New programs help Team Dover meet fitness challenge

Photo By Senior Airman William Johnson | John Walters, 436th Force Support Squadron fitness program manager, motivates Airmen during a “90+” workout Oct. 15, 2014, at the Fitness Center on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Walters, who created the old “90n90” program, now coaches more than 100 Airmen through his new “90+” program. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airmen 1st Class William Johnson)  

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DE, UNITED STATES

10.21.2014

Story by Airman 1st Class William Johnson 

436th Airlift Wing

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Earning a 100 percent on the Air Force physical training test is a feat that not all Airmen will receive throughout their career, but there is another 100 that all Airmen here can achieve.

Col. Michael Grismer, 436th Airlift Wing commander, has issued a challenge to all of Team Dover; 100 percent passing fitness assessment scores for all Airmen.

The Dover Air Force Base Fitness Center has accepted this challenge and has made some changes to help Airmen who are struggling to meet the standard and for those Airmen who work night and swing shifts.

Recently, the Fitness Center has changed its operating hours to better suit the needs of Airmen. The Fitness Center will now be open 24 hours, Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Capt. Amanda Whalen, 436th Force Support Squadron sustainment services flight commander, said they are receiving positive feedback and Airmen are utilizing the Fitness Center during these extended hours when it would normally be closed.

"Not only are we meeting our goal by having night shift personal show up, but we are also accommodating the flyers who have a randomized schedule," said Whalen. "We are hoping that these numbers stay up and that will help lead us to the 100 percent passing rate."

Although the trend of failing scores has decreased in the past three years, 43 Airmen of Team Dover have been discharged since 2012 for failing scores. However, John Walters, 436th FSS fitness program manager, is playing a big role in meeting the 100 percent passing rate.

Walters, who created the "90n90" program, has started a new program called "90+". The new program is meant to push Airmen beyond the limits of what the standard Air Force fitness assessment does. Walters has issued a challenge of his own to Team Dover.

"I know the Air Force people want to be challenged and I want to challenge them with the '90+' program," said Walters. "This program will get you beyond a 90 percent on your test and you'll be in the best fitness shape you've ever been in your entire life, I guarantee that."

Since 2012, more than 400 people have participated in Walter's programs and of the 400, 162 received a 90 or higher on their fitness assessment for the first time in their Air Force career. More importantly, everyone's score increased by an average of 12.8 points.

Even though a passing score is needed for your career, the Air Force is depending on you to be physically fit so you can perform your job duties to accomplish the mission.

Chief Master Sgt. Stanley Cadell, 436th AW command chief, said Airmen need to change their mind set from cramming at the last minute to pass their fitness assessment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle year around.

"Not only do we want to see Airmen passing their assessment, but we want them to do well on it," said Cadell. "The focus is to create a culture for a healthy lifestyle all year long so the assessment won't be a concern."

• Date Taken: 10.21.2014
• Date Posted: 10.21.2014 15:01
• Story ID: 145675
• Location: DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DE, US