PRT Prep Guide
PRT Prep Guide
PRT Prep Guide
Navy
Pre-Entry Physical Training Plan
U.S Navy
Pre-Entry Physical Training Plan
Introduction:
The Navy Pre-Entry Physical Training Plan assists recruits in preparing for the physical demands a prospective Sailor experiences during Navy basic training programs. This plan provides guidelines for the three primary elements of a physical fitness program: aerobic activity, muscular strength and endurance exercises, and flexibility exercises. Research supports that participation in these activities will decrease ones injury risk during Navy basic training programs; the Navy Pre- Entry Physical Training Plan will prepare the prospective Sailor for the physical challenges of basic training and throughout ones Navy career.
Diagram 1
Warm-Up
A warm- up prior to exercise is recommended to prepare the muscles and heart for the workout. Participation in a 3 to 5 minute warm- up during the first portion of your exercise session will assist you in decreasing your chances of getting injured. Examples of warm- up exercises include walking, slow jogging, or any nonvigorous, low intensity activity.
Stretching
Page 3 will outline a safe and effective stretching program for your bodys major muscle groups. Stretching exercises should be conducted after the warm- up and cool-down exercise sequence.
Cool-Down:
A cool-down consists of 3 to 5 minutes of light to moderate slow activity after vigorous exercise. Stopping exercise abruptly can result in lightheadedness and can cause excessive stress on your heart. 2
Stretching/Injury Prevention
After your warm- up, you should always begin with a period of stretching. Stretching makes the muscles, ligaments, and tendons more flexible and elastic- like. Rather than tearing or breaking when under strain, a flexible muscle is more likely to stretch and give. Flexibility prevents injuries, like back injuries and sprained ankles, and helps you perform everyday task with greater ease. Stretching is joint specific - you have to target each muscle group and joint separately. Diagram 2 provides 10 stretches to include in your daily exercise program; these stretches will improve the flexibility of your bodys major muscle groups. It is important to also include stretching exercises during the cool-down portion of your exercise sequence. Safe and Effective Stretching Guidelines: * Stretch at least 5 times a week (every day is better) * Stretch to a point of mild tension * Warm- up 3 to 5 minutes before stretching * Hold each stretch for 10 to 30 sec. * Prevent bouncing movement when stretching * Repeat each stretch 3 to 5 times Diagram 2
PRT Flexibility Test: Although no flexibility test measures the flexibility of all joints, the sit and reach test serves as an important functional measure of hip and back flexibility. To perform the sit and reach test, sit with legs straight, feet together, with shoes off and toes pointed up. Slowly reach forward and attempt to touch the tips of the toes with fingertips of both hands. Hold the reach for one second; DO NOT BOUNCE OR LUNGE. The Navy PRT Score Categories for the sit and reach test are included in Appendix 1. * The sit and reach exercise should only be used for testing
purposes; it should NOT be included in your daily exercise program due to the excessive stress the stretch places on the low back. The Hamstring Stretch shown in Diagram 2 is a safe and effective stretch for the hamstring muscle group. 3
Running
The one physical fitness component that stands out in virtually all studies for the prevention of injuries is aerobic fitness. Studies show that being aerobically conditioned prior to entering basic training will greatly decrease your chances of ge tting injured. The lower the initial level of fitness when starting basic training, the greater the risk of experiencing a training related injury. Though running is a primary component of basic training exercise sessions, you may choose to participate in a wide variety of aerobic activities prior to beginning basic training. Other types of aerobic activity include, but are not limited to, the following exercises: cycling, swimming, aerobics classes, hiking, rowing, and stairclimbing. Running Program: Running will be one of the more strenuous tasks you will perform during basic training programs. The following regimen should help you best prepare for the rigorous demands of basic training. Use the program as follows: Locate the run stage placement chart (Diagram 3). On the left side locate where you fall on the total miles you have run over the last 4 weeks. Then move to the running program chart (Diagram 4). Enter at your starting stage level. Now follow the distance, time goal and frequency as noted. If you are an experienced runner, start at the stage and distance you normally run and progress from there. The Navy PRT Score Categories for Running are included in Appendix 1. You will be expected to score a good score for your age group during enlisted basic training and Officer Indoctrination School (OIC), between a good and excellent score at the U.S. Naval Academy, and an excellent score at Officer Candidate School (OCS).
