PTL workshop emphasizes safe yet challenging sessions Published Aug. 13, 2009 By Rogelie R. Johnson 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb -- As the Air Force continually expands its mission to face new threats throughout the world, Airmen must maintain physical fitness and good health to meet mission requirements and deliver a fit and ready force. To teach Airmen how to lead workouts that promote the physical standard, the Health and Wellness Center staff hosted a Physical Training Leader training workshop at the Offutt Field House Aug. 7. The class is offered bi-monthly. "The HAWC has completely revamped the course to prepare PTLs in leading effective training sessions," said Kristine Sorenson, a HAWC health and fitness specialist, who led the workshop. "Our overall goal is to have a fitness program that affords safe yet challenging PTL-led sessions that will provide Airmen with the ability to meet the physical demands of the mission while reducing musculoskeletal injuries." "Physical training leaders play a significant role for the Air Force, as they are preparing our Airmen to be fit to fight," she said. As the Air Force prepares to take on new changes with the fitness program, the role of the PTL is going to shift towards more exercise training than administrative measuring tasks. PTLs are being trained to focus more on various cardiovascular activities because starting Jan. 1, 2010, the regulations for the new PT test scoring will change with a greater emphasis on cardiovascular fitness. The maximum points for the one-and-a-half mile run will go up to 60 points, whereas body composition will earn Airmen a maximum of 20 points. Currently, Airmen can earn a total of 50 points for the run and 30 points for body composition. Ms. Sorenson said PTL training is open to any Airman who is motivated to lead unit PT sessions and oversee and administer the unit's fitness assessments as described in the Air Force fitness program. To qualify as a PTL, interested applicants must have scored 75 points or greater on their fitness assessment and have current CPR certifications. Ms. Sorenson said being a PTL is a great way to be a positive role model and assist others in making positive lifestyle changes and achieve Air Force fitness goals. Senior Airman Avegail Cosmato, a systems technician from the 55th Medical Group, attended the PTL workshop along with 35 Airmen. Airman Cosmato was a PTL until she gave birth to her daughter six months ago. "After I gave birth, the road to getting back in shape after a pregnancy was very difficult," Airman Cosmato said. "However, failing was not an option as a PTL. So, no matter how hard it was to find time to workout due to childcare issues, I forced through it." Airman Cosmato added that being a PTL puts her on a different standard. She must set an example for her peers in addition to passing her PT test. For determining exercise workout sessions, Airman Cosmato relies on the exercise pointers provided by the HAWC. Ms. Sorenson said PTLs are given a standard template of the required activities for each exercise session, which includes a warm-up, cardiovascular activity and cool-down. Specific guidelines for a well-rounded fitness regimen should include aerobic exercise for cardiovascular fitness, resistance training for muscular strength and endurance and flexibility exercises to reduce the likelihood of injuries, she said. "Within these mandatory components, PTLs have room to be creative and challenge Airmen by performing different types of cardiovascular activities, calisthenics, resistance training, functional training, interval training and circuit training," Ms. Sorenson added. To ensure that the programs are safe and effective, she said HAWC staff members perform random quality checks on PT sessions. The goal of the fitness program is to motivate Airmen to participate in a year-round physical conditioning program that emphasizes total fitness to include proper aerobic conditioning, strength and flexibility training and healthy eating, she said. Another key point that Ms. Sorenson emphasized during the training was the relationship between exercise and good nutrition in order to be physically fit. She said both nutrition and exercise are critical to long-term health and play an important role in reducing the significant risk factors for diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. "Research shows that individuals seeking to lose weight do better on a program involving both lifestyle changes in nutrition and exercise as opposed to diet or exercise alone," Ms. Sorenson said. She said the bigger picture of exercising includes changing one's lifestyle habits, such as quitting tobacco products and eating healthier foods, to prevent diseases and other body problems. For Airman Cosmato, the workshop was a refresher course. For others, it was a first. Airman 1st Class Malcolm J. Williams, an operations technician from the 55th Force Support Squadron, said he wanted to spice up his daily PT sessions. As a first-time PTL, Airman Williams wanted to expand his knowledge of the different exercises and stretching techniques. He also wanted to build on cardio and strength training. "Staying fit is important to maintaining a Warrior Airman ethos at home and during deployments," Airman Williams said. For more information about the PTL course or any HAWC services, contact (402) 294-5977.