Bring that PT Magic, Mike!

  • Published
  • By Maj. Erin Karl
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  "That's not pain! That's awesomeness," he said, pacing back in forth in front of his class. "You're dripping awesomeness all over the floor!"

That was the voice of Michael Unden, the military fitness specialist who runs the boot camp classes at the Fitness Center every UTA Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 6 a.m. His primary mission is to help wing members improve their fitness, health, strength and Fit to Fight scores. He also does classes during the week for the 4th Fighter Wing and Air Reserve Technicians in the 916th.

Unden has spent his entire adult life training military and law enforcement members in physical fitness and health. He's been at the 916th for two years and in that time he's developed a devoted following.

Chief Timothy Erdmann, 916th Maintenance Squadron superintendent, started participating in Unden's classes last November after failing his Fit to Fight test.
"Mike was instrumental in encouraging me, helping me with my diet, and helping me target areas I needed to improve. He genuinely cares about helping people get in shape and doing the right thing," said Erdmann.

Accountability to Unden was a big part of Erdmann's transformation. Each week as Erdmann progressed, Unden noticed the positive changes.
"Chief Erdmann is one of the great success stories. He brought that 'I'm not going to give up attitude,'" said Unden. "You bring me that, I can work wonders. I can work miracles. It's been fantastic seeing the results."

Six months after starting Unden's classes, the chief easily passed his Fit to Fight test. He continues to go regularly to the classes and helps Unden as a demo guy to show new people how to do the exercises. That frees Unden up to walk around and encourage everyone.

"Come on! You can do better than that," said Unden. "We're not mall walkers, people! Move faster!"

Erdmann really enjoys Unden's teaching style. "The best part of working with Mike is that he's passionate about what he does, he pushes you to the limit, but he keeps it light. He uses humor and it makes it fun."

Unden says he's aiming to get a whole lifestyle change in the people with whom he works. He wants more than just a passing score.
"Every day people come and shake my hand. People come in to tell me how they did on their PT test," said Unden. "I've seen dramatic results. In one month's time I've seen people take four inches off their waists, double their pushups, and cut their run times in half. They can do it. It's been great."

Unden has a message for anyone in the wing who wants or needs to improve his or her fitness level.

"They can contact me. Call me or e-mail me. Even if they're not local, I'll work with them to improve any way I can," said Unden. "You just need the dedication to start. Once you start, you've got it."