For muscle failure PT days, what are your thoughts on Crossfit, weight training, and calisthenics?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 23:39:45 -0400

Many people, especially those who exercise on their own, have different points of view on this matter.  Share your insight on the pros and cons, techniques you implement, CRM, and morale.

Response by CPT Lance Cutsforth made Apr 7 at 2014 4:58 AM

CPT Lance Cutsforth — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 04:58:00 -0400

Train as you fight. Regardless of the modality, gear the exercise routine to make sure the muscle groups being worked are the same as those utilized when executing warfighting duties. And train to find the balance between strength and endurance. If you have a tank crew that can run a marathon like a herd of gazelle, but doesn't have the physical strength to break track and remove a drive sprocket, then there is a problem...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 11:07 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 11:07:12 -0400

All soldiers should weight lift. Just my opinion. I never understood why the army doesn't issue weights at the unit level. You have to be trong to carry all this gear now and be able to pull your buddy to safety or to be able to carry them

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 25 at 2014 11:33 AM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 11:33:32 -0400

I think variety is key. Have to keep your body confused.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 5:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 17:19:33 -0400

I haven't commented lately on this subject, but a few days ago I doing some work around the S-3 shop, and one of the things I was doing was putting the updates from FM-7-22 in to the binder that my unit has their print out of TC 3-22 in (There are no real updates, they just put in clearer photos of what the PT card looks like). But FM 7-22 has all kinds of exercise regimens to be followed, including some circuit training involving kettle bell exercises and the foot stool that Crossfit uses. They also have exercises that mimic combat movements. The regs even have workout regimens for when your PT element utilizes the gym. It shows proper form on the machines, which is good, because I've seen too many people try to put on more weight than they lift. I've seen people doing preacher curls but rather than work the biceps, they're just throwing out their back and slowly pushing a disc out of place.

Now I'm not sure about the active component, but another thing that I've seen with units in the Reserves is that they aren't doing the exercises in properly in the first place, then complain that they aren't getting the work out they want. For example: How many of you do Climbing Drill 1 in ACUs? How many perform Climbing Drill 2 in ACUs, IBA/IOTV, ACH and slung Rifle? Also I've seen for profiles to fall out of formation and do their own profile PT. in the regs it shows modified versions of the exercises so that people with limited ability can follow along, including instructions on how they can do the movement drills without violating profile or cause extra pain and/or injury.

Response by SPC Daniel Edwards made Oct 23 at 2014 10:51 PM

SPC Daniel Edwards — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 22:51:51 -0400

Crossfit is a great way to confuse the hell out of the body. There is no way to do the same boring routine every time. The controversy with the program is that some CrossFit boxes actually do not do the routines correctly. If the Army were to be adopted, they would have to ensure that the instructors are to follow a set of standards to ensure no one would be hurt.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2014 4:20 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 04:20:07 -0400

To me personally PT really didn't do jack for me. When I started hitting the gym being able to pick heavy things up and drop them I started seeing more of an improvement. I know each persons body works different but when you add that extra weight you learn to move up in weight which would help greater with rucks or work if it requires heavy lifting like mine did.

I strongly think that if you can maintain a certain score on your PT test you should be allowed to do your own PT. I know that units could do this but they choose not to. That's why I loved being on nights a lot of the times cause we would do PT at the gym. Saved me an hr from doing it after work as well I got to work on what I NEEDED to improve on.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 8:44 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 20:44:03 -0400

as long as you have a military certified trainer who can assist all others on the proper techniques without ridicule or injury and then ease them into a workout regimen on a regular basis this could be a great way to build team spirit. great idea Sarge.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 8:58 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 20:58:48 -0400

I don't know about creating an entire MOS around fitness trainer. I know that the Army announced plans to train and dispatch Master Fitness Trainers to every unit. This was announced in June 2014, but I don't know where the progress is.

It's even worse on the part time side. It takes a lot of discipline to get into your own PT program. I ended up paying for a trainer at a local sports club to get me back on track. I don't know if base/post recreation centers offer a similar service, but perhaps they should.

http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140726/NEWS/307260040/Army-PT-overhaul-Master-fitness-trainers-will-dispatch-all-units

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2014 12:08 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 00:08:27 -0400

I feel that the group PT sessions are not conducive. I remember in the one year of Army ROTC one of our APMS's said to get better at pushups, do more pushups. I don't agree with that. I found that years of just doing the exercises for the PT test gave me ability to do above average, never close to a top score. When I started weight lifting for my own benefit with one gym partner I found the results to be ten fold. A full spectrum weight workout you can work different parts of specific muscles.

I always like to do a push pull workout and alternate which exercises I am doing to build a specific area.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Feb 22 at 2015 2:12 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 14:12:17 -0500

Something that was seriously lacking while I was in was weight training. It is important for muscle growth. Not only that, but there should also be weighted squats/squat variations thrown into the mix.
PT with body weight alone is not enough.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Feb 22 at 2015 3:27 PM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 15:27:09 -0500

I never found group PT to work well because each person was stuck having to PT at the same level. Once I started doing my own routine in the gym, I found I was getting better scores. I did weight training, calisthenics, and cardio on my own time. I've never done crossfit, but I've had friend that have and they love it.