Do you think doing PT in the afternoon would be better?

2016-03-25T17:59:22-04:00

So from an efficiency standpoint the way we do PT right now is awful. You wake up to be at formation at 0600 to do 1 hour of PT, then go home to change, eat, whatever. The you come back for a generally 0900 - 1700 work day. If we shifted PT to 1600 - 1700, you could start the work day at 0800 and get the same amount of work done. People bring PTs in a bag to change at work.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 25 at 2016 6:07 PM

2016-03-25T18:07:15-04:00

Don't know the official rational behind having PT in the early am. Always hated to get up at 0530 +/- walk outside and start doing PT in the dark; never got accustomed to it. By the same token found that later in the day we were always involved in something and didn't have the time to do the whole PT thing, esp in the field etc. In addition, always found the afternoon heat very difficult even at a young age to do PT well. Never saw any PT in a combat zone, everyone just kept moving from dawn to dark.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 25 at 2016 6:19 PM

2016-03-25T18:19:14-04:00

There's positives and negatives.

Negatives: Heat of the day (Safety). Road Congestion (Safety). Daycare issues - if things run long this can create issues, whereas if you run long into the workday, there really are none. Chow - see Daycare.

Positives: People tend to be better prepared because they ate during the day, and are "well rested." It has less impact on Operations.

I'm sure there are others in both categories.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2016 6:48 PM

2016-03-25T18:48:04-04:00

PT in the morning is best before the heat and hot sun. When I was in, my workday went well beyond 1600.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 25 at 2016 7:00 PM

2016-03-25T19:00:00-04:00

Strictly based on organizational requirements associated with PT. If you are doing it correctly it is related to your mission and not just the daily dozen. The a.m., if for no other reason ensures there are no excuses to cancel PT. Bottom line, what best suits your pending mission and the needs of the organization.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2016 7:10 PM

2016-03-25T19:10:16-04:00

The problem with afternoon PT is that most leaders work well beyond 1700. It would be difficult to disengage from work, PT, shower/change, and go back to work.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2016 7:11 PM

2016-03-25T19:11:47-04:00

I could see this being great or bad... depending on the location. At most CONUS bases, this would work out great. Some bases though would be far too hot for PT after the morning has passed. I believe this afternoon pt was tested by a unit a year or so back and it showed good results, but the local population had issues with it because the change in Army traffic times clogged up the roads and circulation of the city. Personally, I do prefer doing PT later in the day though.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2016 7:18 PM

2016-03-25T19:18:03-04:00

I would not like the idea of doing PT at 1600 in July or August

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2016 8:05 PM

2016-03-25T20:05:15-04:00

That's the way I've done it for the last several years, it suits me. I'm medical so my actual work hours start before 0600 and finish somewhere around or after 1600 usually. If an old man like me can run outside, later on in the day, in the summer heat, in El Paso, then it really shouldn't be an issue for those younger, in better shape.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Mar 25 at 2016 8:43 PM

2016-03-25T20:43:46-04:00

Some units are doing this...depending on the season.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 25 at 2016 8:52 PM

2016-03-25T20:52:11-04:00

When I was at Ft. Bliss, a few months out of the year we would do PT in the afternoon. Worked out alright I guess.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2016 9:43 PM

2016-03-25T21:43:52-04:00

PT is a great way to start the day and get it out the way.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 25 at 2016 9:49 PM

2016-03-25T21:49:02-04:00

We did this in the Reserve, it worked. I'm guess it would work just fine, also once your done, go home relax.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Mar 25 at 2016 9:54 PM

2016-03-25T21:54:42-04:00

AM / PM I don't really care. How about AM and PM?

Response by SSG John Carpenter Sr. made Mar 25 at 2016 10:05 PM

2016-03-25T22:05:48-04:00

PT should only be done in the morning..The best time for muscle growth is during the early hours..The term waking up the muscle groups means exercising to peak levels for optimal growth..But if PT is done at a set time(a.m. or p.m.)the same results can be attained..

Response by SSG Patricia King made Mar 26 at 2016 12:28 AM

2016-03-26T00:28:24-04:00

Fort Carson gave this a try last winter. The intent was to cut down on missing PRT due to weather calls. I worked in the division G5 at the time and our ORSA did the metrics. What we found is that not only did PT scores go down, which is to be expected in the winter months, but they went down compared to the previous year with AM PT. while it wasn't looked at I believe we would have seen a rise in overweight soldiers as well. From leaders to the lowest private things come up throughout the day. Details, taskings, deadlines. In the end PT ends up being pushed off to complete missions. Unfortunately morning PRT sessions have proven, at least anecdotally on one installation, to be the most effective way to maintain readiness.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 12:40 AM

2016-03-26T00:40:20-04:00

There is always work to do after 1600. Most BDE/BN meetings don't finish until 1600ish and that requires leaders at the CO level to execute guidance from those meetings. If you had PT at 1600, you would not have much leadership in attendance.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Mar 26 at 2016 1:33 AM

2016-03-26T01:33:31-04:00

I'm sure every service member is different in their preference, and a lot of it depends on their job requirements and schedule. Personally, the adrenaline rush from physical training first thing in the morning is a great kick start to my day. By the end of the day, I'm usually too exhausted and fed up with bullshit to have any interest in PT.

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made Mar 26 at 2016 1:58 AM

2016-03-26T01:58:30-04:00

In the winter, especially, I detest 0615 PT formations. Cold and dark. But that's partly because the later I get in my career, the earlier 0615 feels.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 3:20 AM

2016-03-26T03:20:54-04:00

I believe the morning has more do with accountability. I have to establish work priorities based upon personnel and task demands. On the other side, I've seen some units do a "reverse schedule" in the darkest winter months due to safety, but accountability formation needs to be done early enough (0800 is way too late) to allow leaders to ensure all personnel are okay and execute their missions.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 7:09 AM

2016-03-26T07:09:40-04:00

I prefer morning PT because it helps me start my day. However, when I was at Ft. Sam, afternoon PT in the summer was brutal. In regards to medical units, we normally do PT on our own due to our hospital schedules. I do believe that organized afternoon PT in non-medical units would be more beneficial because the soldiers who prefer morning PT can do it on their own either in the gym or wherever they prefer, and everyone else will still get a good PT session in the afternoon.

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made Mar 26 at 2016 7:53 AM

2016-03-26T07:53:43-04:00

Here's the thing. I have always been a proponent of "PT on your own" at whatever time of day you want as long as it doesn't interfere with mission accomplishment. "But wait!", the NCOs scream, "these guys won't do PT unless I make them! Our company average will go down! I won't be able to put anything on my NCOER about how awesome I am at motivating people to run faster!" I have always been told that "PT is an individual responsibility", but then they make me come in and do PT with the company? If it is an individual responsibility, then let me be responsible for it. If I show up to an APFT and fail, then kick me the hell out of the Army to make room for someone who wants to be here and has the discipline to stay in shape. I always hated doing PT in the morning, especially in winter. But, now that I am retired, I get up 4 days a week at 0430 to do PT. On my own. With consistent gains. So I guess I am for morning PT. Go figure.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 1:45 PM

2016-03-26T13:45:30-04:00

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/whats-the-best-time-to-exercise

Those in the Army often say that pt is the most important thing we do everyday. We also have a new focus on actually using science to help us be better, in the form of the Triad of Performance.

