New PT standards explored

  • Published
  • By 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Twenty-five Airey Non-commissioned Officer Academy staff members performed the Air Force Physical Training test under the new fitness standards Nov. 4.

The new standards place more emphasis on the run, be stricter with the correct form of performing push-ups and sit-ups and will not allow anyone to pass if they fail any portion of the test. The test is also designed that making the designated minimum in each of the four categories will also result in a failure, which is a score less than a 75.

Chief Master Sgt. Malcolm McVicar, Airey NCO Academy commandant, said that a high standard is held for the staff members and it is important they know the regulations because they will soon be enforcing them on students.

"We have 195 students come through the course every 28 academic days," said the chief. "They will now be required to all have passing PT scores before entering the course."

The NCO Academy also plans on becoming stricter on their already high-intensity PT program.

"I am worried my push-ups won't be good enough," said Tech. Sgt. Heather Hodge, NCO Academy instructor. "I think this is a common worry among people.

The correct form of push-ups and crunch will be strongly enforced when the new standards are implemented. There is proper form outlined in the Air Force Instruction. 

When performing the push-up, hands will be placed on the floor, slightly wider than should width apart, fingers pointed forward, according to Air Force Instruction 10-248.

The person must lower their upper body until their upper arm is at least parallel to the floor with the elbows bent at 90 degrees before pushing back up to the starting position. If the person does not go down at least that far, the push up will not be counted.

When performing the crunch, a complete crunch is accomplished when the upper torso of the member is raised off of the mat or floor, the elbows touch the knees or thighs, and the upper torso is returned to the floor until the shoulder blades touch the ground. The hands must stay in contact with the shoulders or upper chest at all times.

The person has one minute to perform each of the exercises as many times as possible. Only properly performed repetitions will be counted.

"The new standards have us adhere to a true form of push-up and crunch," said Chief McVicar, "thus those of us who could once knock out 50 push-ups may find it a bit more difficult to do while maintaining proper form per the new guidelines."

The new regulations are scheduled to be implemented Jan. 1 for all Air Force Airmen.