Ellsworth Boot Camp <br> New HAWC program provide Airmen springboard to better fitness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shanda De Anda
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Editor's Note: This article is part one of a three-part series.

Boot Camp volunteers kicked off the new four-week program with a pre-test. This baseline would later be used to equate the overall value of the program and determine its fate.

About 10 volunteers arrived at the health and wellness center July 30 at 7:30 a.m. to have their height, weight and measurements documented before heading to the PRIDE hangar for the 1.5 mile run, crunch and pushup portions of the test.

"I really had a hard time, especially completing the run, but I guess you have to start from somewhere," said Bob Doe, boot camp participant.

His sentiment was shared by other members of the class as the unbiased numerical representation of their efforts provided, if not the motivation to change, a greater willingness to try a new way to accomplish fitness goals.

"In response to the heightened focus on fitness and standards, we felt it was important to make sure there is more structured programs available to those not meeting standards," said Minda Smither, wing fitness program manager. "Staff Sergeant Joseph Curtis [28th Logistics Readiness Squadron physical training leader] mentioned the boot camp idea to me about a month before we started the new program and we took the ball and ran with it.

"We wanted classes available that would be mandatory for those not meeting standards as a way to increase their health, fitness, motivation, education on healthy habits, and having an end result of a healthier lifestyle and an increase in overall fitness scores."

Securing the funds for such a class on a continuing basis would be a challenge in today's Air Force, as budget constraints leads to a more competitive environment financially. To validate the request for needed funding, the HAWC would have to demonstrate that this program could fill an additional need Ellsworth Airmen have. A need for specific, tailored, focused physical training beyond what is provided through already existing services at the fitness center, HAWC and clinic.

In tailoring classes to meet the specific needs of participants "the curriculum was based off of the American College of Sports and Medicine guidelines to include proper warm ups; stretching; and aerobic exercise encompassing progression, strength training, cool down and stretching," Ms. Smither said. "We also wanted to make sure that specificity of training was met with endurance running and speed and agility exercises to help take time off of the 1.5-mile run time, and strength training exercises to increase muscle strength and endurance, increase lean muscle tissue and to burn calories efficiently."

In proving this venture to be fiscally responsible, Ms. Smither and her team were not without the support of base leadership.

"I support this program as a way to ensure everyone having difficulty in the fitness program receives the same fitness or exercise regimen," said Lt. Col. Nancy Opheim, 28th Medical Operations commander. "Ms. Smither can observe and correct the effort each individual exerts."

This was perhaps one of the most essential parts of the program. Some of the participants said they had been working out with no improvements because of either doing the right exercises incorrectly or doing the wrong exercise to improve in a particular area was demotivating. The overall motivation of the entire group was given another boost when the results of the Aug. 17 mid-test reflected an average increase of three points in the groups PT score. An improvement Colonel Opheim expected, even if not as significantly in the beginning.

"I expect the overall outcome of the program will decrease the length of time it takes for individuals to improve their fitness score," Colonel Opheim said.

With half of the course completed and the results from the mid-test under their belts, the remaining members of the group seemed more driven at the 6 a.m. workouts. During one of the final long-run days around the lakes, the camaraderie was unmistakable as teammates encouraged one another to sprint a distance, to make it over a hill, to finish strong and the final test, which was administered Aug. 31, paid significant dividends.

"The overall results reflected an composite score improvement of 24 points," said Ms. Smither. This equates to an average loss of more than two inches from abdominal circumference measurements, 3 pounds in weight and a reduction of 3 minutes in run time.

In addition to improving PT scores, one of the goals of the HAWC through this program was to instill lifestyle changes to improve individuals' long-term health.

"Life-long fitness and healthy food choices in the long run, will lead to decreased occurrences of high-blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes - all of which are linked to poor dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle," Colonel Opheim said.

Although it is too soon to tell if changes will be long-lasting, the initial success of the program has warranted its availability on a more permanent basis with the next coot camp to kick off Oct. 9.

For more information about the Ellsworth boot camp, call the HAWC at 385-2349. To better your physical health through fitness and other lifestyle changes, call the fitness center at 385-2266 or the HAWC at 385-2349.

Editor's note: An assumed named is used in place of the boot camp participant interviewed at the request of the interviewee. Also, boot camp sessions were lead by Minda Smither and several physical training leaders. The PTLs were: Tech. Sgt. Jenifer Trimble, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron; Tech. Sgt. Richard Parsons, CE and Staff Sgt. Joseph Curtis and Staff Sgt. Antony Towndrow.