There's not clear research that answers this question definitively. But dong PT in the morning, early, is probably fine, as long as you are well hydrated, well fed, and well rested. If not...it's probably counterproductive. The time of day isn't as important as the general conditions----sleep and nutrition are more important than when one does PT. the bigger problem in the Army is more about managing sleep cycles and nutrition than it is about PT.

I've found that I prefer to PT in the morning, but that I get a better workout in if I PT about two or three hours after breakfast, when I'm hydrated better and have higher energy levels. PT early in the morning means you're working on an empty stomach, which means reduced energy levels.

What's the Best Time to Exercise?

Some people swear by a 6 a.m. jog to get their hearts racing and get them psyched up for the day. Others wouldn't dream of breaking a sweat before noon. But is any certain time of day the best time to exercise?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 3:28 PM

2016-03-26T15:28:03-04:00

I think we should run PT like football two a days. I was in the best shape when playing football

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 3:28 PM

2016-03-26T15:28:57-04:00

Personally I do not care either way. I think that if you do PT in the morning, it gets the blood flow moving, and the temperatures are usually lower as well. Now we do company PT three days a week and everything else is on your own or section based. On the days that are section based, it would probably be easier to accommodate this, assuming there is nothing work related. All in all though I think that doing PT in the morning as a company/BN will never change. It is simply too hard with meetings and everyone's work schedules to accommodate this.

This also depends highly on where you work, what type of schedule you are on, and what type of unit you are in.

Response by SGM (R) Antonio Brown made Mar 27 at 2016 2:43 AM

2016-03-27T02:43:53-04:00

PT/PRT is fine in the morning because I do not have to worry about taskings/details which would be a problem if we conducted PT/PRT in the afternoon. I have encouraged platoons to place PT/PRT to be conducted twice a day and in order for a Soldier to do PT/PRT on their own, they must score a 295 or higher on the APFT and be proficient at leading PT/PRT. After spending some time in TRADOC I have seen ALC and SLC students that were not proficient and leading a PT/PRT session and I have seen ALC/SLC students that could not conduct D&C. For an NCO to conduct PT/PRT on their own they must have zero Soldiers in their charge. I have encouraged off base personnel to bring in personal hygiene items, uniform items, and lunch when they arrive for PT/PRT formation. This way they can go to one of the fitness centers on the installation and shower after PT/PRT. Bringing lunch from home will keep the individuals from having to fight traffic in order to get something to eat.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 9:43 PM

2016-03-27T21:43:42-04:00

The only way it would work is with strong leadership buy in and enforcement. My morning PT gets hijacked enough as it is due to "mission" requirements (someone else's poor planning), so I would hate to see how badly it would get waylaid in the afternoon unless there were a strong mandate from DIV level or higher.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Mar 29 at 2016 5:29 AM

2016-03-29T05:29:59-04:00

Better to PT in the cooler mornings.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Mar 29 at 2016 11:24 AM

2016-03-29T11:24:57-04:00

The most effective time to workout is in the morning. By 1600 you have had several meals and your mind and body is tired preventing you from putting in 100%. Even if you gave it your all it still wouldn't be as effective as morning PT.

Response by SFC Shane Funkhouser made Mar 29 at 2016 11:39 AM

2016-03-29T11:39:05-04:00

We did this at Fort riley for awhileit worked great especially during the winter months. It produced more man hrs. During the work week and kept commanders from making units work past 1700. Unit commanders had to have Bn. Commanders permission to keep troops after pt. They had to be able to explain why what they were being kept for couldn't be accomplished during the duty day. Troop motivation was the highest I've ever seen. Pt was almost a reward rather than feeling like a punishment because troops knew 9 times out of 10 once pt was done they were released for the day.

Response by CPT Nick Bryan made Mar 29 at 2016 11:53 AM

2016-03-29T11:53:44-04:00

This sounds good to those of us who hate waking up early. But most of can agree that PT is the most important thing we do everyday. And most time management experts will tell you to put the most important thing you'll do in a day first. Moving it to the afternoon means it's easier to fall off the radar, get pushed aside for something else that's come up and less likely to get done. Plus, there's the sense of accomplishment of getting a big task done first thing. It's a good way to start off your day, and I don't ever see the Army or military moving away from it. Now, as my old CG MG Ferriter used to always say, "go change the world and do PT twice a day!"

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 11:58 AM

2016-03-29T11:58:39-04:00

Or they bring the uniform in a bag and PT an extra 30 min. You know people will get busy and push PT off to the next day, and the vicious cycle begins.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 1:09 PM

2016-03-29T13:09:57-04:00

Let me tell you why this is a TERRIBLE idea. At Fort Bliss under the old garrison commander, in the winter months we used to do PT in the afternoon. It was horrendous. If you think people don't attend PT enough NOW, wait until you move it to the afternoon. Meetings run late, emergencies pop up, you name it. Not even WANTING to get out of PT, I probably missed PT at least three days per week due to meetings/emergencies/etc.

The benefit of having it in the morning - "Hey we need to call AER immediately!" - they're closed. "We need to go to such and such place!" - they're closed.

Response by SPC Paul Taylor made Mar 29 at 2016 1:20 PM

2016-03-29T13:20:32-04:00

If the mission permits doing it in the afternoon then I say do it. Leaders should know what is on the agenda the day before (not always) so why not make the decision prior to final formation in the afternoon. If a soldier decides not to do PT on his/her own and fails then you adjust that soldiers mission accordingly. You will have NCO's that will be doing it early out of habit so there can be soldiers that are required to do it in the morning based on their PT scores. They fail you force. They pass they choose.

Response by Sgt Lincoln Harris made Mar 29 at 2016 2:06 PM

2016-03-29T14:06:45-04:00

PT in the AM is excellent. Gets people motivated and accounted for immediately as well as having a healthy first item accomplished in the day. Look at all the stories we've seen lately about PFT's being unsat and you want to move PT farther away from a unit task - I say go the other way, PT should be a 5x's a week item - remember the primary goal here - killing things or enabling the killing of things. Period. Don't let desk clutter and everything else get in the way. Get out there, get some, blow some shit up and then get on about your day. SF-

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Mar 29 at 2016 4:36 PM

2016-03-29T16:36:37-04:00

At Fort Riley, for awhile we did PT in the afternoon in the winter. I liked that, but during the spring we switched back to the morning. You DO NOT want to do PT in the afternoon in Kansas in the summer, way too hot. Even though we did the PT in the afternoon, we scheduled our PT test for the morning, and our scores were much better.

