CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar -- The Army Field Support Battalion-Qatar team takes physical readiness to another level. In early March 2014, I used my background as a certified fitness trainer to develop a High Intensity Training and High Intensity Interval Training regimen that has been incorporated into the battalion's physical training program.
H.I.T. focuses on performing quality weight-training repetitions that lead to temporary muscular failure. H.I.I.T. is a form of cardiovascular exercise; alternating short intense anaerobic exercise with less intense recovery periods. These short, intense workouts provide improved athletic capacity and conditioning, increasing resting metabolic rates while effectively burning fat.
Comparatively, H.I.T / H.I.I.T. produce swift and solid results as opposed to maintaining the physical "status quo" through standard aerobic workouts. While all Soldiers share the same responsibility to meet the Army standards for physical fitness, most have different personal goals. Some want to improve their Army Physical Fitness Test score, many want to trim fat, some want to build muscle, and others just want to get fit.
Sgt. 1st Class Stephanie Duff, a logistics services noncommissioned officer for AFSBn-QA's supply section, is a great example. She is one of many here who have taken their fitness journey to another level by utilizing H.T.T. / H.I.I.T. twice a week.
Her personal goal was to continue to build muscle and to produce better muscle definition. Instead of following her original plan to achieve this by long-distance running, she tried the H.I.T. / H.I.I.T.
It not only improved her strength and cardiovascular endurance in reduced time, but it also helped reduce body weight and improved her conditioning. She earned first place during the September Fitness Mania Challenge.
As a certified fitness trainer, I welcomed the advent of the new Army Physical Readiness Training program because of its ability to effectively tailor fitness exercises to Soldiers of any body composition type, age and, gender.
AFSBn-QA has a healthy PRT program. PRT's well-rounded course of conditioning and strengthening drills is relevant for physical requirements in a home station environment or in combat and applies to the entire Soldier population. We conduct preparation drills, including conditioning drills and military movement drills before unit physical training.
Army Physical Readiness Training Field Manual 7-22 states: "Military leaders have always recognized that the effectiveness of Soldiers depends largely on their physical condition." AFSBn-QA happens to be a small team, but our physical fitness program is robust.
H.I.T. / H.I.I.T. enhanced the battalion's sense of teamwork along with their fitness. The success of the program has reached across the installation with personnel from other units also participating regularly.
If you happen to be in Qatar and want to challenge yourself physically with a great group of Army professionals and athletes, test yourself at the next H.I.T. / H.I.I.T. session. You will be pushed to your limits and walk away, "Army Strong!"
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