SJ Airmen excel in fitness

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brandon Riggins and Tech. Sgt. Jason Jessee finish a squadron run on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., March 14, 2012. Airmen assigned to the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron run more than 4 miles every other Wednesday in order to support the 4th Fighter Wing’s increased fitness goals. Riggins, 4th CES Fire Protection Flight, hails from St. Paul, N.C. Jessee, 4th CES Fire Protection Flight, hails from Winter Springs, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson/Released)

SJ Airmen excel in fitness

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Percy Mitchell III performs sit-ups during a physical training session on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., March 14, 2012. Practicing different aspects of a physical training test leads to better performance and helps increase PT scores. Mitchell, 4th Communications Squadron, is a native of Philadelphia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson/Released)

SJ Airmen excel in fitness

Published March 13, 2012
By By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- During the past several months it is obvious Airmen from the 4th Fighter Wing are making their fitness level a priority. This is evident in the steady increase in physical fitness test pass rates.

Airman 1st Class Jeffery Taylor who works at the fitness center as a 4th Force Support Squadron fitness assessment center monitor has witnessed the changes in how Airmen manage their fitness.

He said he has seen how practice PT tests and the fitness boot camp classes help motivate Airmen and provide them skills they need to pass their tests. In addition, he noticed that squadrons are performing more mandatory PT sessions, which also help improve PT scores.

The extra time dedicated to fitness improvements has led to increased run times and a greater focus on push-up and sit-up form, Taylor said.

"Practice correct form on everything," Taylor said. "Do push-ups to get better at push-ups and switch up your routine to help you remain motivated."

Airman 1st Class Donavin Van Ee, 4th Comptroller Squadron budget and accounting technician and unit PT leader, puts the Airmen in his unit through a practice fitness test the first Monday of each month to ensure they are aware of where they stand and can track their progress.

In addition, Van Ee also recommends Airmen change up their workouts.

"I change our schedule every month, but I let everyone know a day ahead of time what we will be doing so they can dress properly," he said.

For more information or recommendations of how to improve your fitness levels, call the fitness center at 919-722-0408.

(Editor's note: Senior Airman Whitney Stanfield contributed to this article.)