Response by 1SG Paul DeStout made Mar 29 at 2016 5:37 PM

2016-03-29T17:37:43-04:00

Something would always come up and PT would not get done correctly.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 29 at 2016 5:48 PM

2016-03-29T17:48:58-04:00

I assume that PT is still done at 0 dark thirty as I remember doing it in 1965 I was told then that was the Army way do you guys get a choice now? By the way we would have given anything to do a morning run in running shoes and shorts,I know I am just some old guy rattling on forgive me must be the senility setting in!

Response by SPC Matt Johnson made Mar 29 at 2016 6:52 PM

2016-03-29T18:52:18-04:00

E-6 and below I think will love this idea. Officers and senior NCO will not like this. Plus it depends on the time of year and location and weather conditions. Afternoon PT in hot humid conditions would not be wise and morning PT in cold wet condition are not wise either. Although changing routine may help in conditioning of soldiers. Our bodies can get use to a routine of exercising at the same time of day, so mixing it up depending on time of year location and weather conditions may be for the betterment of a unit. Adapt to changing conditions. But most likely this will never happen due to the fact that would possible effect and inconvenience thous in senior leadership positions.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 7:55 PM

2016-03-29T19:55:23-04:00

I had to leave the country to actually 'enjoy' PT, Egypt, Korea, Belgium, we did pt, IN THE AFTERNOON. The pass rate for our respective units TRIPLED. Hmmmm wonder why...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 8:11 PM

2016-03-29T20:11:32-04:00

Even as a joe I had to stay late often. I'd end up getting to the gym at 1900 or 2000. PT in the morning guarantees at least one workout a day. There is much to be desired of the current workout regimen but working out in the morning makes sense when it comes to scheduling, overall health, and Morale(If we do it right.).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 10:58 PM

2016-03-29T22:58:29-04:00

For reference, I did this during the winter at Ft Carson.
PT in the afternoon is an absolutely terrible idea. Here are the big reasons why:
-Medical appointments and other necessary services occur during normal duty hours, not during PT hours
-Family time; which is better waking up before family and being home before dinner/school pickup. Or waking up after family and coming home to a later dinner/less time to spend with family in the evening. Also on this note, now that you are doing PT at 1600 you can't go home early if you have accomplished all your tasks for the day!
-The Commute; you are now driving to/on post during civilian rush hour every day! Because we all need more stress right?
- Mental accomplishment. Waking up and doing PT wakes both your body and brain up, allowing you to be more alert all day long feel like you have accomplished something right away.

Is it cold in the morning? Yes.(winter PTs) Is it Dark during parts of the year? Yes.(headlamps and street lights) Does it suck waking up at 0500? Yes.(grow up) Do you have to deal with all of these as a soldier in the Army on a deployment? YES!!! Get used to it and develop some resiliency.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 12:31 AM

2016-03-30T00:31:51-04:00

PT in the afternoon is a joke! We are currently enduring this terrible idea. In the three months since we started it, We have only conducted PT for about 3 weeks time. It is so easy to cancel PT due to mission requirements. The real problem is that we don't devote enough time to train adequately. If we are supposed to be elite fighters then we should train that way. We need better facilities and better equipment and we definitely need more than an hour a day to maintain readiness.

Response by PV2 Gary Weller made Mar 30 at 2016 7:44 AM

2016-03-30T07:44:37-04:00

My main reason for saying yes is a study that says exercising in the early morning hours raises your chances of developing heart disease. Especially what many of us do in combat MOSs. Putting such severe strain on your body before it's had a chance to fully wake up can be extremely physically stressful.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 5:46 PM

2016-03-30T17:46:02-04:00

I have conducted PT during the morning and in the afternoons, I do prefer the afternoons only because i am not a morning person, never have been. I honestly think it should be based on the weather during that time to be the factor of when PT is held. During the winter time...it should probably be in the afternoon, and opposite in the summer. Its always gonna boil down to what the Command thinks is best for their Soldiers.

Response by SMSgt William Hassiepen made Mar 30 at 2016 7:38 PM

2016-03-30T19:38:09-04:00

Well hell's bells, I'll bet the enemy will postpone their attack for the same reasons

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 8:38 PM

2016-03-30T20:38:34-04:00

I think organized PT should go away all together. Go to work and go home. Basic training and AIT should show you how to conduct PRT but after that it should be up to you wether you want to work out early before work or late after work. The Army's soul purpose is to protect the country and I have never seen organized PT on deployments. There are many gyms in every military installation give soldiers the choice. That easy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 8:41 PM

2016-03-30T20:41:57-04:00

At Ft Sill we use to conduct PT during the winter months in the evening. It interfered with training and a lot of Soldiers to include myself was getting out of shape. It would work for some but not for all.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 8:07 AM

2016-03-31T08:07:01-04:00

We all don't work on the same work schedule..

Response by CPL K Wu made Mar 31 at 2016 6:18 PM

2016-03-31T18:18:39-04:00

Always got out of PT by scoring a 290 or better on the other test, I never got much out of PT with the company, I prefer going to the gym and actually gaining strength and size to doing PT with the company, because steroids only help if you lift weights haha JK.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2016 8:01 AM

2016-04-01T08:01:25-04:00

No, it is the one time that you can absolutely keep sacred. You can close off roads to run on if trails aren't available or you want to conduct a unit run. Everyone talks about what a great idea it is and how awesome it would be. Well, last year 4ID and Ft Carson decided to conduct PT at 1500 instead of 0630. Within weeks Company and Battalion commanders were screaming to go back to 0630. When combined with bad weather, you were basically working half days. And like it or not, afternoons are often filled with short notice tasks or emails that need to be answered etc. Yes, it was nice to run in 40/50 degree temps, but there were too many things that kept coming up and the last thing I want to do is go back to the office after a good workout and sit in my sweat soaked PTs and work for another two hours. Oh by the way, this is in a moderate climate. Try that afternoon workout at Ft Stewart, Ft Polk or any of the other installations which are mostly in the south. Its already bad enough with heat casualties in the morning. We did go back to 0630 and no we didn't have any injuries because of ice or snow. This year we didn't even try to go to the afternoon schedule. Leaders also need to be smart and evaluate risk vs reward when conducting PT. If its 5 degrees out, I'm not running sprints. If there is a lightning storm and heavy rain, I'm not running 5 miles, etc. Back in the 90s I was a PL at Fort Drum. We did PT outside all the time, in damn near anything. Uniform consisted of Balaclava and trigger finger mittens on many days. It served to mentally toughen up young soldiers in addition to better prepare them physically. As to the comment that PT is an individual responsibility, it is. Unit PT is for general overall fitness. If you suck at Push Ups, you need to work on push ups on your own. If you suck at rucking, ruck on the weekend, etc.

Response by SGT Joseph Busienei made Apr 1 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-04-01T09:59:53-04:00

Restructure pt from regular 2 mile run, push ups and sit ups.

