AWC Series: Fitness

By Sara MorrisNovember 29, 2021

The VO2 Max test is on a treadmill equipped with a FitMate sensor that funnels air and measures your rate of oxygen consumption. It is a mask that is fitted to your face for testing.
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The VO2 Max test is on a treadmill equipped with a FitMate sensor that funnels air and measures your rate of oxygen consumption. It is a mask that is fitted to your face for testing. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Fort Knox Army Wellness Center, at BLDG 1489, 545 Eisenhower Ave. 
Fort Knox, KY 40121, is open Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Fort Knox Army Wellness Center, at BLDG 1489, 545 Eisenhower Ave.
Fort Knox, KY 40121, is open Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Photo Credit: Sara Morris)
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If you are looking to improve your fitness, the Army Wellness Center here, at Fort Knox, could be the missing piece to your current training plan. Or if you are looking to get back into fitness after some time off, they can get you started on the right foot for your current fitness level.

The fitness analysis provided by the Fort Knox Army Wellness Center, tests an individual’s grip strength, back strength, flexibility and VO2 Max, or cardiovascular endurance. Prior to the test you will again have to fast for five hours and no exercise for 14 hours.

Before you come in for the physical testing, your educator may ask you to complete a “Performance and Fitness” education course. This course provides information on how to create a sustainable exercise program, a sample workout schedule and what to expect on the fitness test.

During your visit, your health educator will take your height, weight and blood pressure prior to the test. Then you will be prepped for the cardiovascular testing. The VO2 Max test is on a treadmill equipped with a FitMate sensor that funnels air and measures your rate of oxygen consumption. It is a mask that is fitted to your face for testing.

Based on your questionnaire and base fitness level, the health educator will decide on an increasing walk or run test. The Run 10 is most commonly used on soldiers who run their two mile time in more than 15 minutes, and increases speed and incline throughout the test. Speedier athletes can be pushed by the run 20 test.

If you do not have a history of running, you will be given a walking protocol for the test. After the running/walking portion, you move on to the strength and flexibility tests. The grip strength, back strength and flexibility tests are done three times each, with the best score used.

Once you have completed the tests you will meet with your health educator to discuss the results and come up with an effective workout plan to help you achieve your goals. The training plan is meant to be a sustainable exercise regimen.

AWC’s goal is to provide each client with the skills necessary to see change over time. These are ways you can meet your goals, and change your life. After you develop the training schedule with your health educator, they will ask you to come back for check-ins to see your progress.

Once the check-ins are established the team at the Fort Knox AWC might suggest a stress-management appointment, which is our next course in this series!

For more information on all the AWC can provide you/your unit please check out this link: https://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/healthyliving/al/Pages/ArmyWellnessCenters.aspx

Or call the Fort Knox AWC : 502-626-0408

BLDG 1489, 545 Eisenhower Ave.

Fort Knox, KY 40121

Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.