NAS Jax hosts Command Fitness Leader Summit at The Zone

Not only did the CFL's learn about current information on the Physical Readiness Program policy changes, but the track was expanded to include continuing education in health promotion and hands-on training at the gym.

Topics included nutrition, weight management, tobacco cessation, as well as how to do both a cardio and weight training workout with limited space.

The two-day track also highlighted administration separation procedures for personnel physical readiness test (PRT) failures, and the results of the 2007 Alternate Cardio Options (the elliptical and stationary bike machines were added as alternatives to running the PRT).

ACC Ryan Fluata from NAS Pensacola, demonstrates an exercise during the physical training workshop portion of the Command Fitness Leader Summit. Photos by QM2 Nicole Beatty

The CFL course was set up by OPNAV/N135 Physical Readiness Program out of Millington, Tenn. They worked with the NAS Jax Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Department to coordinate the instructors and places where the training would take place.

Chris Crossman, the fitness coordinator for NAS Jax, instructed the group in the physical training (PT) workshops. "We're doing a PT demonstration that they can take back to their commands, showing them ways to keep things fun and different, so it's not the usual monotony," Crossman said.

"We're emphasizing what is important; pushups, sit-ups, and running, but not everyone wants to go out three times a week and just do those three things. What we want to teach them are ways to compliment muscle

groups that are involved in those three components of Navy fitness."

AW1 Matt Jirrels of HSM Weapons Mayport (blue shirt), counts as AW1 Russell Krenz of HSL-40 does sit-ups.

AM1 Gilda Ramirez, CFL for VP-30, commented on the summit. "It's very informational and educational. The instructors are very good and very fair. They know what they're talking about. We talked about the new things that are in the instruction. Now they're teaching us different exercises so that we don't bore everybody with jumping jacks all the time."

The CFL from Naval Hospital Jacksonville, HMC Yuri Robinson, also enjoyed the summit. "It gives us a lot of updates. It's a good course," he said.

Sailors participating in the Command Fitness Leader Summit learn new exercises to take back to their commands.

Participants of the Command Fitness Leader Summit warm up for the physical training workshop by running in place.