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Fitness revamp: Emphasis on cardio, age brackets simplified

  • Published
  • By John Stuart
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  For all you Airmen, July 1, 2010, is a day you'll want to remember, as it's likely your Air Force aerobic life will see some changes.

As the Air Force is seeking more accountability for its Physical Fitness Test procedures, Airmen can expect some new test regulations in the coming months.

Among the main changes to the test is the inclusion of minimum score requirements in each test category. Airmen will have to score a 60 percent on the 1.5-mile run and sit-up components, and score at least 50 percent on the push-up component to ensure a satisfactory grade.

The new test formula is weighted slightly less on the abdominal circumference measurement and places more importance on the run component.

Test takers will receive a composite score on a zero to 100 scale, based on these maximum component scores: 60 points for aerobic, 20 points for body composition, 10 points for push-ups and 10 points for sit-ups.

Age brackets will also be simplified on the new test. They will be organized by decade: 29 and under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and up.

The aerobic component for Airmen on a physical "profile" will be shortened, from a three-mile walk to a 1.5-mile walk.

To pass with satisfaction, Airmen must earn a composite score of at least 75. For an excellent rating they must achieve a 95 or better.

From Jan. 1 until July 1, Tinker Airmen will earn two scores on their fitness tests. One is their score under the current grading system and the second is their score under the new grading system.

This should help with the transition and let people gauge possible areas for improvement, according to Capt. Josh Gaines, assistant director of the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center.

Airmen will also have to take a fitness test every six months under the new guidelines.

A new staff of five civilian test graders will be fielded to meet the new requirements. After July 1, the new graders will oversee the estimated 11,000 fitness tests that will be given each year at Tinker.

When the new graders are in place it's likely the test will be given to larger groups of people at a time, Captain Gaines said. As many as 10 to 20 Airmen may take the physical test at one time. Fitness tests will continue as normal until July 1, when the graders will take over.