Air Com-MOM-dos get back in the fight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Parkinson
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The Hurlburt Field Health and Wellness Center offers a special physical training program for active-duty mothers who are six weeks to six months post-partum.

April Royster, HAWC health and fitness specialist who runs the program, said Post Pregnancy PT is designed to recondition active-duty members coming off maternity leave.

"My goal is to train each individual on how to progressively increase their physical training after pregnancy and prepare them for their upcoming fitness assessment test which is due 180 days after delivery," she said. "They also learn how to maintain fitness on their own. After the member tests they are released to their regular squadron's [physical training]."

During the initial appointment, Royster said she discusses expectation of the program and intent of the workouts. Also, moms can use the "bod pod" to calculate their muscle mass and fat percentage.

The new moms meet three days a week during which they participate in high-intensity exercises and circuits to increase their VO2 max, which is the measure of maximum amount of oxygen used during physical activity.

Each session consists of full body movements, pushups, squats and sprints.

Mothers, who are worried about physical fitness after child birth and maternity leave, can give Post Pregnancy PT a try.

"I was worried about my [physical fitness] before learning about the program," said Master Sgt. Tomekia King, 1st Special Operations Dental Squadron NCO in-charge of records and reception. "I definitely see improvements in my [physical fitness] as far as cardio and strength."

For more information on Post Pregnancy PT or to make an initial appointment, contact April Royster at (850) 884-4298.