435 ABW's Total Fit Program

  • Published
  • By Maj. Lisa Tauai
  • Health Promotion Flight Commander
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Since the inception of the Air Force's Fitness Program, it is very common to see members engage in group physical training sessions that revolve almost solely around running, push-ups and crunches. The issue with this training regimen is that these exercises will prepare servicemembers to achieve a passing physical fitness score, but will not necessarily prepare them for the physical rigors associated with deployment. In addition, overuse and overtraining injuries are often commonly associated with this method of physical training which can result in a duty limiting condition--further reducing fitness readiness rates. 

One alternative service members might try is Total Fit. The foundation of the Total Fit concept is core stability -- physically training our members in a manner that builds core strength, speed, agility and flexibility -- all of which help prevent overuse injuries. Since the 435th Air Base Wing Total Fit program was launched in Fall 2008, a gradual fitness culture shift has occurred as evidence by more and more units engaging in these functional, core-centric exercises. 

These core-centric or functional fitness routines are currently the foundation of Marine Corps and some Army physical fitness training programs, which ultimately prepare their members for the physical challenges of deployment. These core-centric exercises; however, are new to the Air Force which presents an awesome opportunity for a fitness culture shift. 

"The Total Fit concept is the ideal method to keep our Airmen fit to fight and capable of optimal physical performance anytime, anywhere," said Dr. (Maj.) Chu Soh, 435th Medical Operations Squadron sports certified physical therapist. 

The 435th Services Squadron fitness centers provide more than 25 hardcore and other core-centric group exercise sessions. The hardcore class attracts members of all fitness levels and is exceedingly popular often with an attendance of 80 or more individuals per session. To learn more about the hardcore classes and when they are offered, log onto the 435th Services Squadron Web site at www.435thservices.com or contact any of the services squadron's fitness centers. 

Of the 21 units assigned to the 435th ABW, 12 of the units have the appropriate number of Physical Training Leaders trained and ready to lead Total Fit workouts. 

According to Capt. Jeremiah Buckenberger, 435th Civil Engineer Squadron Unit Fitness Program Manager, since October 2008, their members have seen a three-point minimum increase in their official fitness scores. 

Additionally, Staff Sgt. Joe Wilkinson, one of the 435th Communications Squadron UFPMs, reported that since implementing the Total Fit concept, they have seen their flight's average fitness score soar from 80.43 to 83.45 with a 75 percent decrease in their poor fitness category. 

Finally, Staff Sgt. Adelaida Manore, a member of the 435th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, is convinced "Total Fit is a great way to get back into shape after an injury and/or surgery." 

Thanks to the 435th ABW leadership's generosity and support, the Total Fit concept is spreading throughout the wing and across the installation. Approximately $77,000 was allocated to purchase both indoor and outdoor Total Fit equipment for our members. Three Total Fit physical training bags are available for each of the area fitness centers (i.e. Ramstein southside, Ramstein northside and Vogelweh). Total Fit outdoor equipment has also been purchased and is currently being set up for outdoor Total Fit sessions. 

Additionally, many of the core-centric exercises can be performed by family members as well. 

Maj. Brett Bishop, 435th Medical Group physical therapist, has incorporated Total Fit exercises into Ramstein's swim team training which contributed to their European Forces Swim League Championship two years running. 

Col. Donald "Bits" Bacon, the 435th ABW commander, has encouraged 435th ABW unit commanders to embrace the Total Fit concept as a part of their unit physical training program. With the launching of Total Fit, the ultimate vision is for the greater good -- properly arming war fighters for the physical demands of deployment in a manner which reduces overuse injuries and maximizes physical fitness. The core-centric training sessions can be performed effectively in as little as 30 minutes. The sessions are also fun, which appeal to many individuals outside the realm of active duty service members. As a byproduct of the Total Fit program, the 435th ABW strives to be the No.1 "Meeting Air Force Physical Fitness Standards" wing in U.S. Air Forces in Europe with the wing's "Fit Flamingos" leading the way. 

For additional information on this topic and other fitness related programs, contact your local Unit Fitness Program Manager or log onto the HAWC homepage at https://sg2.usafe.af.mil/RamClinic/wwwmil/435mdg/clinic/divisions/hawc or the USAFE Fitness Web site at http://www.usafefitness.org/.