COMMENTARY: Fitness test a tool to make us better Airmen Published May 13, 2009 By Lt. Col. Cathleen Bullard 67th Aerial Port Squadron HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT -- I'm sure you've seen that the fitness test is changing so that men can now max the test with a 35-inch waist and women can max the test with a 32-inch waist. I've heard some grumbling that the test is now too easy and it doesn't mean anything anymore, because the standards are too low. My view is that the fitness test, no matter what the standards are, is a tool to get us all motivated to lead healthier lives, push ourselves in difficult situations, and develop positive representatives of the Air Force. When the fitness test was tied to enlisted and officer performance reports, many started taking it much more seriously and squadrons designed rigorous fitness programs to ensure their troops passed. When this happened, individuals were encouraged to lead healthier lifestyles. I see squadrons having healthy weight loss competitions, friendly fitness contests, and individual sections designing their own personal health programs. The Air Force as a whole is looking and feeling better. So, even if the standards of the new test seem too easy, the overall result of the test is healthier, fitter Airmen. Another benefit of the fitness test is that it encourages us to push ourselves in difficult situations. When you participate in the fitness test or your squadron fitness program, there are many times when you don't feel like working out or you don't think you can go one more minute, but you can and do because of personal pride and personal commitment to do your best for your unit. This attitude easily translates to other areas of your life. When you're a student and are tired and don't feel like studying, you know you are capable of giving a little extra effort because you've already been doing it each week in the fitness arena. In our work, we are also able to push ourselves, because we've schooled ourselves to do it with fitness. Pushing ourselves to achieve during difficult conditions takes practice, and if we do it each week with our fitness routine, we'll be able to do it any time it is necessary. Finally, another benefit of the fitness test is we are better representatives of the Air Force when we are fitter and healthier. When we meet someone for the first time, our first impression is often lasting. If someone looks fit, it shows us they have discipline, self-control, and are able to commit. They make us think how they would showcase these characteristics in a personal or work situation. So a person who is fit is ahead of the game when he or she goes before others and the community. Everyone has more confidence in a fit person and a fit Air Force. In closing, remember that the fitness test, no matter how the standards change over the years, is a tool to make us better Airmen. If we embrace the program, we should be healthier, be able to excel during stressful times, and be outstanding representatives of the Air Force.