This is a popular training program for the crunches part of the PFT.
While it is a good program to help you get to and past 100 crunches, remember that it crunches are a one-dimensional component of fitness and are not a substitute for a full core workout. OCS is much more than just the PFT.
Day 1
Do three maximum effort sets. Rest 60-90 seconds between each set. As soon as you stop (even for one second), that set is complete.
Day 2
Pyramid day. Begin with 20 repetitions. Each consecutive set should increase by ten until you can not complete the required amount without pausing. Then do a maximum effort set. Rest 1 second per crunch of the previous set.
Day 3
Do five 20-second sets. If you have to pause between repetitions, that is ok for this days workout. However, do as many as you can in each 20-second set as if you were taking the PFT. Rest 25 seconds between each set.
Day 4
Do 50 repetitions as fast as possible (without stopping if you can). Rest for 60 seconds. Do 30 repetitions as fast as possible. Rest for 45 seconds. Do 20 repetitions as fast as possible. Rest for 30 seconds. Do a maximum effort set.
Female Candidates at Officer Candidate School (OCS) do crunches on the Initial Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Day 5
Do as many crunches as possible in 2 minutes just like the PFT. Rest for 90 seconds and do a maximum effort set.
Training Sets and Final thoughts
A maximum effort set is the most crunches you can do without pausing. Once you stop, that set is complete. Sets on days 1 and 2 should be done in this manner, as well as, day 4 if you can. Days 3 and 5 focus on the maximum number you can do in a given time period instead of the maximum number you can do without stopping. If you will do this program consistently with the pull-up workout you will see fast and effective improvement in your PFT score. The key is consistency. The workout does not take much time, so stick to it.
USMC Crunches: PFT Rules
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I challenge all candidates to achieve these minimum benchmarks before getting to OCS, and using them as training goals. This will put you in decent standing, but not the top of your class if these are your max sets. MALE Pullups: Max set 18 Pushups: Max set 65 Run: 21:00 3-mile Run: 880 meter sprint in 3:15 in boots (2:45 running shoes) Flutterkicks: Max set 60 … Continue reading One Easy Cheat Sh
So your goal is a 300 PFT, and OCS success on the way to becoming an officer. You know you should be doing a few hundred pullups a week, and get up to that 20 pullup set with confidence–but you’re not. Are you. Mhmm. Well, with an indoor pullup bar, you’ll have no excuse since a set of pullups will be closer than your TV, … Continue reading What’s the Best Piece of Gear for Becoming an Officer?
Once you can do between 10 and 20 deadhangs, do this work out! An important piece of equipment that you might want to buy, if your gym doesn’t have one, is a dip belt. It looks like a weight-lifting belt with a long chain attached to it. Set #1 – Do 5 slow warm-up pull-ups! Take a short rest, 1-2 minutes! Set #2 – Using the dip-belt add … Continue reading A Simple Pull Up Program To Get Over 20
