Combat PT strengthens Luke warriors

Published May 14, 2009
By Senior Airman C.J. Hatch
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Luke Air Force Base members can prepare for battle during the weekly Combat Physical Training Course offered at the base fitness center and designed to simulate a combat environment by adding body armor to the workout.

Combat PT is a 12 station circuit training workout, performed while wearing body armor. In between the stations the group runs laps around the gym. Members normally run at least a mile and a half during each workout.

"It's tough to do," said Jennifer Hawkins, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, combat PT instructor. "But it's helpful to deployers because they become accustom to the extra weight they may be carrying."

Combat PT is like CrossFit, both are circuit workouts said Rodrick Kaloostian, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, combat PT instructor.

"The difference is Combat PT is based on timed circuits and CrossFit is based on reps," he said.

Instructors rotate exercises in and out of the 12 workout stations. The instructors say the change keeps workouts interesting and challenge different muscle groups.

"Normally there are a few things that people have never seen or done," Kaloostian said. "We tried to create enough exercises so there is a variety each time members attend. The idea is to create a complete workout for the body with emphasis on the core."

The sessions maintain a theme of working the core muscles. The core muscles are in the middle of the body and include the abdominals and obliques.

"Not too long ago the major focus of athletes at all levels became the core," Kaloostian said. "Once I started focusing on my core, the pushups and sit-ups required for PT test became easy."

Combat PT sessions provide a complete workout in about 30 minutes.

The combat PT course is open to anyone and is held between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays at the gym. For more information on fitness center programs call (623) 856-6421.