Fitness
Air Force revises physical fitness program, score charts to boost airmen health
The U.S. Air Force updated its physical fitness program and score charts for the fitness tests to boost the long-term health of airmen.
The modernized program utilizes a more thorough assessment model to strengthen warfighter readiness by motivating airmen to build more sustainable fitness habits for the duration of their careers, according to a Feb. 27 release.
“This update is not just about increasing the physical fitness test standards; it’s about ensuring our warfighters are fit, ready, and prioritizing their long-term health,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said in the memo.
The updated score charts will have increased minimums for each scored component and separate charts are now available for Occupationally Specific Physical Fitness Assessments as well.
A baseline window for airmen to take the diagnostic tests will begin March 1, but scoring won’t become official until July 1, per the statement.
This gives the airmen time to adjust their training focus as needed before the official scoring date. The baseline period is also meant to produce data to ensure that the new program is implemented in a fair, accurate and effective manner across the Air Force.
“The baseline period will also provide the data required to assess and refine score charts in advance of full implementation of the new standards,” the statement says.
Airmen who complete the Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment during the baseline period can use that diagnostic score as their official fitness test score, according to the release.
Body composition will return as a scored component in the assessment, but airmen can elect to take it out of the test up to five days before testing the remaining components.
The release states that resources are made available to support the force through the transition, like trained experts that will instruct airmen through safe conditioning and a playbook that gives guidance on workouts, recovery and nutrition.
Earlier this year, the force announced that airmen can choose between a 2-mile run or the 20-meter High-Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run for their fitness tests every six months, following the “Culture of Fitness” initiative last September to encourage airmen and Space Force guardians to improve their physical fitness.
The statement says that the certification of the 2-mile run is in progress to ensure that all Air Force tracks meet official standards, and final measurement specifications will be published in the fitness program guide.
As announced in January, an airmen’s fitness assessment scores will become part of their annual evaluation to “incorporate a full picture of an individual’s performance and contributions.”
Cristina Stassis is a reporter covering stories surrounding the defense industry, national security, military/veteran affairs and more. She previously worked as an editorial fellow for Defense News in 2024 where she assisted the newsroom in breaking news across Sightline Media Group.
Fitness
Can 2 days of exercise make up for a sedentary week? Fitness coach reveals truth about weekend workouts
The weekend workout trend is taking over the internet, and people are obsessing over it. But with most of us leading sedentary lives, is it too good to be true? HT Lifestyle spoke with Sumit Dubey, fitness expert and the founder of Sumit Dubey Fitness (SDF) centre to understand whether weekend exercise actually works or it is just another passing fad.
Also read | Woman who lost 27 kg shares exactly what to eat before and after a workout for fat loss: ‘Aim for 15-25 g of protein…’
Weekend workout trend
Sumit Dubey said, “These days, life moves quickly. Folks find it tough sticking to regular workouts through the week. So they shift everything to Saturday and Sunday instead.” “Squeezing sweat into just a couple of days has become common lately,” he added.
“When Monday hits, and the chairs stay full again. Two long pushes each weekend. Can those really balance out five lazy ones after? The body keeps score differently, maybe,” said Sumit.
Weekend vs daily exercise
According to Sumit, weekend movement counts more than you might think. Scientists see gains when people hit 150 weekly minutes of solid effort, even if it’s just two days. Hearts respond well, so do blood sugar levels. Long-term illness risks dip slightly, and doing something beats doing nothing – no perfect routine needed.
Still, some key limits need attention. Sumit highlighted that often moving keeps things running smoother. When you stay seated all day, circulation slows, posture slips, body parts weaken – little by little, they lose their edge. Five inactive days dull the gains from two active ones. A weekly rhythm matters more than weekend effort alone.
Here’s another thing to think about: getting hurt more easily. When exercise gets squeezed into just a few minutes, people tend to go too hard – especially if they haven’t moved much lately, highlighted Sumit. Pushing fast without building up slowly can pull muscles or strain joints. Tiredness shows up quicker when effort spikes out of nowhere. Bodies unprepared for sudden bursts react with soreness or discomfort most times.
