Crunch Alternatives for PFT Training

Candidate Question I’m currently training for the PFT. Unfortunately, I’ve developed some sort of rash on my buttocks and lower back that prevents me from doing crunches effectively. Are there any alternatives to doing crunches that will allow me to exercise the same muscles? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. A: Great question. This is actually very common in candidates as they ramp up their … Continue reading Crunch Alternatives for PFT Training

USMC OCS Workout: Crunches and Flutterkicks

Candidates, we are running a series of small posts which answer specific candidate’s questions. Feel free to submit questions as blog comments. If the information could help others, the question may be answered as a blog post under the Q&A category. Candidate Question: Could you give an example of a typical crunch/flutterkick workout for this program? Many thanks. A: Certainly. Doing several sets of 30 … Continue reading USMC OCS Workout: Crunches and Flutterkicks

Guest Post: Marine Corps PFT vs Army PFT

Anyone who has ever attempted to complete the Marine Corps PFT will tell you that it is no easy task. Completing the test is challenging enough by itself, let alone attempting to earn a perfect 300 PFT score.

Max USMC PFT Scores

To earn a perfect score, a Marine must execute 20 dead hang pull-ups/chin-ups, 100 crunches in 2 minutes or less, and a 3-mile run in 18 minutes or less. Anyone that could achieve 300 points on this test is a true warrior-athlete. It is a balance between upper body strength and cardiovascular strength.

The Army PFT is different and challenging as well. The APFT consists of push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. A Soldier maxes it by executing 75 push-ups in 2 minutes or less, 80 sit-ups in 2 minutes or less, and a 2-mile run in 13:00 minutes or less.
These standards are relative to the age group they belong in, in this case 21-26 year olds.

Army PFT Max Standards Age 22 to 26

Now that we have a basic overview of each PFT, let’s take a look at how well they stack up against each other. As you read on I want to pose the following questions. Which PFT is more challenging? If you earn a 300 on one, would you able to earn the same score on the other? Which one produces the better warrior-athlete?

Pull-Ups VS Push-Ups Continue reading “Guest Post: Marine Corps PFT vs Army PFT”