Response by SGT Joseph Busienei made Apr 1 at 2016 10:04 AM

2016-04-01T10:04:58-04:00

I had a friend he could do 90 push ups in 2 minutes but could not ruck March for more than 5 miles. Another colleague always failed his push ups but he could ruck March. Who would keep in army ?.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 1 at 2016 11:51 AM

2016-04-01T11:51:04-04:00

Not in Hawaii! Would be too hot most days. But in general I like the idea. :)

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Apr 1 at 2016 12:01 PM

2016-04-01T12:01:49-04:00

MSG Private RallyPoint Member - I can see doing it in the winter but from April through November anywhere I've been stationed at in 22 years by the afternoon you run into heat stress conditions and various other safety factors that I'd prefer not to deal with. Personally I either PT early in the morning or late at night. Obviously in December/January timeframe and any chilly conditions in various climates it should be up to the leader's discretion.

You know we could never do that cadence "up in the morning with the rising sun...gonna run all day till my runnings' done" in the afternoon... LOL

Response by GySgt Mike W made Apr 1 at 2016 4:30 PM

2016-04-01T16:30:22-04:00

Actually I never understood why in The Marine Corps we did anything before 0800 especially when operational in Iraq and Afghanistan we did much of our operations at night....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2016 5:34 PM

2016-04-01T17:34:13-04:00

I totally agree with PT on your own. Most of them are many the same reasons as below.
1) I am a "Grown Ass" man who wants to be here.
2) The new TC program is built for athletes not soldiers and to maintain their current level of fitness. If it already suck then it will continue to suck unless the SM puts in more time in remedial PT or on his/her own after work.
3) I also don't like getting up so early to wait around for a formation just to get started. In this day and age if you want accountability at 630 then how about using text messaging. Soldier to supervisor to Platoon SGT ect.... i.e. Doing a run around my neighborhood or hitting the weights at the gym down the street. Even if it's just to say here. (I don't feel like it today) You get the point.

Finally yes if you fail a PT test for no apparent reason then you are out. (No profile/injury in the recent past means no excuse.)
In a military that is down sizing anyway let's start with the ones that obviously don't want to be here then work our way up from there.

Response by SSG Grant Hansen made Apr 2 at 2016 12:47 AM

2016-04-02T00:47:06-04:00

Th a problem with that is sometimes work requires a little extra time to wrap up. That means being late for PT or even missing it.

When PT is in the morning it is out of the way and the day is clear for whatever comes up.

Also, doing PT in the morning speeds up your metabolism for the entire day.

Finally, you do PT, take a shower and don't have to shower until the next morning. If PT is in the afternoon, you have to shower before work, and again after PT. Unless you don't mind stinking all day or all night.

Keep PT in the morning.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2016 1:28 AM

2016-04-02T01:28:33-04:00

Not sure where doing PT on your own came from based on the given question. BUT! my 2 pennies are leaning towards being innocent until proven guilty. Let your guys do PT on their own for X amount of time with a "surprise APFT". The failures go back to regular PT. And if they Fail again after a given amount of time. Termination paper work begins. And those individuals that have the intestinal fortitude to get off their asses and work for something will not only get in better shape by being able to use something other that PRT, but the quality of soldiers in our ranks will greatly improve because you know they generally want to be there.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2016 3:44 AM

2016-04-02T03:44:12-04:00

What would happen to the ad campaign, "We do more before breakfast, than some people (snivilians) do all day?"
P.S. I like snivilians, my wife is one [but I only tolerate Sniveling-Max range of an excuse is Zero meters-- mitigating and extenuating circumstances are different-use your lawyer].

Response by SFC David McMahon made Apr 2 at 2016 3:50 AM

2016-04-02T03:50:48-04:00

PT should of never changed from 0600 to 0630. For me this is where things started to change and not for the good.

FM 21-20 also was not the problem, the people not following it were (and now we have PRT).

The same can be said about a lot of things.

But I still agree PT should be in the morning from at least 0600-0700 (I don't agree with PRT and I don't agree with the extra half hour).

Work should start at 0900 (seriously, how is 0930-1130 considered normal???)

And those that have special duty should accommodate PT into there own schedule.

We shouldn't be worried about these trivial things. It has created a unique "survey Army" that doesn't concentrate on the important things and tasks at hand.

How many times are we going to change the uniform (both duty and service not to mention the PT uniform)?

This is as non-important as shutting down major roads on installations so you can run.

Please don't be offended but there are far more important areas we can be talking about and working on for the collective good of our unit, our Army and our country.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2016 7:07 AM

2016-04-02T07:07:28-04:00

I don't think it matters. Why would it? Plus, most of the places I've been stationed are extremely hot in the afternoon during the summer. Sorry if the military man in me really doesn't thing it's an issue.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-04-02T09:59:16-04:00

My unit has been doing this since January. Work starts at 0800, pt is either from 1100-1200 or from 1530-1630. When we did it during 'lunch hours', more soldiers attended than leaders. When we schedule it for 1530-1630, people either don't show up, or they're exhausted from the day and the pt isn't beneficial. I think if they figured out a way to pt in the middle of the day, it'd be better than waking up at 530 in the morning, and more people would be held accountable to attend.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2016 11:51 AM

2016-04-02T11:51:36-04:00

So i've gotten experience with both afternoon PT, morning PT and individual PT. There are definitely pros and cons for all of these and good leaders will find the best way to use them. What I have found is location, season of the year, and type of soldiers are the key factors for this. I was stationed at Eglin AFB, FL for a year where we did afternoon PT at 1700 after spending the entire day working outside in 100 degree heat and close to 100 percent humidity in the summer. Needless to say PT was pointless. Even the PT studs slacked off. In this case morning PT is the answer when it is only 80 degrees and no sun. However, while I was at Ohio State (for ROTC), we did morning PT outside for most of the year when temperatures would be below freezing with no sun. In a way this was nice cause if you wanted to stay warm, you just work harder but walking back home covered in sweat in these situations resulted in many colds. So this would be a better time for afternoon PT with the sun up and temperatures in the 30s-40s. There are plenty of good soldiers who can and can't PT on there own. Some just don't know how to get a good work out but the motivation is there. Some work harder when they see their peers doing PT and competition pushes them. Pretty much, there is no perfect solution but leaders have the power to adjust to what best fits there soldiers. Depending on the unit size, have PL's or CO's be responsible for their soldiers PT plans instead of Battalions or even Brigades.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2016 6:24 PM

2016-04-02T18:24:59-04:00

It's tradition to do pt in the morning. Hell if you want you can do it twice a day if your want. I bet you the ones that say yes are the guys who has been in the military for 3 years or less.