“Still, working out on weekends might actually help, as long as it’s done with some thought,” said Sumit. Ease counts more than effort. You can try running, sometimes swimming instead; pair either with strength drills along with quick footwork. Wait until movement feels smooth before adding speed, ease off gradually once finished.
Mornings aren’t the only time motion matters. Getting up to stroll, reach, or shift positions through workdays cuts down the health downsides of too much stillness.
“Just twice a week, moving your body? That still misses what everyday motion offers. Showing up – any way you can – is more crucial than how hard you push. Consistency wins easily when matched against sporadic bursts. Skip perfect routines; choose ones that fit smoothly into life. Progress forms slowly, built by tiny actions done again and again,” said Sumit.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Fitness
Vernon seniors personal trainer is moving to Anytime Fitness
New gym, same exercises
Photo: File photo
Vernon’s favourite senior’s personal trainer is on the move. For more than 25 years, Don MacLeod has been leading weight-resistance exercise classes for seniors.
Vernon’s favourite senior’s personal trainer is on the move.
For more than 25 years, Don MacLeod has been leading weight-resistance exercise classes for seniors.
And for the past eight years, MacLeod had taught classes five days a week at Snap Fitness in the Landing Plaza, but on March 31 that gym closed its doors, so MacLeod needed a new venue for his popular classes.
Enter Anytime Fitness in the Anderson Subdivision.
MacLeod said he is grateful to have reached a deal with the fitness club to carry on his morning exercise classes, and many seniors have already signed up.
While there are other gyms in Vernon that have seniors exercise classes, the certified personal trainer uses weight-resistance training to target all major muscle groups.
He will lead seven classes from Monday to Friday.
“It’s basic strength training,” MacLeod said of the exercises that geared towards the older crowd.
“We do everything that the bodybuilders and powerlifters do, but in a reasonable manner where we are just going to get our bones, our muscles, our tendons and ligaments stronger.”
MacLeod, 71, has also taken special courses geared specifically towards working with seniors.
Some seniors may feel too intimidated to go to a gym on their own, but MacLeod said seniors can find a common bond when they exercise in a group.
MacLeod said he has heard a few people say “what a waste of space” to hold senior’s classes.
“They really make life difficult for us. They think old people shouldn’t be in the gym, why are they lifting weights: to stay strong and to stay healthy,” MacLeod said. “One day, these guys are going to be old too.”
MacLeod said he started lifting weights in 1972 and continues to reap the benefits of regular exercise as he enters his 70s.
For more information, contact MacLeod at 250-260-1001.
Fitness
Hawaii fitness center combats Parkinson’s with exercise
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A local fitness center specializes in preventative training programs targeting a disease that impacts our kupuna.
Fitness Therapy Hawaii specializes in step-by-step preventative training programs targeting Parkinson’s symptoms.
In the program, patients get a clearance with doctors, work with physical therapists and prescribed medication.
“Science shows that once you get diagnosed as soon as possible, right? What exercise will do is help you keep those neurons firing, because Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease. The longer you wait for these patterns of movement, you will die,” George Ma, Fitness Therapy Hawaii owner, said.
According to Yale Medicine, exercise is an essential component of Parkinson’s disease management, saying “high-intensity exercise induces brain-protective effects that have the potential to not just slow down but possibly reverse the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s Disease.”
“When you get diagnosed with Parkinson’s, in the beginning, you have no hope. And then you come here, you do your tour, there’s hope. And then as they start moving through our exercise programs, they find purpose. And we have clients who have been with us for seven years at stage one,” Ma said.
Fighting the disease thats way might be intimidating to some… that’s why Fitness Therapy Hawaii lets caretakers work out with their loved ones.
Group classes are also available, which encourage socialization for what can be an isolating disease.
“In Hawaii, there is a stigma for Parkinson’s, and I think having a place and having that purpose and understanding that your fellow member has been fighting it with you,” Ma said.
Visit the Fitness Therapy Hawaii website for more information.
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