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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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Airmen required to face PT despite cold temps

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrew Caya
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  With well below freezing temperatures in the western New York area and around the country, Airmen may be inclined to skip their physical training on account of the weather.
914th Airlift Wing Fitness Manager Maj. Maria McElroy thinks this is a bad mentality for Airmen to have.

"I would advise members practice running out in the cold," she said. "Running a few times outside will get you acclimated and properly prepared for the weather...if your body is conditioned, it will take care of you."

Mr. Chad Stowe, a certified fitness instructor working in the Fitness Center here, at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station stated that there are a few avenues Airmen can pursue to maintain fitness excellence in the winter months.

"The most important thing to do is to acclimate your lungs to the cold; you can do this by doing a mixture of indoor and outdoor training or by simply getting out in the cold and running," said Mr. Stowe

Major McElroy, a Mississippi Native who transferred to Niagara from Keesler AFB was no fan of the cold weather when she arrived at her new station however; she overcame her dislike for the cold.

"I'm used to Southern weather: hot humidity," said Major McElroy. She went on to elaborate on the fact that when she lived in Biloxi, Mississippi, she did not enjoy running in the cold weather. However, when she moved to Niagara Falls she said, "'let me just try it'- Now, in trying [running in the cold], I'm a little bit addicted to it, "she said with a laugh.

Being an officer, the major leads by example and braves running in the cold of Niagara Falls just like the Airmen under her command.

"Last January, when we administered the test during the Unit Training Assembly, it was around 20 degrees outside and I ran around the base twice. So [PT in cold weather] is not something I put the Airmen out there in that I did not encounter myself and I had a good feel of what the Airmen were running in."

Mr. Stowe stated that the Fitness Center is more than willing to help Airmen achieve their fitness goals.

The Fitness Center Staff has outdoor recreation available to help Airmen train their lungs with an unusual activity such snowshoeing, he said. The fitness center also advises Airmen on their fitness status and encourages them to attend fitness skills training during the UTA. We also utilize video fitness training assisted by a trained staff member during the week, said Mr. Stowe.

Major McElroy said a runner's progress can be hindered when their ears, nostrils and chest become so cold it feels like they are burning. She feels these phenomena can be avoided by simple measures.

Proper layering will help you, said Major McElroy. "I would recommend to anyone to wear your gloves and your hat; layer your chest and you won't encounter those problems. Most people warm up as they are running and by the time [The Airmen] run a mile and a half , it's just a warm up in my opinion- they're cold the entire time and unless you start out warm and layered you're just defeating yourself."

Mr. Stowe agrees with the major on the steps she stated in preparing for physically training in colder temperatures.

"We live in Western New York and the best way to adapt to the fitness standards the Air Force has is to layer your clothing, get out there and train," Mr. Stowe said.