Response by SSgt Nicole Biscoe made Apr 2 at 2016 7:55 PM

2016-04-02T19:55:13-04:00

When I was on active duty, I always got a better workout on my own. The problem is obviously though that there are those people out there who won't workout if you don't make them PT. I'll be honest too... when I was young and brand new to the military, I hated PT and probably wouldn't have gone if they didn't force me to. It wasn't until a few years in that I realized this was something I needed to do for myself. So there are certainly 2 sides to this for sure.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 12:47 AM

2016-04-03T00:47:18-04:00

We do lunch from 1100-1300 which is to allow for pt as well. If you don't do it it's your career that gets thrown away.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 7:24 AM

2016-04-03T07:24:18-04:00

We do reverse cycle in my unit during the Winter season due to harsh road conditions and the truck can't clear the roads til after 0900. So, Pt is at 1600. Yet, as it always happens come 1600 there are few people around due to daily tasking's and missions. So in the end, 4 people get in a PT session as a group.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 8:28 AM

2016-04-03T08:28:00-04:00

I understand that work takes up momentum. I could only really see PT being done in the morning or at the end of the day. Middle you'd just lose too much momentum. Physical training is a great stress reliever, and can force the soldier to push forward, thereby building resiliency without a 2-hour MRT PowerPoint. Also, on the topic of heat exhaustion: I agree that it isn't comfortable. That being said, burning more calories seems like a plus. Breaking a sweat seems like a plus. And overall, I think running around Afghanistan/Iraq/Africa...most of the world's current theaters have some pretty hostile climates. I see nothing but benefit to be had from afternoon PT. It would also force upper level leaders to manage their time, instead of just dumping out whatever comes down the pipe at the end of the day, and forcing everyone to stay later. I have an idea: leaders meet at 0600 to discuss the plans of the day. 0800, work call formation, and distribution of task list. 1130-1300, still lunch. 1600-UTC, Physical Training. Everyone home on time. Army becomes better at communicating, more organized in its tasking, and ready to kill more efficiently with combat-effective soldiers. Yeah.........

Response by Tyra Lynne Wahl made Apr 3 at 2016 8:32 AM

2016-04-03T08:32:59-04:00

It all depends of what form of workout you're talking about and what the goals are for the workout.

Human performance labs have proven that cardio/endurance based exercise is optimally performed in the first two hours of waking when the slow twitch muscle in the body is at its metabolic peak of rest and is ready to get to work. By the same token, fast twitch muscle is at its metabolic peak in the late morning and afternoon.... so weight bearing exercise is physically more productive later in the day. So again, it all depends on what the goals are for the workout.

So based on muscle science alone... it makes more sense for PT (which is usually a run) to be in the morning. Science proves that it is more productive both mentally and physically if completed in the morning... however, I cannot recall reading any specific studies that define whether there is an optimal performance edge between and early morning (5-8) workout or a late morning (10-11) one.

I do cross fit or cycle in the morning and my husband either runs or cycles in the morning and always swims in the afternoon (world class triathlete). I personally feel better physically the rest of the day having gotten up and gotten it done. It wakes my mind up and gets my body ready to stand on its feet all day as a busy hairstylist.

Response by CPT Mike B Martinez Ramirez made Apr 3 at 2016 10:24 AM

2016-04-03T10:24:16-04:00

When I was the commander in a reserve unit, I opted to move PT during the afternoon hour on Saturday, instead of at 0600. This gave the opportunity for personel to arrive safely to Battle Assembly and commence the work day. At around 1630, personnel would break and changed to IPFU for their PRT session. Once I PCS'd, the unit I was assigned to began doing the same. It eliminated wasted time.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 10:56 AM

2016-04-03T10:56:37-04:00

Nah..., the reg says it's clear. Pt is only to maintain, not to make you a stud. It also encourages you to do pt on your own. I go to the gym before pt and again at lunch. I am a pt stud not bc of pt but bc it is something that I take extra time to work on, yes I am a fitness freak but moving pt in the afternoon is not going to change anything. People are still going to drag their feet at pt if they don't feel like doing anything. It is not about the time it is about the attitude.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 3 at 2016 11:37 AM

2016-04-03T11:37:49-04:00

Have done this at Fort Carson....doesn't work for leaders. Need this by COB syndrome. The Division trundles on. If it were PT, then close out, then leave it would be great. Ended up doing PT at 0500, then whatever happened, happened. When I was in NATO, work call was at 0730/0800. PT on your own, all the Europeans went at 1400 and came back. I'd go at 1530/1600 and then go home. It was pretty good, except for the cobblestone streets on my knees and answering phones for everyone else 1400-1530. Otherwise great running the streets of Heidelberg.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 12:22 PM

2016-04-03T12:22:02-04:00

It can go both ways and more than just a simple schedule change. ..on ft bragg we did it in the afternoon but my BN was the only one doing it so no change to roads, childcare ect...most Soldiers like coming in at 8 but almost all of them found out that towards the end of the day they are already exhausted from a day of work so they had to dig deeper to put in some more effort to do a good hour of PT, then after PT well if u a leader then u go back to work and put in a journey or two of more work....on Ft Carson they changed the whole post traffic and road closures so everyone was on the same sheet of music. That facilitated more the ability to conduct pt as a unit or team. ...

Response by LTC Michael Wickman made Apr 3 at 2016 12:25 PM

2016-04-03T12:25:09-04:00

PT is as much about team building as it is about fitness. As a plt ldr I ran a half marathon with the entire company. Everybody made it, after four months' trainup, and we averaged 293 on pt test during command inspection. We ran at 0600 in summer, 1600 in winter(kinda got less accomplished in maintenance) but our secret was NO EXCEPTIONS, NO SNOW DAYS, NO BS. Leaders who fail pt tests need to go. 22 years later, Ihaving run over 20 half marathons, 2 marathons(3:53) and lifting 330 lbs 20 reps bench, I got what the army promised. A strong body and mental toughness. By the way as a bn xo i made friday runs mystery length and usually ten km or more, moving chow later.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 1:26 PM

2016-04-03T13:26:01-04:00

I believe get it in early, and any workout you get in the afternoon is a bonus. My unit had a 70% APFT pass rate prior to instituting PT on your own, all but one day of the week (Monday, run day). If you failed a diagnostic or record, or fell out of a group run you participated in group PT in the am, and remedial PT in the pm to target exactly where you required improvement. Our first APFT we had a 90% pass rate, and the next a 100%. Also, the 270, 290, and 300 groups began to grow. This policy worked for an division level staff. All first line leaders were required to participate at the remedial PT session with their Soldier.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 1:50 PM

2016-04-03T13:50:20-04:00

Prt just added to the distaste for organized pt, do it on your own, COMPLETELY!

Response by Sgt Joshua Mardino made Apr 3 at 2016 3:30 PM

2016-04-03T15:30:25-04:00

In my shop, I liked pt at the end of the day. The fatties sweat more and you don't have that manpower loss for showering/changing in the morning.

If you come in at 0600 and work till 1630, then change and pt, they shower on their own time. The only people that go to meetings typically don't pt at the squad level anyway, so it works out.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 3:49 PM

2016-04-03T15:49:15-04:00

As you get older, you will appreciate PT in the afternoon. Things are warmed up, lubricated and moving better than they are at 0600.

