HAWC helps raise PT score

Members of a run program let their muscles recover by participating in a low-impact spin class July 19, 2012, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The run program, designed by the Health and Wellness Center, improves Airmen’s cardiovascular strength and endurance, informs them on running essentials and trains them to be able to run for much longer distances at a faster pace than when they started. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson/ Released)

HAWC helps raise PT score

Members of a running program work on proper body motion July 19, 2012, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The run program, designed by the Health and Wellness Center, improves Airmen’s cardiovascular strength and endurance, informs them on running essentials and trains them to be able to run for much longer distances at a faster pace than when they started. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson/ Released)

HAWC helps raise PT score

HAWC helps raise PT scores

Published July 24, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Peter A. Thompson
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Health and Wellness Center provides an opportunity for Airmen to improve their physical assessment score through a running program.

The members of the six-week program, which focuses on fundamentals of better running, meet for one hour, five days a week. Three days are spent on high-impact activities with the remaining two days dedicated to low-impact spin classes.

"Our exercise physiologist, James Goodman, turned the academic running class he was teaching into a full hands-on running course," said Yyolany Caffrey, HAWC health program coordinator. "We mainly target active-duty Airmen, but we offer support to the entire Dyess community."

The goal of the program is to take individuals from the level of running they're at when they join, improve their cardiovascular health and stamina, and substantially increase their running capabilities, while creating an environment that allows them to enjoy running.

Heart rate, running styles, economy of motion, running form, breathing patterns, running equipment and almost everything else associated with better performance is covered during the six weeks.

By targeting what the HAWC believes to be the main reason for low PT scores, the run, the program has improved more than 90 percent of participant's assessment scores.
"One of my favorite instances was a runner who dropped five minutes off her run time," Goodman said.

"I used to stop every few minutes because of how high my heart rate would get," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Dean, 7th Security Forces Squadron. "Now I can run for quite a while before my heart rate even starts to rise and my recovery rate has improved a lot."

Many participants stay for more than one six-week cycle. Dean is a returning member of the running program. Like many others, she initially joined with the intentions of improving her running and losing weight. Once she saw how much she improved, she decided to come back.

"Mr. Goodman will whip you into shape real quick," Dean said. "It worked for me and I plan on continuing with the program."

For more information, call the HAWC at (325) 696 4140 or visit the HAWC in the fitness center. The next course begins August 13, 2012.