What To Expect
Nothing in life is given to you. However, you can prepare and reach your goal and achieve what you need easier. The Navy PRT (Physical Readiness Test) is basically just that. It is a test to make sure everyone is physically prepared. The PRT happens twice a year, once during spring time and the second in the fall. It consists of sit-ups, push ups and variations of cardio. You can either choose swimming 500 yards, a 1.5 mile run, or biking it. Sometimes the command you are stationed with will tell you which form of cardio you will be doing. Every sailor has to do this unless they medically can not, then a waiver is given to them. It’s a case by case basis. Each one of those categories have a certain time that has to be reached and a certain number of sit-ups and push ups that are needed. All of that is determined by your age and what age group you fall under. Here you will find all the scores you need to fall into a performance level. If you fall into the probationary category it means you did not pass your PRT. I know it sounds complicated and confusing, if it didn’t then it wouldn’t be the military. I’m trying to simplify all of this because when I first joined I was confused as well. Now that I have over 5 years in I kind of know my way around.
My PRT
My PRT this season was the first one I’ve done in about a year and a half. I fall into the 25-29 year old range. Yay! So I always try and shoot for the most. I push my hardest. I also look and see what I need to pass, as long as I go over that number and score the rest is easy peezy. I was worried this PRT, it was my first one in a while, I just got over a bad cold, and I was still recovering from minor back surgery earlier this year. The sit-ups really made it hurt. But, I managed to do better than I even expected and passed with flying colors. Needless to say I was pretty proud of myself and my Unit was glad I passed too.
How I Trained For The PRT
Staying in shape is no easy task. It takes time, dedication and determination. We’re human, sometimes we have no time, we get busy it happens. It happened to me. I realized once I joined the Navy reserve’s again I was going to have to really make a change. So, I started working out, eating healthy and trying to stick to it. Over the course of the months I was getting stronger. I had some setbacks of course but I went to the gym. I worked out on my own whenever I could and I kept watching what I ate. I got a lot of ideas off of Pinterest. That helped me with my food and my workouts I didn’t do at the gym. Here are some ideas from my Pinterest Boards that are still in the making.
- Healthy Breakfast Ideas
- Healthy Snacks and Dinners
- Workouts – So many to try out!
- Yoga
I’m always adding to my Pinterest board so it’s a continuation of ideas and help. I relied a lot on Pinterest and YouTube because I was working out on my own a lot, mainly because I was so busy. I floated around two different gyms trying to get a feel of what I like and I eventually did. I got myself a personal trainer. Yes they are a little pricey but they get you to where you want to be and make sure you maintain the lifestyle. Weekly check ups and a workout book really helps. It helped me. By the time the PRT came up I was ready. I passed my weigh in and I passed the PRT this past weekend. I couldn’t be more proud of myself, all my hard work actually paid off! If you have a goal in mind, reach it. Nothing can stop you, you have the strength and the determination to get to where you want to be. I believe in you, now believe in yourself!
“Believe in yourself, and the rest will fall into place. Have faith in your own abilities, work hard, and there is nothing you cannot accomplish.”
Brad Henry
Katie Writes 