Response by SPC Zack Moll made Apr 3 at 2016 3:51 PM

2016-04-03T15:51:38-04:00

In my opinion PT has always been a personal achievement area. I saw a few people say that PT is a group effort. Well if it was a group effort then the APFT wouldn't be graded as an individual event. As far as cardio goes it is best when it's fasted so I would say that all cardio involved PT should stay in the morning. Now if it's strength related exercises I see nothing wrong with doing them either in the morning or evening. All in all, studies have shown that working out in the morning increases brain activity and individuals show higher productivity at work, so why not just keep PT as an am activity?

Response by SFC Tyrone Almendarez made Apr 3 at 2016 3:52 PM

2016-04-03T15:52:06-04:00

PT in the morning is made so you wake the body up for the days work. Leaving it up for people to do it on their own is a failure on the leadership. if you don't stay physically fit you just don't hurt yourself but your units readiness. Overall, quit your bitchin and go do PT.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 4:39 PM

2016-04-03T16:39:36-04:00

If PT is always touted as an individual responsibility. If that's true, then let me be responsible for it. Let me decide when and how I work out. That way those who are in better shape in a company aren't held back by those who aren't in as good of shape. If someone doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to either workout before work or after, then they shouldn't be in the Military.

Response by PFC Michael Cooper made Apr 3 at 2016 4:43 PM

2016-04-03T16:43:09-04:00

Screw that. I don't wanna do pt after work. Most days I was out before 1600 so that would just prolong my day. Plus. Doing cardio in the morning is good for you since your body is just getting its metabolism going.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 7:08 PM

2016-04-03T19:08:19-04:00

I'm thinking Sergeants Majors might be fuming over this. (JK) I get it that sleep schedules are important. That alone is a reason to change when PT is conducted. What we may be missing in these conversations, is the 1.5 hour lunch. Add that with enough smoke breaks, and (overall) poor time management across most of the force (SSD teaches you how to take notes on it, YOU need to implement it!), and these 1800 formations because of no real good reasons are the real culprits. Yes, PT may wake you up. Yes, 0 Dark 30 isn't exactly the best time to conduct it, especially weather dependent. I'm sure for troops in AK and HI, it probably doesn't matter what time of day PT is conducted. Ultimately, leaders are responsible for their subordinates PT performances. When does remedial PT usually take place? In the afternoon. Might be onto something. That article from Ft. Carson stating that the city was upset about 20k more drivers on the road says a lot about how much their citizens may not care about troops driving drowsy on the road, sleep deprived so long as they don't have to deal with it. Great question, SFC!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 7:43 PM

2016-04-03T19:43:07-04:00

Pt, should be done it the afternoon, always. Apft scores will go up because the body is still compressed from resting at 0630. If apfts and regular pt was done in the afternoon numbers would go way up

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 8:16 PM

2016-04-03T20:16:19-04:00

The problem I see is everyone is training to time not to standard. As a 1SG I assess my troopers. PT formation is also for accountability. With all the non resilient and millenials is the ranks today, you have to monitor them. If they get a hang nail it is major trauma and they can't cope. If I see they are lagging in PT, then they PT twice a day. If they fail to measure up, then they become a civilian. We have become to soft and too worried about hurt feelings. BLUF Leaders need to grow a pair and train your personnel to be Soldiers regardless of their MOS. As senior leaders, we aren't here to make friends, we are here to make sure that our Soldiers are Warriors and fit to take the fight to the enemy.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 9:09 PM

2016-04-03T21:09:18-04:00

There is a reason it's done in the morning. Your body is well rested in the morning (at least it should be if you actually strive to get at least 7-8 hours a night). I can't do PT in the afternoon, I'm exhausted by that time and it can mess with my sleep schedule since I'm too amped up by the time I need to sleep.

Response by CW4 Scott Hyde made Apr 3 at 2016 9:31 PM

2016-04-03T21:31:06-04:00

You can put PT during lunch and it will not change a thing until you can make PT fun and productive while avoiding injuries and getting Soldiers to embrace doing PT for themselves and not the Army (better health, fitness, and so on). We had a great PT program in the 101st, 160th SOAR(A), and for a while in Korea. Soldiers enjoyed it and were pretty fit. Then things changed: PRT five days a week and everyone scared to death the general is going to see someone at the gym or cutting out five minutes early from the 1.5 hour session. The best part was the MFT running around berating people, treating everyone like three year olds on the the proper position of the thumbs while executing the high jumper. Then you have the lack of creativity and the train to time aspect. My favorite is going to the position of attention so we can get back on the ground so we can go to the position of attention so we can get back on the ground. No Lean Six Sigma here! Why should we just roll over when the rest just makes good sense. I would leave PT stressed out and knowing I wasted the last hour and a half, 7.5 hours a week, when we could have moved out in small groups and done something good for ourselves. We do PT four days a week here. Mandatory on Monday and Friday (company), and section on Tuesday/Wednesday. The PT is generally fun and productive. The Soldiers who are fat and sloppy do not put much into it. They do not embrace doing PT for yourself. But, you can see it in their personal appearance at work. Just like anything else, you are as good as you want to be. Some need a mentor and motivation, some will never get there because they are happy where they are. All the wrong input? Possibly. Yes, I do PT. No Warrant Officer PT jokes!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 10:00 PM

2016-04-03T22:00:35-04:00

Work should be 0900 to 1700. Pt should be individual. Doesn't matter what time I do organized pt because it's still garbage

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Apr 3 at 2016 11:15 PM

2016-04-03T23:15:51-04:00

I voted "nope," but the fact is that I think PT should take place at variable times. As long as there is ample rest and nourishment then there should be no set time.

Does war happen on a specific time schedule? Do physical emergencies take place at the same time everyday or night?

No.

For that matter I'm a huge proponent of "functional fitness."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 2:04 AM

2016-04-04T02:04:42-04:00

According to the study done in Fort Carson a few years ago, PT in the afternoon brought a positive change to Soldiers' lifestyles. But some of us, even without PT in the AM, would still have to get up at 0600 to start the duty day, or get home at 0100 depending on the shifts we worked.

Response by SPC James Lowe made Apr 4 at 2016 4:13 AM

2016-04-04T04:13:52-04:00

PT should be the individuals responsibility on their own time. I'm a bodybuilder, so I speak from my point of view. If they can't pass the PT test when the time comes, then they can suffer the consequences of it. Army PT is a joke, and it's hardly effective at keeping you fit. Unless you like to run. The army loves running. Fuck running.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 5:09 AM

2016-04-04T05:09:18-04:00

In the morning or the afternoon, it doesn't freaking matter you can do it twice at day if it makes you good. Morning PT doesn't make FAT Soldiers; Soldiers who don't do PT and dont control waht they eat get FAT.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 7:48 AM

2016-04-04T07:48:56-04:00

We tried this during the winter at fort Carson. It didn't work as well as one would think. Often times only a few people would show up or not at all.

