NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- Physical fitness trainers here are preparing for the return of fitness testing.
In March of 2020, the Air Force suspended physical fitness testing, due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and pushed that suspension in May, September, December and for a final time in April of 2021.
“Early on, when it was really heavy COVID spread – it was really restrictive. Now that the rates are low – tentatively, we’re going back to 16 person flights – but spread them out more. Of course, people have the option to wear a mask if they want to,” said Paul Hackett, 914th Air Refueling Wing Exercise Physiologist.
The July start date comes with a revamp of the outdated physical fitness standards.
“It’s a whole new process. I mean, the process is kind of the same – but it’s obviously in a new building (and) we’ve got a new run course,” said Hackett. “I’m going to go over how we’ll process people in, the room we’re going to do the strength components in, and how they’ll process out of here to the run course and back in.”
Niagara Falls ARS will prepare for the return to fitness testing in its new fitness center – set to open in August.
“It’ll (gym) get transferred over to the wing – and we’ll take some time moving all the equipment over, from the old gym. It’s going to be beautiful,” Hackett concluded.