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Tyndall adds exercise equipment to improve PT

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Most squadrons at Tyndall have their daily Physical Training at the Fitness Center track, either in the morning or the afternoon.

Some days they have a "run day" and only do cardio workouts. Other days might consist of push-ups and leg kicks. But now Tyndall is adding a new feature for workout sessions.

This month, new exercise equipment is being installed at the fitness pads. Pull-up bars, push-up bars, curl-up bars and stretch bars are being placed at three different fitness pads; one next to the track at the gym, one next to the Airey NCO academy softball field and one in the parking lot off Beacon Beach road behind building 1305.

The expected date for all new equipment to be installed is unknown.

"The pad next to the football field is completed, but I'm not sure when 325th Civil Engineer Squadron will get the other two completed," said Lou South, 325th Services Squadron fitness center director. "My guess would be by the end of May."

Instead of running and doing push ups as a group, PT can be done individually.

"From my own experience, I always seem to perform crunches better when my feet are locked under the toe-holds versus having someone hold my feet," said Master Sgt. Travis Fritts, 325th Mission Support Squadron career enhancement advisor and a PT monitor. "Pull-ups are also an excellent indicator of your overall muscle strength and conditioning. Pulling your frame up from a hanging position is a killer exercise. In short, the extra bars allow you to more specifically target the muscle groups needed to do well on your annual test," said Sergeant Fritts.

Many ideas have been crossed to try to improve PT results.

"The new equipment being installed is designed to help keep our troops fit to fight," said Mr. South.

"The Security Forces Squadron has really ramped up their PT program with additional exercises, and the results are showing in their fitness and morale," said Sergeant Fritts. "The Mission Support Squadron added Dr. Kulund's Fighting Stick Program and it's been popular."

Lt. Col. Daniel Kulund is the chief of medical staff at the Tyndall Clinic, and is a huge proponent of PT in the Air Force. He advocates a mix of cardio exercise and calisthenics during PT.

"The unit spirit and camaraderie that comes from extended PT sessions helps keep our team healthy and pulls us closer together," said Sergeant Fritts. "The pull-ups are a fantastic way to add some variety and build the muscles needed to surmount an obstacle."

With formalized PT as part of our Air Force culture, the new equipment helps everyone improve their personal fitness level and offers a great opportunity to add some fun and variety to the existing fitness programs," said Sergeant Fritts.

The equipment will be fully installed and ready to use soon. All active duty members, their families and Tyndall community members are encouraged to incorporate the equipment into their workout routines.

For more information, call the Fitness Center at 283-2631.