Enhancing the health and fitness of uniformed personnel

As we celebrate National Heroes’ Day, we checked out the latest developments on how our policemen and military personnel work on their health and fitness. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released data that 39.7 percent of Filipinos are sedentary which is definitely bad for our health.

During the pandemic years, many (my daughter included) joined as Navy, Army or Air Force reserves. While we hope it is to serve the country, many took the opportunity to be trained and get physically fit outside the confines of their homes.

There are many signature fitness regimens and physical tests. The Philippine Army Warrior Fitness (PAWF) Test, for example, is comprised of seven events performed in a sequence. These include the Leg Tuck; Modified Push-Ups; 100-meter Sprint and Drop; Casualty Drag and Carry; Up and Over Squat; Ammunition Can Carry; and One-Mile Run.

Meanwhile, for the Philippine Navy, the minimum requirements of the physical exam include 20 to 22 push-ups per minute for men and 11-13 push-ups for women. The number of push-ups corresponds to an age bracket as well. Men should be able to run 3.2 kilometers in 20 minutes while women should not clock in over 22 minutes. Those 25 years old and below are expected to be one and 1/2 minutes faster. As for sit-ups, men should do at least 24 per minute while women are expected to do 17 sit-ups per minute.

In the Philippine Air Force, your fitness is assessed in three events. Men should do 30 push-ups in two minutes while women should do 11. Younger participants are expected to do more while those 27 years old and above can do two reps less. For sit-ups, men are made to do at least 36 in two minutes while women are required 23. There is also a 3.2 kilometer run which men should finish in less than 20 minutes with women allowed a minute more to complete it.

The physical agility test of the Philippine National Police (PNP) includes abdominal crunches, push-ups and a run. A screening committee determines the level of coordination, strength and speed the person possesses.

Generika Drugstore announced a special discount program “for uniformed and non-uniformed personnel to honor their courage and sacrifices in the