 49th AMXS members passing their PT test in a period of 90 days.

"Just show up and we'll take care of the rest. We have all the workouts for you," said Jackson. "We guarantee anyone who takes part in our class will be ready for their PT test."

Jackson said that all Airmen from the 49th AMXS have to do is come to their class where they will naturally get better and progress each week.

Every Friday, the Airmen partake in a mock PT test to see what they would score. Even those who have not failed their test are encouraged to attend and train as a group.

"People that have passed are still working out and those with tests coming up are also part of the class," said Jackson. "We're here to help each other and we all want to see each other pass in the class, not fail."

For some, it is easier to workout on their own, but for others who need the motivation and help targeting specific muscle groups, attending one or all four sessions each week can prepare them for their PT test.

"They have a sense of family because someone is helping them along," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. John Bratton, 49th AMXS program flight chief.

This program offers officers and enlisted Airmen the guidance, help and support they need to make a difference and maintain an active lifestyle.

"I'm a big advocate of fitness," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Anthony Nance, 49th AMXS commander. "From a readiness perspective, as a commander, fitness is just as important as aircraft maintenance. For a squadron who is also getting ready to deploy down the line to a combat zone, I want them to be fit."

For more information on the fitness improvement program, contact Staff Sgt. Cheyenne Jackson at (575) 572-4237.