Intro
Boost your military career with the US Army fitness requirements guide. Learn the rigorous standards for Army soldiers, including push-ups, sit-ups, and 2-mile runs. Discover expert training tips to improve your score and reach your fitness goals. Get fit, get strong, and join the ranks of the fittest with our insider advice.
The United States Army is known for its rigorous fitness standards, and for good reason. Soldiers need to be in top physical condition to perform their duties effectively and stay safe in combat situations. Whether you're a new recruit or a seasoned soldier, meeting the Army's fitness requirements is crucial for success.
The Army's fitness standards are based on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which consists of three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. Each event is designed to test a different aspect of physical fitness, and soldiers are expected to meet minimum scores in each area to pass the test.
In this article, we'll break down the Army's fitness standards, provide training tips, and offer advice on how to prepare for the APFT.
Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) Standards
The APFT is a standardized test that measures a soldier's physical fitness. The test consists of three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. Each event is scored separately, and soldiers are expected to meet minimum scores in each area to pass the test.
The APFT standards are as follows:
- Push-ups: 30-100 points (minimum score: 30 points)
- Sit-ups: 30-100 points (minimum score: 30 points)
- 2-mile run: 13:00-30:00 minutes (minimum score: 13:00 minutes)
Soldiers are scored based on their performance in each event, with higher scores indicating better physical fitness.
Push-ups
The push-up event tests a soldier's upper body strength and endurance. Soldiers are expected to perform as many push-ups as possible in 2 minutes, with proper form and technique.
To prepare for the push-up event, focus on building your upper body strength through exercises like push-ups, dumbbell presses, and rows. Incorporate push-up variations into your workout routine, such as diamond push-ups and decline push-ups.
Sit-ups
The sit-up event tests a soldier's core strength and endurance. Soldiers are expected to perform as many sit-ups as possible in 2 minutes, with proper form and technique.
To prepare for the sit-up event, focus on building your core strength through exercises like sit-ups, planks, and Russian twists. Incorporate sit-up variations into your workout routine, such as weighted sit-ups and incline sit-ups.
2-mile Run
The 2-mile run event tests a soldier's cardiovascular endurance and running ability. Soldiers are expected to complete the 2-mile run in 13:00 minutes or less.
To prepare for the 2-mile run event, focus on building your cardiovascular endurance through exercises like running, cycling, and swimming. Incorporate interval training into your workout routine, such as sprint intervals and hill repeats.
Training Tips
Preparing for the APFT requires a well-structured training plan and a commitment to regular exercise. Here are some training tips to help you prepare:
- Create a workout routine: Develop a workout routine that targets all three events of the APFT. Include exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and running to build your strength and endurance.
- Incorporate interval training: Interval training can help you build your cardiovascular endurance and improve your running ability. Incorporate sprint intervals and hill repeats into your workout routine.
- Focus on proper form and technique: Proper form and technique are essential for success in the APFT. Focus on building your strength and endurance through exercises that promote proper form and technique.
- Incorporate strength training: Strength training can help you build your strength and endurance. Incorporate exercises like weightlifting and bodyweight exercises into your workout routine.
- Get enough rest and recovery: Rest and recovery are essential for muscle growth and repair. Make sure to get enough sleep and rest to allow your muscles to recover from your workouts.
Army Fitness Requirements for Different Ages and Genders
The Army's fitness requirements vary depending on age and gender. Here are the minimum scores required for different age groups and genders:
- Male Soldiers
- 17-21 years old: 30 points push-ups, 30 points sit-ups, 13:00 minutes 2-mile run
- 22-26 years old: 30 points push-ups, 30 points sit-ups, 13:30 minutes 2-mile run
- 27-31 years old: 30 points push-ups, 30 points sit-ups, 14:00 minutes 2-mile run
- 32-36 years old: 30 points push-ups, 30 points sit-ups, 14:30 minutes 2-mile run
- 37-41 years old: 30 points push-ups, 30 points sit-ups, 15:00 minutes 2-mile run
- 42-46 years old: 30 points push-ups, 30 points sit-ups, 15:30 minutes 2-mile run
- 47-51 years old: 30 points push-ups, 30 points sit-ups, 16:00 minutes 2-mile run
- 52-56 years old: 30 points push-ups, 30 points sit-ups, 16:30 minutes 2-mile run
- 57-61 years old: 30 points push-ups, 30 points sit-ups, 17:00 minutes 2-mile run
- Female Soldiers
- 17-21 years old: 19 points push-ups, 19 points sit-ups, 15:30 minutes 2-mile run
- 22-26 years old: 19 points push-ups, 19 points sit-ups, 16:00 minutes 2-mile run
- 27-31 years old: 19 points push-ups, 19 points sit-ups, 16:30 minutes 2-mile run
- 32-36 years old: 19 points push-ups, 19 points sit-ups, 17:00 minutes 2-mile run
- 37-41 years old: 19 points push-ups, 19 points sit-ups, 17:30 minutes 2-mile run
- 42-46 years old: 19 points push-ups, 19 points sit-ups, 18:00 minutes 2-mile run
- 47-51 years old: 19 points push-ups, 19 points sit-ups, 18:30 minutes 2-mile run
- 52-56 years old: 19 points push-ups, 19 points sit-ups, 19:00 minutes 2-mile run
- 57-61 years old: 19 points push-ups, 19 points sit-ups, 19:30 minutes 2-mile run
Conclusion
The Army's fitness standards are rigorous and demanding, but with proper training and preparation, you can meet the requirements and excel in your military career. Remember to focus on building your strength and endurance, and incorporate interval training and strength training into your workout routine. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your fitness goals and succeed in the Army.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information and training tips to help you prepare for the APFT. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.
Army Fitness Image Gallery
What is the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)?
+The APFT is a standardized test that measures a soldier's physical fitness. The test consists of three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run.
What are the minimum scores required for the APFT?
+The minimum scores required for the APFT vary depending on age and gender. For male soldiers, the minimum scores are 30 points push-ups, 30 points sit-ups, and 13:00 minutes 2-mile run.
How can I prepare for the APFT?
+To prepare for the APFT, focus on building your strength and endurance through exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and running. Incorporate interval training and strength training into your workout routine.