JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Fitness - it's all over the Air Force radar. Commanders of all levels recognize the importance in this time of war to remain Fit to Fight. In this spotlight, fitness has changed drastically. Airmen across the country and abroad take their fitness seriously as testing standards increase to ensure excellence and combat readiness.
To aid in this, installations are amping up their physical training programs.
Locally, Joint Team Andrews members are stepping it up to ensure that their wingmen maintain their fitness and are able to continue to serve effectively downrange by volunteering for fitness monitoring positions.
"Being a physical training leader means being a positive role model and assisting others in making positive lifestyle changes," said 2nd Lt. Sheriden Martinez, 316th Comptroller Squadron financial services flight commander and PTL. "The PTL position is in place to provide a fitness program that positively affects everyone in a unit."
Responsibilities of a PTL range from establishing a fitness program for their office, flight, wing or unit to adhere to, and managing fitness testing operations. Whatever the duty, PTLs take their responsibilities seriously.
"When a member is taking their fitness evaluation, we may run with them as a pacer or get another wingman to run with them," said Staff Sgt. Valerie Nelson, 316 WG Judge Advocate NCOIC of adverse actions and unit fitness program manager. "We also offer motivational speech before and during their test. We always let them know when they are doing a great job and when they need to push harder."
Not only do PTLs establish and maintain PT regiments, monitor fitness assessments, and motivate their wingmen, they also set the standard for fitness.
"We exemplify fitness with our own diet and exercise program," said Sergeant Nelson.
To get and stay fit, PTLs recommend exercising with a wingman.
"Having someone hold you accountable and get you to the gym is a great way to maintain your fitness," said Lieutenant Martinez. "This way you can set a schedule and goals together and monitor each other along the way."
For more information on how to get and stay fit, and how to become a physical training leader or unit fitness program manager, contact a unit PTL or UFPM.