A soldier asked me if they can take pre work out before a PT test. Can you do that?

2017-03-28T09:35:12-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 9:39 AM

2017-03-28T09:39:27-04:00

Good question. I honestly don't know. I would think this would be a question answered by a Master Fitness Trainer and a Nutritionist.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 9:44 AM

2017-03-28T09:44:05-04:00

Yes. Unless your unit has a policy prohibiting it's use. But I would be extremely cautious if this soldier is in poor shape and they think this will give them the edge to be successful. If used properly used it shouldn't be an issue. If used while the soldier is dehydrated it can increase their risk of sustaining a heat injury.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 28 at 2017 9:44 AM

2017-03-28T09:44:57-04:00

If that is considered his/her stretching/warmup, then I don't have a problem. But after doing a pre-workout and then failing the APFT, he/she might rethink it again.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 9:44 AM

2017-03-28T09:44:58-04:00

When I was a fitness monitor, we did not allow anything prior other than straight water. I'm sure it varies from command to command (unless there is a specific reg regarding such). Our thought was that we didn't want them taking anything that would alter their performance that wouldn't readily be available to them in the field.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 9:58 AM

2017-03-28T09:58:00-04:00

There is no Army wide policy saying that the soldier can't take it, so I would caution any leader outside of a Command Team restricting the use. Even then I would restrict the use to everyone based off medical and legal advice only.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 10:17 AM

2017-03-28T10:17:58-04:00

Unless a Commander directly forbids consumption of a pre-workout ahead of an APFT than a Soldier is allowed to use it. A lot of the older Soldiers will take aspirin, Pedialite and other things before a test to maximize output.

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made Mar 28 at 2017 10:50 AM

2017-03-28T10:50:15-04:00

You can if you want. I've done it and regretted it. It works for push ups and sit ups. Have you ever ran on pre work out, it sucks!

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Mar 28 at 2017 10:50 AM

2017-03-28T10:50:45-04:00

Could someone explain the military definition of "pre-workout" and where it is referenced?

It really cracks me up when people try to re-invent the wheel by using different terminology.
Consider this - is it exercise, food, food supplements, or something else; or a combination of these items.

Considering everything that I know, MSG Private RallyPoint Member has given the best answer.

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Mar 28 at 2017 10:58 AM

2017-03-28T10:58:33-04:00

Navy's pre work out process is a donut chased by a beer..................

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 12:18 PM

2017-03-28T12:18:17-04:00

As a leader I would advise him to be cautious, and ask what type he is taking. Realistically he can do whatever he wants, telling the Soldier no is not enforceable. Its only 4 minutes of exercise and a little 2 mile run. The Soldier shouldn't need supplements to perform this, and if the Soldier is in decent shape, or takes the pre-workout regularly it will have a negligible effect. I would only be concerned about a raised heart rate during the run.

Response by SFC William H. made Mar 28 at 2017 12:39 PM

2017-03-28T12:39:12-04:00

If you are referring to a physical warm up, I guess it would be legal as long as it is not off post at a local gym or fitness center........seriously, I don't remember seeing this done.....

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Mar 28 at 2017 3:50 PM

2017-03-28T15:50:57-04:00

I am not aware of any official regulation. I heard of one unit not letting soldiers smoke for an hour before a test but never anything about pre-workout or any other supplement. I would advise testing it out before doing it on one. Give yourself a mock APFT and take pre workout. That way, if it messes up your run, you won't get yourself flagged or something.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 3:51 PM

2017-03-28T15:51:00-04:00

To all the people on here who dont lift, Pre workout is a powder of usually caffine, niacin and bunch of other supplements you take before working out.
as for the original question, no its stupid and idiotic. thats how you have a heart attack and die. its not made for cardio

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 5:10 PM

2017-03-28T17:10:23-04:00

I've known guys to do it. I've never met one who did it twice.

Response by PFC Jonathan Albano made Mar 29 at 2017 1:10 AM

2017-03-29T01:10:39-04:00

I use to. You just have to be careful what you take. Some preworkout formulas will actually hamper performance in either the strength or running portion of the PT test. On top of that, certain preworkout formulas use ingredients that are prohibited in the Army (or have been banned themselves due to them being found to cause harm).

