Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Jacob Dillon | Personnel Specialist 1st Class Lonnie Paul, does situps for the physical readiness...... read more read more
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MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Service members across the Navy sometimes struggle with weight and fitness issues, especially in the spring and fall around Physical Readiness Test time. Some try to shed the pounds and start working to be physically fit just a few weeks prior to the PRT. Some go to the extremes trying diet pills, supplements, energy drinks, or whatever has been rumored to work for making weight and passing the test.
"We need to have more driving us than just the bi-annual PFA," said Aviation Technician 2nd Class Joseph D. Sunderman, a scout for Navy Special Operations/Navy Special Warfare/Aviation Rescue Swimmer at Navy Recruiting District Ohio.
Instead of stressing out about the Physical Fitness Assessment, which is comprised of a Body Composition Assessment and the PRT, sailors are encouraged to adopt a lifestyle of fitness.
For recruiters across the country, long days at the desk and in the car leave little room on the planner for physical activity unless recruiters actively work to make physical training a top priority.
Sunderman used to struggle with maintaining his fitness. Sunderman made it through Recruit Training Command and A-school just coasting by as far as physical fitness was concerned. Being 67 inches, weighing 195 pounds Sunderman made "tape" at the BCA at 20 percent but could barely pass the PRT.
But after too many cycles stressing out about passing, Sunderman decided to make a change. After months of solid exercise and proper nutrition, he saw results on the next PRT. Then he wanted more.
"Ever since then, the better shape I'm in, the more I enjoy working out," said Sunderman.
Just like Sunderman discovered, being healthy and fit doesn't have to be a difficult struggle for a semi-annual event. Sailors can achieve long-term health and fitness by making regular physical activity and a solid nutrition plan a lifestyle. Physical readiness is part of being a sailor in today's Navy. It directly impacts the ability to be ready.
Being fit and healthy definitely helps in recruiting said Sunderman.
"I believe it's easier for parents to accept you as a role model for their child when your uniform fits as it should."
Looking sharp and representing the Navy in a positive light should be a priority for all sailors, but especially for recruiters because often times they are the only Navy presence in the community; first impressions are everything.
"You wouldn't put on a dirty set of NSUs, so why would you wear the uniform when you are out of standards?" said Sunderman.
Being in shape improves performance on the job and relationships both at home and at work. This is key because a failure for either the BCA or PRT can negatively affect a sailor's career no matter what job they are in.
"We have seen sailors sent home due to PRT failures," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Rosario Esquivel, Navy Recruiting Command's command fitness leader. "Either due to multiple failures leading to a separation, or from sailors not getting approved for re-enlistment in their rate due to just one failure on their record, the Navy means business."
Recruiting duty is a rigorous and rewarding assignment. The stressors, however, can be great, such as driving from school to school, making appointments, meeting with community leaders and parents, taking prospective applicants to military processing stations, which often times are more than an hour or two away, and participating any other activities necessary to meet monthly recruiting goals. This takes a toll on trying to maintain healthy habits such as making better food choices on the run, and exercising regularly.
"Finding the time is probably the hardest part about staying fit," said Sunderman.
Additionally, the typical food that is "convenient" and fast is usually not the healthiest.
The Navy recognizes the challenges sailors face during the course of their career, and therefore maintains and provides many resources to ensure every sailor embraces a culture of physical readiness.
Resources include the physical readiness program website http://www.Navyfitness.org where sailors can find sample workouts for individuals and groups.
A monthly newsletter is also produced that has a Workout of the Month that anyone can do. It generally has a beginner and advanced program option.
The Navy's official physical readiness instruction, OPNAVINST 6110.1J, also provides information on physical fitness programs, different exercises to use, contraindicated exercises and stretches, and general nutrition guidance.
Programs ranging from healthful eating to weight management to performance nutrition are all located on the Navy nutrition webpage at http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/health-promotion/Pages/default.aspx
A fit and healthy sailor is what America expects from those in uniform, and setting the example for future sailors is critical to recruiting success.
For more information about Navy Recruiting Command visit www.cnrc.navy.mil
| Date Taken: | 01.07.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 01.07.2014 15:51 |
| Story ID: | 118904 |
| Location: | MILLINGTON, TN, US |
| Web Views: | 81 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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