Response by SSG Chris Cherry made Apr 4 at 2016 9:30 AM

2016-04-04T09:30:44-04:00

When I was still in, I used to take a benadryl and go to bed around 2000 the night before an APFT so I could wake up around 0300, have coffee, eat, and be 100% awake by 0600. I found that I was able to perform much better. I never did well on PT tests, even when I was in excellent shape - I blame having long arms and a long torso hah - but I was more in the mood to do physical activity rather than being groggy and needing to caffeinate myself.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-04-04T09:59:20-04:00

As much as I hate getting to work at the buttcrack of dawn to do PT as opposed to the afternoon, we all have to do it. And the Army isn't all of a sudden gonna discontinue conducting PT. So might as well get it over with. As far as conducting PT in the afternoon, honestly, I'm too drained with the all day grind near COB and just wanna drive home and never look back until the next day. Realistically, if we gave everybody the freedom of doing PT on their own, then I think the Army would be at an end strength somewhere in the range of 1,100 deployable soldiers, lol. The Army has too much to lose to simply trust in all of its Soldiers to meet/exceed the standard on their own. Sad but, C'mon.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 10:05 AM

2016-04-04T10:05:22-04:00

I think we should be able to do pt on our own. Even if we conduct pt as a unit it's still an individual effort. Maintaining physical readiness is a part of being a soldier.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 10:51 AM

2016-04-04T10:51:11-04:00

Does anyone REALLY believe that PT outside of a lock-down training environment actually improves your PT?? PT formation (whenever it is) is generally about 80% standing around either waiting for people to un-gaggle themselves...or doing PRT which is NOT PT. Now...I'm all for tactical PT in the AM...hard to beat a good ruck for burning calories.
I say let your Soldiers PT when they want to PT. Hold a monthly diagnostic APFT and address accordingly.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 11:03 AM

2016-04-04T11:03:27-04:00

If they did move it to the end of the workday then the leadership could plan for it, and they should effectively be able to plan mission requirements around it. When I was in the Navy they did PT from 1000 to 1100. Then gave you 2 hours to shower and eat. It always worked out. They were still able to keep the 0900 - 1700 work schedule and do PT during the day. Everything still managed to get done. There was very rarely a "Frago" the plan of the day/week/month/quarter/year was the schedule. It very rarely changed unless it was approved by the O-6. It had to have a very good reason to be changed. They were extremely good with prioritization of tasks and getting all their daily duties done. There were some of the same daily/weekly/monthly tasks that needed to be completed. People were willing to bust their butt to make sure they got everything taken care of. On days that something unforseen did need to be done they would ask for volunteers. If I had to work 3 hours later than everyone else that got to go home or got called in for something then I would get rewarded with the appropriate time off either the next day or later that week. They might say you don't need to come in until after lunch. Then I could wake up later and do PT on my own that day or you go home however many hours earlier that you stayed as compensation. I didn't have any guys that failed their PT test in our section, but if that was the case they would get off earlier as compensation as opposed to skipping PT.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 12:09 PM

2016-04-04T12:09:16-04:00

It's been proven by several medical studies that more calories are burnt when there is physical activity in the morning. However studies also suggest that muscle mass is best retained with evening sessions. However I wouldn't like doing PT after I've worked all day long. That sounds like a punishment to me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 1:24 PM

2016-04-04T13:24:10-04:00

Might work for most non combat arms soldiers but for the rest of up its up in the morning for pt and gym in the after noon for more pt so no need to fix WHT ain't broke

Response by SFC Johnny Colon made Apr 4 at 2016 2:41 PM

2016-04-04T14:41:10-04:00

APFT is a commander's way to assess physical readiness. If you really read, it never says PT is individual responsibility. It says physical readiness is. IOT to provide every Soldier with the same opportunity to conduct any excersice, Units are require to conduct orgaizational PT. Here is what I see......a whole bunch of new breed of NCOs that don't want to spend time to develop the physical readiness of their Soldier, hence, "PT is an individual responsibility"....NO!!! As a NCO it is my responsibility to esure my Soldiers are physically ready for combat at all times. Nowadays NCOs want to take the easy wrong instead of the hard right. Pass the buck....wear the stripes, get me the money, but dont give me any work. That's what separates an E grade from Sergeants (NCOs).... Get involve in Soldier's live, from PT, health, finance, leave, everything!!! Why? Because we have been charged by our Army to do so....ohhh!! Wait!!! Most of new NCOs dont even know and LIVE the NCO creed nor do they kow the chargenof the NCO.....we complain about the new breed of Soldiers, but the real problem is the new E grades growing up in our Army

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 3:52 PM

2016-04-04T15:52:20-04:00

I think they should do it and go to an extended lunch or at the end of the day.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 4:36 PM

2016-04-04T16:36:44-04:00

If you believe that most Soldiers will do well if PT is left entirely up to them, you are delusional. Many will barely do anything at all, and those that try will fail or get injured because they don't know how to properly exercise.
PT is leader development. If your formation has a problem getting results from PRT I would suggest to you that the program is not at fault; those leading it are.
I wish we had this PRT program in place when I joined the Army many years ago. It works, but it takes leader involvement. And THAT leadership is required if you start PT at 0600 or 1500.

Response by SGT Stuart Griffin made Apr 4 at 2016 5:02 PM

2016-04-04T17:02:31-04:00

I was once on a base that did it in the afternoon, but this was a location that this prevented problems with the locals and morning traffic, plus the climate wasn't really hot. I also was on another base that required us do it on your own. (again, it had to do with the locals and an organized PT group was considered a, "show of force.") Truly, I did better on PT tests in both. With afternoon PT, I felt less "cold" and stiff. With the PT on my own, I pushed myself harder to attain personal bests and improvements. My vote would be for the afternoon for organized PT (unless temps are in the 90 to 100+ range).

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 5:58 PM

2016-04-04T17:58:59-04:00

While at my last command, we experimented with PT both in the morning and in the afternoon. While the morning PT helped us wake up, we had bad time constraints, and even if we just did a 30 minute run, we found that it pushed our work-day start back too far. Afternoon PT however (3 times a week) was looked at as command-mandated early days, and were very good for morale command-wide. As for the physical improvement half of the argument- you can not effectively fulfill our primary duties in the military AND PT as a group while still expecting reasonable working hours. True physical readiness is as it always has been- in the hands of the individual.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 6:07 PM

2016-04-04T18:07:30-04:00

As someone who has participating in structured P.T. sessions in both the morning and afternoon, I'd prefer the morning. I get a great sensation after running/rucking a few miles or conducting a cross fit hybrid session. It stimulates my mind and body. I feel different when I show up to work without getting my morning workout in. Even now where in my current duty station I am on my own for P.T., I still get up at 0500 and do P.T. regardless. Fort Bliss conducted P.T. in the afternoon during the winter months as a way to take advantage of the great afternoon weather but it put a wrench on anyone trying to make things happen at work in the afternoon. In you wanted to compensate for the time loss of letting Soldiers go to prepare for a 1500 P.T. session in return you wouldn't see them for the rest of the day, you would have to bring them in each morning at 0600 to catch up on work, but the Command settled on coming in NLT 0800 in the morning. We lost a lot of productive man-hours during this system in my humble opinion.