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2017 12:41 PM

2017-03-29T12:41:58-04:00

Unless the regs explicitly say no OR the commander says no... then yes they can

Response by PFC Cedric Powell made Mar 29 at 2017 1:04 PM

2017-03-29T13:04:22-04:00

If you do it on a regular basis and you can pass a UA, go for it. If you are a first timer, absolutely not.

Response by SPC James Anderson made Mar 29 at 2017 6:41 PM

2017-03-29T18:41:16-04:00

Took a powered substance that a friend called "Agent Orange" before a pt test. Not sure what it was, didnt ask questions, I was always weak at pt and wanted any edge I could get. Drank this stuff, which was terrible, drove to base and waited around for the test to begin. By this time i was looking for heavy furniture to move! Did my best ever on the push ups and sit ups, started the run and made it 500 yds feeling like GOD! then it was 2 min of puking my guts out. Finished the run with about 30 sec to spare. Felt like shit the rest of the day. I never used that stupid shit again!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2017 10:05 PM

2017-03-30T22:05:40-04:00

Of course, I do it all the time. "1MR" 30min. prior gets me going. It will take a lot for any commander to say you can't do it, due to proof. Since troops drink coffee in the AM.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Mar 31 at 2017 1:52 PM

2017-03-31T13:52:51-04:00

I'm not a Master Fitness Trainer nor a Nutritionist, but I will tell you that you should do what your body can handle. I take pre work out before I run long distance and it has zero effect on my body. However, I do believe like some have mentioned, that if you do not take pre work out on a regular basis, do not do it before a PT test. Try it out, and see how your body reacts to it. Then and only then will you know the answer to your question.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2017 12:45 AM

2017-04-01T00:45:47-04:00

keep it simple 800mg ibuprofen and a caffeine pill

Response by Cpl Anthony Palko made Sep 14 at 2017 1:01 PM

2017-09-14T13:01:57-04:00

I'm a Marine. Puts hands on hips and in a load roar laughs.

Response by MAJ Luca Luca made Sep 14 at 2017 4:30 PM

2017-09-14T16:30:33-04:00

First, always care what your troops do or take. "Not caring" what they do to live the military life is a sure way to fail farther down the line. If you get used to operating under certain circumstances, when those controls are taken away, it becomes problematic to succeed. Also, from my understanding this particular supplement is for strength training, not cardio, so it will elevate BP and the heart rate will increase to a troublesome beat, already elevated levels in the mix, that could be tragic. The best way to prepare for PT is to PT regularly. Simple. Do you really want a group that can only put out max effort with a powdered drink? What happens when it is unattainable and the stakes are higher? As far as regulations go, no idea if this is covered or not, but where the Army doesn't address the situation, the command can establish a standard. Be aware of your people, leadership isn't about rank, it is about being a leader...

Response by SGT Patrick Gaebelein made Sep 14 at 2017 5:15 PM

2017-09-14T17:15:58-04:00

I once drank a 40 once of Colt 45 as a cherry in the 82nd before an APFT. Was told "helps you run, full of carbs". I passed the APFT. I wouldnt recommend Colt 45. That was a rough 2 mile rub

Response by SPC Craig Miller made Sep 14 at 2017 5:25 PM

2017-09-14T17:25:02-04:00

As a medic I would watch who decided to train for the apft by slamming 2 monsters before the run and then try to figure out where on the track they were going to crash like a B17 with no landing gear.

Response by Cpl Robert Haeusler made Sep 14 at 2017 8:45 PM

2017-09-14T20:45:07-04:00

Alcohol and tobacco count as preworkout? I'm asking for a 0311 marine.

Response by SGT Steve Love made Sep 14 at 2017 9:45 PM

2017-09-14T21:45:18-04:00

I always had one banana and a bottle of water about 15 mins prior to PT formation. I scored 6 perfect 300's in a row. I did it naturally.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2017 10:24 PM

2017-09-14T22:24:40-04:00

Dude went into cardiac and died because of this taking his last chance APFT at an NCOES course, not worth the risk when the benefit is minimal really for just an APFT, preworkout is a gains over time supplement, so using it before an APFT without prior use is pointless, possibly dangerous and actually silly overall

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2017 10:25 PM

2017-09-14T22:25:19-04:00

Go ahead. It will just make you itchy and puke on the run.

