PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, Pa. -- The Air Force announced on Sept. 16, 2020 that the physical fitness assessment exemption has been extended to January 1, 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions in place throughout the Air Force.
Service members will test according to their previous fitness test date and results.
If an Airman got an excellent score of 90 or higher October 1, 2019, for example, they are exempt from testing October 1 of this year. Their new test date will be October 1, 2021.
For Airmen who received satisfactory scores, their test date is deferred as well. If an Airman got a satisfactory score of 75 to 89.9 October 1, 2019, they were exempt from testing April 1 and October 1 of this year. Their new test date will be April 1, 2021. A due date matrix can be found on myPers to assist Airmen in identifying and preparing for their new date.
Although some Airmen may consider this extension a break from working out, Master Sgt. Fa Pham, fitness center director with the 911th Force Support Squadron, warns, “Do not take that break. Keep yourself going. It is easier to keep going than to pick it back up.”
Members of the 911th Airlift Wing have multiple options to stay fit to fight. The fitness center is open to all personnel with base access and their guests. The Fitness Center re-opened in June with COVID-19 restrictions and limited hours that are still in place today.
These restrictions include spacing and alternating gym equipment use, more cleaning and sanitization stations throughout the gym, limiting occupancy in rooms, and discontinuing the use of the showers and saunas.
In addition to strength and cardio machines inside the gym, outdoor classes are offered Monday through Thursday. Classes range from slow and steady yoga to fast-paced kickboxing.
Of course, fitness shouldn’t be limited to on base amenities. There are great workouts that can be done at home or outside with just your bodyweight.
The Air Force recently partnered with Wellbeats, a virtual on-demand fitness app, to give Airmen free access until Jan. 31, 2021 to over 500 classes, to include a workout routine tailored to the Air Force’s fitness test called “Commit to Fit.”
Jeff Stearns, exercise physiologist with the 911th FSS, explains how he became innovative with his workouts done during quarantine. “My backyard became my gym. I cut down a lot of trees and I was splitting wood. You can get two things done at the same time: cleaning up your house a little bit and getting a good workout in.”
The options are endless for physical training on base or at home as we continue through these unique times. Pham advises, “Right now is a good time to either fail yourself, or succeed yourself. Keep putting in the work and keep pushing.”
For more information on the physical assessment exemption and the adjusted fitness dates, please visit https://mypers.af.mil/app/answers/detail/a_id/46625.
For information on the latest hours and classes, the fitness center can be reached at 412-474-8245 or visit the 911th Services page on Facebook.