Response by LTC Robert Schaefer made Apr 4 at 2016 7:39 PM

2016-04-04T19:39:30-04:00

Waaa, and let me just go to the local gun range to qualify with my weapon. And, and let me do the EFMB or EIB in the day room. It's so much more efficient; I can supervise myself. We don't need to build teamwork or esprit anymore because we've made the force about a laugh anymore anyway. Here's a tip for you guys, the military isn't about efficiency, it's about effectiveness. The army is not (yet) run by a private contractor. If it was, then you would have charts and darts on PT training efficiency based on groups and times. PT as a group is designed for people to push each other and give other people confidence in their abilities. We fight and win as teams. We die as individuals. Watching a platoon doing PT will tell you much about that unit's leadership. You're in the effectiveness business. If you just wanted a job, you should have joined the Air Force.

Response by Shane Harnett made Apr 4 at 2016 10:49 PM

2016-04-04T22:49:40-04:00

Seriously, you get to go home and shower, eat, etc after PT? WTF!!! We had showers in the Squad Bay, you showered, put on a uniform and were at work by 0730 after PT.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2016 12:11 AM

2016-04-05T00:11:19-04:00

Or have it in the morning and afternoon.

Response by CSM Arthur La Rue made Apr 5 at 2016 7:06 AM

2016-04-05T07:06:09-04:00

Being fit to fight is everyone's responsibility: soldiers, leaders, and commanders. Fit soldiers and good leaders all understand this. If you're an afternoon kind of guy/gal, great do your individual PT in the afternoon, but lead your soldiers in the A.M., otherwise they won't. You want choice? Join the Air Force.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2016 7:23 AM

2016-04-05T07:23:16-04:00

No!!

Response by SFC Charles Pervall made Apr 5 at 2016 7:42 AM

2016-04-05T07:42:32-04:00

We tried that many times in a20 plus year career. It logistically doesn't work. Too many meetings, appointments interfere. Additionally, in the summer it's too hot in some locations. Every time we tried afternoon pt, it failed. Researchers have also found that exercise in the morning is best for the body and mind.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made May 7 at 2016 9:30 PM

2016-05-07T21:30:39-04:00

Pt then turn two. The work day has enough interuptions.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Feb 7 at 2017 7:12 AM

2017-02-07T07:12:06-05:00

Not If you're stationed in places where temperature is around 85 in the afternoon!

Response by Sgt George Lawrence made Mar 31 at 2017 7:55 PM

2017-03-31T19:55:21-04:00

I assume the question is directed to those not in the infantry (and certainly not in the Marine Corps). The whole day is PT for us! Seriously, a morning run gets the body and the mind working at peak performance. As a life long runner, I have tried morning, midday and evening runs, and morning always has seemed best to me. On the other hand, I have to say that when I did do a noon-time run, after a quick shower, getting back to work seemed just like starting the day all over, more energy and greater focus.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2019 3:07 PM

2019-03-21T15:07:20-04:00

Depends on the location. A PT test in 100 degree heat might not be a good idea.

Response by Shane Harnett made Mar 22 at 2019 12:16 PM

2019-03-22T12:16:47-04:00

When I was a Sergeant (E7) in the Australian Military it was decided that soldiers are responsible enough to conduct PT on their own. Fitness levels went down and many of the men started failing the PFT. When compulsory PT was bought back it was a long road to get them fit again. AM PT is a great start to the day, ise it as a team building opportunity by changing the training each day and giving some of the Junior guys the leadership role in conducting it. You will find they step up and can run some great sessions. Also helps show on your annual personal assessment that you are mentoring, leading and helping your men become better soldiers.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2019 3:44 PM

2019-03-22T15:44:35-04:00

34 years and in my experience, "organized PT" has been a joke for the most part. You still wind up having to PT on your own in order to stay in shape.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 22 at 2019 8:17 PM

2019-03-22T20:17:56-04:00

In a perfect world yes. But we all know of all those last minute CoB “get this task done or the world collapse” shenanigans!

Response by LCpl Jason Keiser made Mar 23 at 2019 1:36 PM

2019-03-23T13:36:18-04:00

Hell to the no. By afternoon in most places its do damn hot.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2019 5:31 PM

2019-03-23T17:31:40-04:00

We did reverse cycle pt for a few months, and it was awesome. Had time to go to the gym in the morning and do cardio or what ever dumb pt we planned for the afternoon. It was fantastic. Having a 0630 formation every morning is pointless and a waste of time and energy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2019 5:42 PM

2019-03-23T17:42:08-04:00

On what post is PT only an hour?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2019 11:30 AM

2019-03-24T11:30:13-04:00

In my case afternoon pt would be impossible a majority of the time because I'm working in the motor pool well past 1700 almost every single day. And right now we're in services when it's not uncommon for us to turn wrenches until midnight usually multiple nights in a row. With that said I'm all for doing pt on your own without the supervision of the company. And I believe if we moved to a system like that we could take more pt test more often. Let's say once a month in order to more closely monitor anyone that may be struggling in their physical fitness

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2019 6:21 PM

2019-03-24T18:21:36-04:00

I’m a fan of getting off work early when there isn’t anything to do keep pt in the morning

Response by Sgt Jason West made Mar 24 at 2019 11:12 PM

2019-03-24T23:12:09-04:00

PT at 0600 and don't come back to work till 0900? WTF kinda crap is that? That is the problem. IF we started PT at 0600 then it was for an hour(ish), then back to work at O800. Why are you giving them an extra hour? PT, shower, put on a uniform and get to work. Simple. And who starts a day at 0800??? Is this middle school? O700 to 1600. Now granted in a war zone no one gives a shit about black flag conditions, but most places in CONUS they kinda frown on the PT during those....which is a lot of places in the summer at 1600. Get yer butt up, PT, shower and get to work by 0800.

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Mar 13 at 2022 1:08 PM

2022-03-13T13:08:32-04:00

When I was a young soldier I always liked starting the day with PT. Something traditional about it seemed motivating. No appointments or meetings to get you out of doing pt that early in the morning. Plus it gives an opportunity for accountability early in the day. Having PR at the end of the duty day would empower the excuse monster. Can’t do PT I have suspense for whatever, can’t do PT have to complete maintenance on this piece of equipment , I have an appointment, and on and on. And yes there are soldiers not mature enough to do PT on their own and it is the responsibility of the leadership to “Lead” these soldiers to the physical standard necessary to do their job. With some exceptions the concept of team seems to be neglected. Trained as a team fight as a team.