Response by SGT Aleksey Vitebskiy made Sep 14 at 2017 10:30 PM

2017-09-14T22:30:03-04:00

I had worked in a job where I didn't do PT with the unit and was nervous about the PT test. Forgot to breath during sit-ups, failed. I then went home and easily knocked out 80. Lucky it was a diagnostic, not a record. Breathing is important.

As far as supplements, I'd stay away. You don't want your heart to explode or something. However, I found that taking 600-800 milligrams of Motrin helped with maxing out push-ups. Not enough that it affected me in any noticeable way, but it takes the edge off the burn and lets you knock out a few more.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2017 11:01 PM

2017-09-14T23:01:11-04:00

I tried it once... I won't do it again... I usually take about 100mg of caffeine about 30 mins before though

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2017 11:27 PM

2017-09-14T23:27:01-04:00

careful with that, alot of supplement store outside of installations have some hardcore stuff that could make you pop hot

Response by SPC Robert Virgili made Sep 15 at 2017 12:50 AM

2017-09-15T00:50:41-04:00

I think all forms is enhancing products should be available. Rephrase, I don't think that any enhancement compounds should be outside the standard. Stronger, faster, deadlier soldiers. The only reason soldiers are held back, is to guarantee the enemy has a chance. And that's just a bad way to win a war.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 2:25 AM

2017-09-15T02:25:02-04:00

When I was in AIT one of my fatbody classmates was consistently a pt failure. SO he got the right idea to take preworkout before his run and then proceeded to max it.

A few years later I tried the same thing and after the first mile was on the side of the track foaming at the mouth and throwing up. Results may vary.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 6:07 AM

2017-09-15T06:07:45-04:00

I use Hyde before an APFT, but not so much for an edge but to fully wake me up as most APFT's are held long before I am fully awake and motivated.
I also do so knowing I need to be fully hydrated and what little it will help on my PU/SU it will detract from my run.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 7:42 AM

2017-09-15T07:42:07-04:00

I would NOT do that under any circumstances.

Response by MAJ Dale McNamer made Sep 15 at 2017 8:24 AM

2017-09-15T08:24:02-04:00

I watched a soldier die from taking a supplement for more energy during workouts. Not even 30. Decent shape. Heart Attack.

I used to drink an energy drink before running. Stopped that day.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 11:41 AM

2017-09-15T11:41:35-04:00

If they want their heart to explode on the run. Some of the worst days of my life involve taking pre-workout prior to PT on "gym days" only to discover that "fuck the published schedule, we'll just run!"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 11:47 AM

2017-09-15T11:47:25-04:00

Coffee and Jack was my pre-workout before the Army became soft and boring.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 12:26 PM

2017-09-15T12:26:07-04:00

I watched a CPT down some preworkout before a PT test.. bailed pushups a situps with no issues what so ever. However the run...well. He vomited a pleasant watermelon liquid about a mile in. Then kept dry heaving the final mile. He failed

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 12:38 PM

2017-09-15T12:38:06-04:00

There's nothing that states they can't that I am aware of.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 12:56 PM

2017-09-15T12:56:07-04:00

I wouldn't allow my soldiers to do it, no way it helps on the run. However, like many have said already, there is no way you could punish them unless it is prohibited by the commander. If they pass good for them, if not then they are jackasses.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 2:47 PM

2017-09-15T14:47:35-04:00

I did that and it went horrible, most pre workouts have nitrix oxide which dialates blood vessels thus using more red blood cells far faster than if they were at a normal thus reducing your ability to process oxygen for longer durations

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 4:41 PM

2017-09-15T16:41:22-04:00

If you need a supplement to pass a PT test, you already failed.

Response by WO1 Ryan Sieverding made Sep 15 at 2017 5:03 PM

2017-09-15T17:03:59-04:00

When I was a new private to my first unit a few of my buddies and I took concentrated shots from a dixie cup. We all maxed pushups and sit ups and two of us maxed the run. The other two were spewing hot blue vomit onto the grass.
So I say go for it! Worst comes to worst you have a story and make everyone laugh.

