When you need a little extra help

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Since 2006, the Barksdale Health and Wellness Center has helped countless Airmen improve their physical fitness scores.

The HAWC is helping Airmen stay or get back into shape, with the use of a registered dietician, body fat analysis and a workout plan that's become known as the 'rookie runner' program.

Tedric Johnson runs the rookie runner program, designing dynamic workouts targeted for passing a physical training test. Mr. Johnson encourages anyone to come out and participate, whether they are part of a wing, or work for Air Force Global Strike Command, an Airman or civilian, in shape or out of shape, everyone is welcome.

"Rookie runner doesn't mean it's only limited to running, but improving one's overall fitness," Mr. Johnson said. "Participants should be motivated and willing to work hard because we focus on strength training, progressive running designed to improve the mile-and-a-half run time, interval and agility training to improve speed and periodic fitness assessments to track progress.

The program is not just for individuals who don't meet standards on their PT tests, Mr. Johnson gears each class towards making sure different fitness levels achieve the best results by altering each exercise to fit their fitness needs.

"In the beginning, I meet with the individual to get a baseline assessment based on their current fitness level, and I design a workout around that," Mr. Johnson said. "That is actually one of the main advantages of joining rookie runners because everyone is not on the same level when it comes to fitness."

Many of the participants are very happy with their results.

"I feel great," said Staff Sgt. Jessica Driggers, 2nd Operations Support Squadron, participant in the rookie runner program. "I can see the weight loss in my clothing - I feel a lot stronger, healthier and I have a more positive outlook. It makes me a better person and NCO."

Sergeant Driggers attributes her success not only to the program but Mr. Johnson himself.

"I keep coming back because I love the one-on-one attention you get, that way you can be certain that you are performing exercises properly," she said. "Tedric Johnson is a great trainer. He sincerely cares about us and our success with our PT tests, and I'd recommend him to anyone."

To see optimal results from the program, Mr. Johnson encourages his students to visit the registered dietician at the HAWC to include a balanced diet into their weight-loss program.

"Nutrition is very important in fitness," said Jennifer Coney, 2nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron, nutrition medicine clinic dietician. "People think that exercise is the main component in staying fit, but you need to have the proper fuel in your body.

"For someone participating in moderate activity who is interested in nutrition I would make sure they were consuming the adequate food for their workout, I would suggest specific pre- and post-activity snacks and how much carbohydrates, fat and protein they should be consuming."

Mr. Johnson routinely reminds his participants to eat right, but the biggest point he wants them to remember is to stick with the program and not become complacent.

"Consistency is the key to success," he said. "If you aren't consistent in your workouts, the program isn't going to work. I ask that everyone who comes out has some self-motivation, a drive that will help them adopt a healthier lifestyle. I want them to, not just focus on passing the PT test, but to look past the Air Force and maintain that lifestyle."

In the end, Mr. Johnson said it's all about the individual.

"They show up, they work hard and they can be happy with themselves," he said. "I expect 110 percent and I make sure that I am giving them quality workouts, but I don't give myself credit for their success, I give it to them, they are the ones doing all the hard work."

For more information, contact the HAWC at 456-6011.