Pregnancy, portpartum program keeps Soldiers fit

Photo By Lesley Atkinson | The Pregnancy/Postpartum Physical Training class participates in a mock aerobic routine during its practical exam on May 19 in the Training Support Center. (Photo by Lesley Maceyak)  

UNITED STATES

05.26.2016

Story by Lesley Atkinson 

Fort Gregg-Adams

FORT LEE, Va. (May 26, 2016) -- Many new mothers are too aware of the difficulty in losing those extra pounds a new baby brings, so the Army has developed a program to help expectant and postpartum Soldiers maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Pregnancy/Postpartum Physical Training Program provides the senior commander a standardized physical training and education program for pregnant and postpartum Soldiers and trains local P3T program personnel in pregnancy and postpartum fitness.

In a months’ time, the Fort Lee P3T program went from having two certified exercise leaders to 26 trained exercise leaders. The exercise leaders were tasked by their units or volunteered for the duty.

Staff Sgt. Christina Kolodziej, a musician in the 392nd Army Band, served as the installation instructor trainer/program manager and was the lead instructor during the workshop. Due to an upcoming reassignment for Kolodziej, Heather Clark, a preventative medicine nurse from Kenner Army Health Clinic, has taken charge of the program.

“There is a need to help pregnancy Soldiers stay fit and healthy – during and after their pregnancy,” said Kolodziej. “Leadership in the Army developed a standardize program, to watch over the Soldier, help with wellness and maintain mission readiness.”

In order to become a certified P3T exercise leader, Soldiers must attend a three-day class that consists of a written exam, a practical exam and class participation.

The program focuses on different fitness requirements for each stage of the pregnancy – through the postpartum period.

“It’s important for expectant mothers to attend the special exercise sessions because they have 180 days to get back to weight standards and pass a physical fitness test,” said Kolodziej.

The practical portion of the class is vital to the program because every exercise session includes cardiovascular training. During the exam, the class gives a mock exercise session.

“One of the ways to do this is through an aerobic dance,” said Kolodziej. “In the training, we teach simple dance routines”

Lt. Col. Tammy Mayer, deputy commander for patient services, is part of an organization on post that looks at programs – like the P3T program – designed to evaluate physical fitness.

The pregnancy/postpartum program is an important part of the installation fitness plan,” said Mayer. “We have been looking closely at the program and working toward improving the quality. It is very important for readiness for postpartum Soldiers to stay healthy, exercise safely and return to normal duty so they don’t have problems passing the physical training test.”

Sgt. 1st Class Pennie Smith, the primary installation instructor trainer for the 59th Ordnance Brigade, said the program is well-designed to keep Soldiers fit.

“The classes are great endurance workouts,” she explained. “In the exercise classes, we are not babying the pregnant Soldiers. We have some really good workouts.”

Lt. Col Melissa Squizzero-Lee, CASCOM’s Ready and Resilient Campaign program manager, said she is pleased with the changes the program has undergone.

“The program has improved since I was pregnant 15-years-ago,” she said. “What I like about this program is we help Soldiers and their children stay healthy. The program helps you stay active, and you are going to come out feeling better at the end. The P3T makes it easier to get back to where you were before pregnancy and, potentially, even healthier afterward. You also have the camaraderie with other expectant mothers. Further along in the pregnancy, you may become uncomfortable, your clothes don’t fit and your body is not the same. I think it helps to have a group with whom you can share experiences and build a rapport.”

During the training, Staff Sgt. Elliott Demarco, 832nd Ordnance Battalion, wore a fake pregnancy belly during the exercise session to get a better understanding on how it feels to work out while pregnant.

“It was difficult, and I’m sure it wasn’t the full effect,” he said. “I have a better understanding now how to administer a quality PT session. During the class, I learned about the transformation of the body, the heart rate and different nutritional needs.”

Sgt. Jessica Delort, Family Medicine Clinic, KAHC, attended the class and found it beneficial to help conduct the exercise classes.

“I learned some of the different modified positions for the stretches to prepare for the birthing process and ways to help postpartum Soldiers get back to their previous fitness levels,” she said.

The classes for the P3T are Monday, Thursday, at 6:30-7:30 a.m., at MacLaughlin Fitness Center. Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 a.m., Petersburg National Battlefield (if inclement weather at MacLaughlin. Pool PRT on Friday, 6:30-7:30 a.m., (for those who can participate – all others at MacLaughlin). Postpartum Soldier PRT on Tuesday, 6:30-7:30 a.m., MacLaughlin. Educational classes are held on Tuesday, 7-8 a.m., at Kenner Preventive Medicine class room (pregnant Soldiers only). Orientation and enrollment into the program is on Tuesday, 8-9 a.m., at Kenner preventive medicine class room.

For more information on the P3T program, contact Heather Clark, LPN, Fort Lee P3T program manager at [phone] and alternate, Master Sgt. Yolanda Vaughters at [phone].

• Date Taken: 05.26.2016
• Date Posted: 05.26.2016 17:01
• Story ID: 199223
• Location: US