Response by SGT Mathew Norman made Sep 15 at 2017 6:13 PM

2017-09-15T18:13:15-04:00

He's gonna barf

Response by SSG Marcus Brothers made Sep 15 at 2017 9:00 PM

2017-09-15T21:00:01-04:00

Yes, but just because you can does not imply you should. I tried that for a 20k once. 4 iv bags later, 1SG wanted to see my and my whole NCO chain.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 10:56 PM

2017-09-15T22:56:57-04:00

I actually did it once. Never again. It hurt me more than it helped. I would not recommend it to anyone.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 11:31 PM

2017-09-15T23:31:31-04:00

I've used on occasion a pre work when feeling sluggish before an APFT. It worked as intended. There are such things as stim free preworkouts that [claim] to promote vasodilation. A Soldier is in for a rude awakening if he thinks it will make a difference between pass and fail. No snake oil will make up for lack of preparation.

Just my two cents. Im not a supplement expert.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 11:55 PM

2017-09-15T23:55:57-04:00

I took pre workout before a diag apft as a dumb private (not too much sharper now)

Worst mistake of my life lol, right after I knocked out sit ups I spent the entire period before the run throwing it up and if you thought pre workout tasted bad the first time try getting it coming out the second time

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Sep 16 at 2017 1:39 AM

2017-09-16T01:39:08-04:00

I figure just go out and do the exercises, the run etc. only have water. I'll eat something only after its over. I've never had a problem with the run or any exercises including even maintaining those standards on an Armed Federal Contract after USAF retirement into My 60s with a Military unit. I get My vitamins from My food, I do not use energy drinks, I don't take anything else ever other that Gatoraide. My height and weight hasn't changed in over 40 years, still 6'2" usually 190, 195 at max. in My lifetime.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2017 3:06 AM

2017-09-16T03:06:30-04:00

You can do whatever you want as an adult, but I highly recommend against it. You should never take pre before you do cardio, pre workout elevates your heart rate. It'd be like drinking a couple redbull and going for a run

Response by PV2 Duane Schlender made Sep 16 at 2017 4:22 AM

2017-09-16T04:22:41-04:00

The greater more relevant question is whether they should?
Every persons body is different. Humans have chemicals that limit miacle growth. You have to overcome that chemical to gain mass.
If you do too much, you get injured.
You do too little, you get nothing.
So before asking if you can, ask kf you should.
Whats the soldiers diet?
Whats do the soldiers MOS duties entail?
How much workout/pt does the soldier already do?
How long does the specific soldiers body take for wormout recovery?
Whats their mentality bs pt?
Whats the specific soldiers metabolic rate?

It boils down to what a specific soldiers body can handle and recover from.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2017 8:41 AM

2017-09-16T08:41:12-04:00

Should only be done with extreme caution. We had an airmen take a double dose of pre-workout chased by two 20 ounce monsters. 23 yrs old. Basically had a heart attack and died during the fitness assessment. Statement made by medical personnel later explained that had they had an ambulance waiting at the exact spot that he collapsed they still would have lost him.

Response by SPC Sam Mackey made Sep 16 at 2017 9:25 AM

2017-09-16T09:25:15-04:00

In my experience with pretty workout I always took a half dose before a PT test. But be very cautious about taking pre-work out when preforming the test because pre-work out is designed to last for a few hours of constant exercise not for a short period of large bursts of energy.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2017 10:27 AM

2017-09-16T10:27:59-04:00

They can but I would be very careful. I was at Fort Bliss and there was a 22 year old soldier who took a lot of preworkout before the test, had a massive heart attack and died on the run. He wasn't in bad shape just wanted to get an edge. I won't do it for myself so I couldn't recommended it for one of my soldiers.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2017 5:48 PM

2017-09-16T17:48:56-04:00

The only times I've ran into places prohibiting supplements would be TRADOC environments and schools. Airbourne and Air Assault explicitly said no suppliments. They checked all our things to make sure nobody had any. Anyone who had any after the amnesty period was sent home.