(Diagram 3)
36.0 - +
Distance Miles 2 3
3 4 5
Run 2 Min./Walk 3 Min. Repeat 5 times Run 3 Min./Walk 2 Min. Repeat 5 Times Run 4 Min./Walk 1 Min. Repeat 5 Times Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Run 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
(Diagram 4)
5
Curl-Ups
Abdominal curl-ups are an indicator of abdominal muscle group endurance which has been identified as an important predictor in low back injury. This exercise, along with running and push-ups, will be tested many times throughout your career in the Navy. Safe and Effective Abdominal Curl-Ups: Abdominal curl- ups are an important component of your pre-entry training program. Curl- ups are the best exercise for strengthening the abdominal muscles. Curl- ups must be done with the knees flexed to 90 degrees to eliminate the curve in the low back. The abdominal muscles should be contracted. The head should be lifted off the floor, and the trunk should curl into the situp position. Alteration of this technique may cause additional strain to the low back. It is necessary only to do a partial curl- up to provide maximal benefit to the abdominal muscles. A full sit-up may place additional stress on the low back. Your shoulders should come above the ground only 30 degrees to performing a safe and effective curl- up. (diagram 5). Curl-Ups During Basic Training and Physical Readiness Testing: During the basic training physical regimen and during the Navys semi-annual Physical Readiness Testing, curl- ups will be performed similarly, but your arms will be folded across the chest, and your feet will be held to the floor by a partner. You will curl- up touching elbows to thighs and will then lie back touching shoulder blades to deck. (diagram 6). You will be expected to score a good score for your age group during enlisted basic training and Officer Indoctrination School (OIC), between a good and excellent score at the U.S. Naval Academy, and an excellent score at Officer Candidate School (OCS).
Abdominal Curl Up
Full-Sit Up
Diagram 5
Diagram 6
To Prepare: If you have not been performing curl- ups prior to this program it is . recommended that you allow yourself a week of gradual increase in intensity. Each week for the first 4 weeks, do 2 sets of sit-ups stopping at the first sign of abdominal fatigue, allowing 2 minutes of rest between each set. It is recommended to perform the back extension stretch between sets (diagram 2, page 3). After 4 weeks (8 sessions) of abdominal exercises, you should do as many curl- ups as you can in two minutes. Rest for two minutes, do another set of as many as you can. These 2 sets of maximum effort sit- ups should be done no more than 2 times per week . Perform no more than 4 sessions of sit-ups each week. 6
Push-Ups
Push-ups are a measure of your upper body strength (chest, shoulders, and triceps). Always use correct form to prevent injury and to improve physical performance. 1: Start in the rest position (diagram 7). Assume the front leaning position with hands approximately shoulder width apart and feet together. The arms, back, buttocks and legs must be straight from head to heels and must remain so throughout the push-up. Shoes may/may not be worn. 2: Begin the push-up by bending the elbow and lowering the entire body until the top of the upper arms are parallel to the deck (diagram 8) and the elbows are bent at a 90 degree angle. Remember to keep the arms, back, buttocks, and legs aligned throughout the push- up motion. 3: Return to the starting position by extending the elbows until the arms are almost straight. Do not lock your elbows (diagram 7).
Diagram 7
Diagram 8
To Prepare : If you have not been doing push-ups prior to this program it is recommended that you perform a modified push-up. Fold a towel, and place it under your knees. Then perform the push-up as described above, keeping your knees on the towel. Allow yourself 4 weeks of gradual increase in intensity. For the first 4 weeks, you should do 3 sets of push- ups, each 2 minutes apart, stopping at the first sign of arm or shoulder fatigue. It is recommended to perform the chest and biceps stretch (diagram 2, page 3) between sets. After 4 weeks (12 sessions) you should do a regimen of 4 sets. The first 2 sets would be to perform as many pushups as you can in 30 seconds with your knees down. Then 2 sets of as many as you can for 20 seconds with your knees up. Remember to first warm- up and stretch prior to any physical training, and always use proper form. Approximately every two weeks attempt a single maximum set for two minutes and record your progress. Perform no more than 5 sessions of push-ups each week. Physical Readiness Test: The Navy PRT Score Categories for push-ups are included in Appendix 1. You will be expected to score a good score for your age group during enlisted basic training and Officer Indoctrination School (OIC), between a good and excellent score at the U.S. Naval Academy, and an excellent score at Officer Candidate School (OCS). 7
Diagram 9
Diagram 10
Diagram 11 8
Injury Prevention
Injury Prevention During Pre-Entry Physical Training
Navy Basic Training Schools experience a 20% injury rate which is largely due to recruits coming in poor physical condition. The goal of the Navy Pre-Entry Physical Training Program is to provide you with guidelines for exercise so that you improve but not so much that you cause overuse, excessive overload leading to injury or illness. Overuse problems commonly occur at the beginning of a new exercise program and account for the majority of injuries. The body and muscles must be given time to gradually adapt to the new demands of a physical activity program. The first few months of a new physical conditioning program are the most critical.
