Fit to fight: Dover Airmen PTLs train for fitness

  • Published
  • By Airman Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Physical training leaders across Dover Air Force Base now have more tools available for preparing unit fitness thanks to a two-week course they attended in October.

The course, conducted by experts from the Cooper Institute trained Team Dover in a fitness specialist and biomechanics course, providing a section of academics, anatomy and physiology, and hands-on practice sessions where PTLs learned to design their own workout program.

"We helped the students grasp hold of the information so they may be able to apply it to their own lives," said Karyn Hughes, Cooper Institute associate director and instructor supervisor. "Working out the wrong way can injure your body, whether or not you see the results immediately or over time from wear and tear of muscle, creating injuries by an imbalance between strength and flexibility."

Master Sgt. Laura Calloway, 436th Medical Operations Squadron NCO-in-charge of physical medicine flight and PTL, said she has seen Airmen pay the cost from working out improperly.

"Working in the physical therapy department, I've seen injuries that could have been prevented," said Sergeant Calloway. "With this training, PTLs will be more knowledgeable to help Airmen training progress safely."

The sergeant said she had previously taken a course similar to the one offered here, and the overall goal of this training has not changed.

"Our activity sessions challenge the students by having them create case-study scenarios so they can modify training for all types of people with specific fitness issues," said Ms. Hughes. "The Cooper Institute fitness specialist and biomechanics training has been taught all over the world at various military bases. This is the second time I've had the opportunity to come back and teach at Dover Air Force Base."

Ms. Hughes and Dr. Carla Sottovia, the head aerobics trainer, are considered experts in fitness with their combined 30 years of experience. They've trained students on a variety of exercises from strength, cardiovascular and flexibility, warming up and cooling down, to wearing the appropriate attire.

"I'm proud of the students. They've learned a lot about being a trainer," said Ms. Hughes.
One student shared his views about the program.

"I thought the course was fantastic. The instructors were very knowledgeable and extremely professional," said Master Sgt. Craig Winnie, 436th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy element NCO in-charge and PTL. "Now, I have the opportunity to apply the new training techniques I've learned to my unit."