Response by SGT Jason Trevino made Sep 16 at 2017 9:09 PM

2017-09-16T21:09:57-04:00

It's a PT test. If you need a preworkout for a PT test that is sad. I was maxing my PUs and SUs and scoring 70+ on the run at 5'9" 215 pounds and 18 percent body fat. Guys that take a PW before a PT test are the same ones that say they save energy on the the PUs and SUs so they can do good on the run!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2017 10:57 PM

2017-09-16T22:57:15-04:00

A banana and 1 cup of black coffee is good enough for me.

Response by SFC Thomas Butler made Sep 17 at 2017 2:39 PM

2017-09-17T14:39:53-04:00

If a Soldier is so concerned about simply passing an APFT that they actually think some pre-workout concoction is going to be what helps them make it, they need to find a new line of work.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2017 4:25 PM

2017-09-17T16:25:46-04:00

Yeah, you can. But you'd be an idiot. Preworkout supplements weren't made for endurance, they were made for slight bursts, they were made for lifting. If you're looking for endurance, build up to the training over two months with increasing difficulty, take it easy from 3 days before the event, drink a Pedialyte throughout the day with water the day before, and there you go.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2017 8:50 PM

2017-09-17T20:50:03-04:00

It's a PT test, not the damn Olympics. GTFOH

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2017 9:00 PM

2017-09-17T21:00:31-04:00

Speaking from experience, I saw a Soldier take pre-work out before our PT test back in 2015, I then saw him turn pale after sit-ups were done and watched as he puked his brains out flushing all of it out. Although some people are different so who knows maybe your Soldier will have a different take to it?

Response by SrA Joseph Garrigan made Sep 17 at 2017 9:14 PM

2017-09-17T21:14:32-04:00

Considering the fact that people don't get that pre workout is designed generally for strength activities ( weightlifting , strongman etc) , cardio to include springs can and have in the past caused heart attacks during a PRT.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2017 11:46 PM

2017-09-17T23:46:22-04:00

In Afghanistan i took pre workout before a diagnostic pt test. I was gonna be lifting on our off day, but a quick frago changed that. I maxed pushups and situps, but 3/4 of the way through the 2 mile run, i almost passed out. Not recommended.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2017 8:18 AM

2017-09-18T08:18:15-04:00

This guy that used to be in my unit took pre workout before his PT test and he failed miserably. It could have just been the way his body reacted to it since he wasn't lifting but you know your body. I wouldn't recommend it but hey, it's your choice.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2017 11:06 PM

2017-10-08T23:06:30-04:00

i wouldn't recommend it

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Aug 2 at 2019 6:11 PM

2019-08-02T18:11:28-04:00

Really? How much help do you need to run 3 miles in under 28 minutes, a few pull-ups a few sit-ups? That was the old standard anyway, can’t imagine in proportion it’s much tougher.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jan 1 at 2020 4:28 PM

2020-01-01T16:28:29-05:00

I popped 4 Aleves before a PT test once. I passed & did not die from my gut bleeding. I felt horrible afterwards but no pain. I was in severe pain from later on that evening until 3 days later. I could barely move. My PT tests after that, I got off my ass & prepared for it.

Response by PO3 Tim Jordan made Jan 1 at 2020 6:33 PM

2020-01-01T18:33:54-05:00

While in the Navy we had a guy light a smoke to breathe better during the run. Needless to say he wasn’t allowed to finish.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Apr 11 at 2020 6:23 PM

2020-04-11T18:23:51-04:00

Oh come on, it’s not like a PT test is a daunting task. You know what go out and run 4-5 days a week, do your pull-ups or pushups whatever. The minimums to pass are ridiculous, any active Hs kid could probably pass it. Now if your asked to max it that’s a different story, I could never ever do a 3 mile run in 18 minutes, I could never ever do 20 pull-ups, but I could do that run in 20-21 minutes, I could do 14 pull-ups, I always has a first class PT score and I wasn’t exceptional at anything. But I ran 5-6 days a week because I knew I’d never do 18 minutes, but I didn’t want to be the turd struggling to hit 28 minutes.