I'm curious about how everyone feels about the recent Survey for PRT?

2014-03-28T11:19:22-04:00

I personally hate PRT. Not because of the change and I say that because many people do hate change, but because I feel it doens't help a Soldier prepare for the PT Test. I already know some people will say that it's the individual responsibility of each Soldier to maintain physically fit at all times. But seriously, people who do weight lifting with cardio and PT in general (not including crossfit though cause I think crossfit are for people who are scared to lift, DO YOU EVEN LIFT BRO) on their own will say that they get way more out of their own style of staying fit. The only thing that I can say I like about PRT is the 60-120s. I know they created PRT for the upcoming change to the PT Test, but why change the way you prepare for a PT test if your not going to actually change the PT Test itself? And PRT is bad on the knees, back, and shoulders.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2014 11:41 AM

2014-03-28T11:41:42-04:00

SSG Ellington, I think you are misinformed about the purpose of PRT. It wasn't created for a new PT test, it was created to help soldiers be more combat fit and to prevent injuries caused by improper warming up of the body before exercise. The biggest problem with PRT is that the program is not being utilized as its suppose to be. The warm up exercises were built in a special order to warm up the body scientifically to reduce injury. It takes time to do the warmups and cool downs effectively. It also states you should work different muscle groups on alternating days. The program isn't designed to make studs, the program is designed to get all soldiers on an equal platform ( My general guess is between a 210 PT score and a 240 pt score).  It has its flaws, but if commanders and leaders did the program as it was designed there would be less injuries, better soldiers for combat scenarios, but lower pt scores for the currently designed PT test.<br><br>The pt test in its current state is also very flawed (everyone at this point knows situps arent even good for your back and utilize hip flexors not even core), but its all we have and until that changes the program and the test are on polar opposites<br><br>

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 8:27 PM

2014-05-31T20:27:20-04:00

That's actually one big problem the Army realized about itself: We prepare for the APFT.

The only thing the APFT determines is how many push ups and sit ups you can do before running a semi-arbitrary distance in workout clothes. It does not address moving under a load, engaging obstacle-rich terrain, or lifting your own body weight plus gear over a wall.

Did we put the buggy before the horse by publishing a new method of training without concurrently publishing a new way to evaluate that training? Totally. The best summary is that the PRT pushup is the triceps-centric hands-under-shoulder-and-close-arm type and the APFT says "to put your hands where there are comfortable for you."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 4:26 PM

2014-06-16T16:26:28-04:00

SSG Ellington, if you look in FM 7-22 Army Physical Readiness Training, the manual breaks down PRT and explains alot of what you are asking. Also it shows that PRT is not just Drills there are also many "gym/weight lifting" exercises in there as well. I think the FM will be very informational for you.