News Search

ArticleS

Sheppard starts new Combat Fit Program

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Health and Wellness Center recently started a new exercise program, titled Combat fit, to help Team Sheppard get physically prepared for the combat environment.

Combat Fit is a circuit-training program designed by HAWC fitness professionals to strengthen core muscles and build an overall stronger body.

"The goal is to strengthen the bodies to keep people out of clinics," said Brian Todd, HAWC health educator.

Combat Fit training takes place just outside the Pitsenbarger Fitness Center on a newly built pad featuring a variety of equipment available to anyone who wants to use it. Combat Fit members perform weight-lifting, medicine ball, cardio and seated row workouts. Some of the other exercises involve pull ups, king dips and sandbag runs.

Brent Ragsdale, HAWC health fitness specialist, is a trainer for Team Sheppard members in the Combat Fit area. He directs circuit training and ensures proper form, while inspiring the members to push themselves to success.

"We do constantly changing movements that are functional," said Mr. Ragsdale. "This allows us to train with practical movements to not only make us a better athlete, but better warriors."

He said the Combat Fit exercises are designed to help increase strength, speed, agility, coordination, endurance, power and explosion and strengthen the body's core muscles.
"You are only as strong as you are in your core," said Mr. Ragsdale.

Although it is intense circuit training, each person's workout can be scaled down to the needs and ability of the athlete, he said. From kids to adults...any level can do it, according to Mr. Ragsdale.

Charles Lonon, a 39-year-old 982nd Maintenance Squadron multimedia specialist, said he has been exercising with the Combat Fit trainers and then going home to his two kids, 8 and 9 years old, to show them how to do it. The kids then exercise with him at home using Combat Fit techniques, he said.

"This reminds me of a football team," Mr. Lonon said. "There is no vicious competition at Combat Fit. Everyone is just encouraging each other. We're working together to succeed...like a family."

When participating in the Combat Fit program, members must still observe some safety measures, Mr. Todd said.

"We like to do functional movement screening by way of interview," he said. "That way we minimize the chances of someone doing a movement outside their range. The customers are divided into beginner, medium and advanced. We train the beginners and medium people. We cut the advanced people loose to use the equipment. You can get a great workout done in as little as 20 to 30 minutes."

The HAWC's Combat Fit program is currently averaging 36 people per day, said Mr. Ragsdale.

Combat Fit takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Combat Fit pad outside of the Pitsenbarger Fitness Center. It is open to anyone who is interested, including military and civilian. The HAWC is still accepting new members.

"It's intense," said Mr. Ragsdale. "You burn fat and build lean muscle. You get stronger."

To sign up or get more information, call the HAWC at 940-676-4292.