News

Fitness program helps Airman put career on track

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • Robins Public Affairs
Failing the Air Force fitness test multiple times can end an Airman's career, but thanks to a unique fitness program here, Tech. Sgt. Bruce Thompson - whose career was in jeopardy - is back on track.

Thompson, who works in vehicle operations in the 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron, failed the fitness test four times before enrolling in the Total Force Fitness Program.

"They weren't just failures, they were miserable failures," Thompson said.

After completing the three-month program, Thompson passed the test with a score of 84. Thompson said he had been working out and couldn't understand why he was doing so poorly. He learned why when he started the program.

"I'd been focusing on the wrong things," he said. "The TFFP taught me what I should be working on, and I learned proper techniques. I received personal attention from trainers who genuinely cared about me and my success."

He said he was surprised that after three months in the program he was able to do things he thought he'd never be able to do again.

The program is the brainchild of exercise physiologist Greg Reynolds, who came to the Robins Health and Wellness Center in late 2010.

The program helps Airmen who are struggling to pass the mandated fitness test. The program is unique to Robins and is anchored in helping those who may be struggling due to prior injuries, as well as the prevention of future injuries by teaching the proper way to train.

"It's about helping people progress with the proper techniques and in a systematic way," Reynolds said. A unit fitness program manager can enroll an active-duty service member who has failed his or her fitness test twice.

Those who have a fitness exemption can also be referred to the program.

Service members interested in the program can be enrolled through the HAWC's Community of Practice by contacting their Unit Fitness Program Manager for proper screening and program placement.