NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Jan. 30, 2019) - With the holiday season complete and the start of the new year well underway, Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) should remember the importance of maintaining their physical readiness in anticipation of the upcoming Physical Readiness Test (PRT).
The PRT is a semi-annual physical fitness test all Sailors must take. The PRT consists of three separate events including push-ups, curl-ups, and cardio, for which Sailors can choose between doing a one and a half mile run, a 12-minute bicycle fixed-time test, or a 500-meter swim.
1. Prepare in Advance
It is vital that Sailors start preparing well in advance of the PRT so they can obtain passing scores in each category.
“Sailors who prepare for the PRT only a few weeks in advance are setting themselves up for failure,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Angel Ortega, from Oxnard, California, an assistant certified fitness leader (ACFL) aboard the George Washington. “You shouldn’t be afraid to start working out. The hardest part for most Sailors is starting out. Once you start working out, you should make a routine, and follow it. It is extremely important to be consistent with it. The more you work out, the easier it will get.”
2. Seek Help if Needed
With the next PRT only weeks away, Sailors who are struggling with their physical fitness should reach out and get help.
“You should contact one of the ACFLs on the ship if you are struggling with the PRT,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Billingsley, from Tacoma, Washington, an assistant certified fitness leader (ACFL) aboard the George Washington. “We can help you establish a workout routine and provide guidance on ways to help you achieve your goals. Also, Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System is a resource that is available to all Sailors and is a good starting point for Sailors who need help with the PRT.”
Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS) provides Sailors with physical fitness and nutrition information. Sailors who are interested can find out more about NOFFS and what it offers at www.navyfitness.org/fitness/noffs-training.
3. Know the Requirements
To achieve a passing score on the PRT, Sailors must obtain at least a “probationary” in all three of the categories. Depending on your age and gender, the standard which Sailors must meet will be different. Sailors who want to find out what scores they need to pass the PRT can sign in to the Physical Readiness Information Management System (PRIMS) to locate them.
4. Mark Your Calendar
For those Sailors who are running the one and a half mile for the cardio portion of the fitness test, the PRT is being held at Huntington Hall Field, April 1 through April 11. Those desiring to do alternate cardio have two options. Sailors doing the bicycle fixed-time test will report to McCormick Sports Center on Norfolk Naval Base between April 15 and April 25. The 500-meter swim option can be completed at Shellbank Fitness Center on Langley Air Force Base, April 5 and April 19.