What You Should Know About the USAF Fitness Program

The Air Force Fitness Program assesses your fitness in four areas: aerobic (running), body composition, push-ups and crunches. Your scores in each area are based on  your age, gender, body measurements, amount of repetitions or elapsed time.

Aerobic test

The Aerobic fitness test is a 1½-mile timed run. For a 17- to 25-year-old male, the score ranges from zero for a 21:30 elapsed time to 50 points for running it in less than 9:36.

Body composition test

The body composition score is determined by measuring the abdominal circumference and comparing the measurement to a body composition point chart. A 17- to 25-year-old male with a 36-inch waist would get a score of 22.20 for this area.

Note: To measure abdominal circumference, place a measuring tape in a horizontal plane around the abdomen at the level of upper hip bone. Before reading the tape measure, ensure that the tape is snug but does not compress the skin and is parallel to the floor.

Push-up test

Push-ups are done in a one-minute time period. For a 17- to 25-year-old male, the scores range from zero for less than eight push-ups to 10 points for 62 or more.

Crunches test

The crunches test score is based on the number of repetitions counted during one minute. For a 17- to 25-year-old male, the score ranges from zero for less than 27 crunches to 10 points for 55 or more.

(Scoring Charts)

Your aerobic, body composition, push-up and crunches scores are added to give you a fitness rating. The Air Force fitness ratings are as follows:

Example: A 25 year-old male with a 36-inch waist, who runs the mile-and-a-half in 13 minutes, does 41 push-ups and 41 crunches would receive a "marginal" fitness rating.

Fitness ratings are used to determine how often an airman must retest. Those who score in the "excellent" or "good" categories are retested annually. Those who score in the "marginal" or "poor" categories are retested every three months. In addition, those in the marginal category are required to attend a healthy living workshop, while those in the poor category will be required to attend the workshop and participate in a fitness improvement program.

To max out your score on the Air Force Fitness Program, you will need to commit to a regular workout routine.

Stew Smith, Military.com's tactical fitness expert, will teach you to develop your own personal workout routine. PT programs to train for the Air Force fitness test can be found in the following Military.com links:

• Pull-ups/Flexed Arm Hang
• Push-ups and Sit-ups
• Running 

Other related Air Force fitness-related articles:

• Air Force Basic Training PFT Requirements
• Air Force Fitness and Weight Standards
• Air Force Pre-Boot Camp Workout
• Performing for the Special Forces
• Physical Fitness Test Anxiety
• Prepare for Air Force Special Forces - PJs and CCT

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you're looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.

Want to Learn More About Military Life?

Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for fitness and basic training tips, or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox.