After basic and AIT, are you able to get back onto a fitness schedule? Also, do you buy your own food if you choose to eat a certain way?

Ashley Nicole — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 23:11:45 -0500

During basic and AIT I know you’re not allowed to go to the gym as if it were on your own time.. my question is after basic and AIT are you able to get back onto a fitness schedule? I know bases have gyms and what not but I didn’t know if there were limitations living in the barracks. I’m mainly referring to weights and lifting rather than cardio. Speaking of the barracks, do you buy your own food if you choose to eat a certain way or are you still on the same eating schedule as basic?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2020 12:48 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 00:48:58 -0500

Absolutely, as previously mentioned you will do organized PT every morning Monday-Friday typically starting at 0630. Depending on your MOS you will most likely be off work around 1700 giving you plenty of time to get to the gym. Most gyms are within walking distance of the barracks so you shouldn't have an issue there. Most barracks now days are laid out with a small kitchen so you can cook how you see fit. Be advised, that living in the barracks means you will probably be issued a meal card to eat at the dining facility. Meaning whatever groceries you buy will be out of pocket rather than BAS. Good luck!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2020 1:02 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 01:02:47 -0500

I could be too many years removed from AIT, but we were allowed to go to the gym during AIT, if/when we had time. Not sure if, or how, that’s changed in the intervening years.

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 8 at 2020 7:37 AM

SPC David S. — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 07:37:20 -0500

Working out not a problem - the food however could pose three problems - getting it - storing it - cooking/prepping it. Not sure what your MOS is or where you will attend AIT but the options vary wildly.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2020 7:41 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 07:41:49 -0500

When it comes to food you are completely at the mercy of your Dining Facility

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Jan 8 at 2020 9:03 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:03:54 -0500

Ashley,
After Basic and AIT, yes. But you still have to perform PT with your unit depending on your MOS and mission. Most units conduct PT at 0630, where others do it sometime in the afternoons...again, depending on your unit's mission and personnel. What you you do on your personal time as far fitness, and food consumption is on you unless you want or like to eat at dinning facilities. But remember, you still have to show up and conduct PT with your unit.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Jan 8 at 2020 9:42 AM

SPC Stewart Smith — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:42:15 -0500

You'll do company PT every day. Typically after 5pm you are on your own time and can go to the gym and lift all the weights you want.
Food: You will not be forced to eat at the DFAC, but you will not be given any special food allowance either. You can buy food at the commissary, but you are not going to be reimbursed for it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 8 at 2020 1:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:34:32 -0500

I believe if your duty is not compatible with dining facility hours you can get reimbursement. I also believe there exists an exception to policy in regards to single soldiers and BAS for religious and dietary purposes.