McConnell Airman learns 'core' values

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Abigail Klein | Tech. Sgt. Mary Nelson, 22nd Aeromedical Squadron optometry clinic NCO in charge, performs lunges as part of her daily workout at the fitness center here, March 31, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. After having her first child, Nelson, who previously scored in the "excellent" category on her physical fitness tests, had to rebuild her core muscles to maintain this precedence. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Abigail Klein)  

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KS, UNITED STATES

04.05.2011

Courtesy Story

Air Mobility Command

By Senior Airman Abigail Klein
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. - Maintaining physical fitness is a mindset, but for one McConnell airman, maintaining her fitness was not about dedication, it was about learning the "core" values.

Tech. Sgt. Mary Nelson, 22nd Aeromedical Squadron Optometry Clinic noncommissioned officer in charge, was accustomed to scoring "excellent" on her physical fitness tests, but after having a baby in August 2009, she was shocked to discover that she was unable to do a single sit-up.

"I had a baby and it required C-section, so getting back [to my fitness level] abdominally was really difficult," Nelson said. "It really made me worry about my next PT test."

Despite this anxiety, Nelson was able to score an 89 on her test in February of 2010. This score was made possible only by extremely hard work, said Nelson.

Before her daughter's birth, Nelson exercised three to four days a week, performing mostly running and weight training. To help recover her past fitness levels, Nelson went to McConnell's Health and Wellness Center.

"I basically told her that she needed to work on building her core muscles, because after a woman gives birth, the core muscles are weakened," said Lou Stadler, 22nd Aerospace Medical Squadron health promotion flight chief. "To rebuild these muscles she had to do a lot of regular crunches, oblique crunches, side bridges, planks, single leg reverse curls and back extensions."

This hard work allowed Nelson to score a 98 on her next test in August 2010.

Not completely satisfied with this score, Nelson also participated in the HAWC's Biggest Loser Challenge which began in January and ended in March. Though her group didn't win the challenge, her participation allowed her to get back into a "training mode."

"It takes dedication to come back from anything like that or from any injury or failure, but if you just put in the time, you'll see the results," Nelson said. "On my next test I would love to get a 100; that's the goal."

Nelson continues to work out four to five times a week. Along with a perfect PT score, she would like to be able to run a half-marathon in the near future.

• Date Taken: 04.05.2011
• Date Posted: 04.05.2011 11:15
• Story ID: 68298
• Location: MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KS, US