One phone call to a changed life Published May 11, 2006 By Tammy Santis Public Affairs Grand Forks AFB, N.D. -- When a back injury kept Senior Airman Suzanne Hoey from keeping fit, she knew she had to do something drastic. Luckily, Airman Hoey knew exactly what her goals were, “lose weight, become more physically fit, meet Air Force standards and ultimately feel healthier on a day-to-day basis.” The problem was deciding how she was going to meet those goals. “I had been on a profile for a year and my own efforts weren’t working, then I saw a sign at the fitness center for a personal trainer. I called,” said Airman Hoey. That call changed her life for the better when the base fitness center put in contact with their personal trainer, Airman First Class Jacob Casey. First, she and Airman Casey discussed how she could meet the goals she had set for herself. After that initial meeting, he initiated the process by doing a full physical strength and endurance assessment. By comparing this assessment to the Cooper’s Institute standard, Airman Casey provided a personal training program that put Airman Hoey in motion. “There was never any pressure, I set my own standards and Airman Casey guided my tempo, allowing me to meet them. In a short time, I lost twenty pounds and passed the Air Force fitness test,” she said. According to base fitness center personnel, the personal training program is a great way for airmen and families alike to get their physical fitness back on track. But keep in mind, “it’s not always about losing weight. It’s about being fit and maintaining a level of fitness,” said Tech. Sergeant Alicia Skinner, Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge of the fitness center. The program is designed to give anyone the tools to change not only their physique and lifestyle but their overall outlook on fitness. How can you start? Call the base fitness center at 747-3384 and ask for Airman Casey.