Training the force

Col. Gregory Gilmour, 916th Air Refueling Wing commander, and Paul Bengds, fitness specialist, test a breathing mask while preparing for Gilmour’s metabolic test at the base gym recently. Bengds specializes in metabolic testing, which focuses on tailoring exercise regiments to the needs of different individuals. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alan Abernethy)

Training the force

Col. Gregory Gilmour, 916th Air Refueling Wing commander, and Paul Bengds, fitness specialist, discuss methods to improve physical training efficiency at the base gym recently. 916th physical training leaders were also present to learn from Bengds, who specializes in tailoring exercise regiments to the needs of different individuals. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alan Abernethy)

Training the force

Col. Jeannie Leavitt, former 4th Fighter Wing commander, wears a mask to monitoring breathing while participating in a metabolic test at the base gym recently. Leavitt’s test was in conjunction with a visit from fitness specialist Paul Bengds, who focuses on tailoring exercise regiments to the needs of different individuals. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alan Abernethy)

Training the force

Published June 18, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Alan Abernethy
916th Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- "Work smarter, not harder" was the mantra of the day as Airmen here recently gained insight on ways to improve workout efficiency from a visiting fitness and metabolic training specialist.

Paul Bengds, fitness specialist, visited the base gym to work with Col. Gregory Gilmour, 916th Air Refueling Wing commander; Gilmour has recently implemented metabolic training methods into his workouts to improve his overall fitness, said Bengds.

"The goal of the training is to increase one's ability to burn fat; not just sugar and carbohydrates," said Bengds, adding that the success of the program is based on a combination of diet and maintaining a target heart rate during exercise.

It's a misconception that the most high intensity cardio workouts burn the most fat, said Bengds. To achieve maximum results, it's more important that an exercise plan is tailored for an individual's body and fitness level, he added.

Although Bengds's program utilizes exercise computer software and specialized equipment such as breathing and heart rate monitors, he shared some great general information on training efficiently, said Master Sgt. Nelson Ajagbawa, 916th ARW physical training leader.

"I plan to integrate what I've learned here to improve my fitness training plan," said Ajagbawa.

Col. Jeannie Leavitt, former 4th Fighter Wing commander; fitness center personnel and several other 916th PTLs were also present to learn, added Ajagbawa.

"Col. Leavitt participated by undergoing metabolic testing," said Ajagbawa. "Seeing the evaluation of two different people helped us understand why training plans should be personalized."

Among the PTLs in attendance were two 916th Force Support Squadron Airmen, TSgt. Tim Kelly and Airman First Class Rachel Patterson, who were responsible for introducing Bengds and Gilmour, said Bengds. Kelly and Patterson work with Bengds at a fitness center in Raleigh, North Carolina, he added.

The PTLs in attendance took the opportunity to learn everything possible about the metabolic training methods, said Ajagbawa.

"We asked a lot of questions and got feedback from both commanders," he said.

"Go out, train the force and pass along what you've learned," said Gilmour as he addressed the PTLs in attendance at the conclusion of the visit.