Diagram 12
Diagram 13
Diagram 14
Diagram 15
Strains: A muscle strain is a partial or complete tear of muscle fibers or a tendon and is sometimes referred to as a muscle pull. There are many different causes, but it most often results from a violent contraction of the muscle. A strain may be caused by fatigue, overexertion, muscle imbalance or weakness, or electrolyte or water imbalance. To prevent strains, complete a full-body warm-up before working out, take precautions not to overdo, and work toward balancing the strength and flexibility in opposing muscles. 10
Stress Fracture: A stress fracture is a very small, microscopic break in a bone caused by overuse. Unlike a broken bone, which occurs with a distinct traumatic event, a stress fracture is the result of cumulative overload that occurs over many days or weeks. Doing too much too soon (overuse) is the major cause. Bone is living tissue that adjusts to exercise force demands placed on it. As force is applied, bone will remodel itself to better handle the force. If too muc h force is applied, the bone may fracture before it can successfully remodel. Running extreme mileage, doing impact activities such as running, wearing worn-out shoes, exercising on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete, and having poor foot mechanics may cause a stress fracture. Because they have smaller, lighter bones, women are more prone to stress fractures than are men. To preve nt stress fractures, gradually work into a physical training program, and avoid the identified causes of stress fractures. Runners Knee (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Runners Knee (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome) is an overuse condition commonly occurring in runners, in individuals who are out of shape or who do too much physical activity too soon (overuse). Running repetitively along the outside slope found on many paved streets may also cause Runners Knee. The iliotibial band is located on the outside part of the thigh and connects at the knee. Irritation usually develops at the outside thigh and knee area where friction is created. Stretching the iliotibial band (Diagram 16) and gradually working into a physical conditioning program will assist you in preventing this overuse injury. Iliotibial band stretch (Diagram 16): Cross left foot over right, press hips to left. Repeat with other side. 11
Diagram 16
Get in Shape!
This physical fitness program overview is intended to give you a basic guideline to help prepare you for the rigors of basic training. Certainly, if you are already involved in a more intensive, safe and effective program, we urge you to continue. Arriving at basic training does not guarantee that you will become a Sailor. It takes a great deal of motivation and sacrifice. That motivation begins today. The U.S. Navy Exercise Planner Booklet provides additional exercise program guidelines for aerobic conditioning, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. This booklet and daily exercise log sheets can be viewed and downloaded from the Navy Environmental Health Center Physical Fitness Program Homepage: http://www/nehc-med.navy.mil/hp. 12
OPNAVINST 6110.1G 10 OCTOBER 2002 Physical Readiness Test Standards (Test site elevation LESS than 5,000 ft above sea level)
Performance Category Level Points 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 Outstanding High Outstanding Medium Outstanding Low Excellent High Excellent Medium Excellent Low Good High Good Medium Good Low Satisfactory High Satisfactory Medium Probationary Curlups 109 107 102 98 93 90 81 71 62 59 54 50 Males: Age 17-19 years Push- 1.5-mile 500-yd ups run swim 92 8:15 6:30 91 8:45 6:45 86 9:00 7:15 82 9:15 7:45 79 9:30 8:15 76 9:45 8:30 68 10:00 9:15 60 10:30 10:30 51 11:00 11:15 49 12:00 11:45 46 12:15 12:15 42 12:30 12:45 450-m swim 6:20 6:35 7:05 7:35 8:05 8:20 9:05 10:20 11:05 11:35 12:05 12:35
Performance Category Level Points 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 Outstanding High Outstanding Medium Outstanding Low Excellent High Excellent Medium Excellent Low Good High Good Medium Good Low Satisfactory High Satisfactory Medium Probationary CurlUps 109 107 102 98 93 90 81 71 62 59 54 50
Females: Age 17-19 years Push- 1.5-mile 500-yd Ups run swim 51 9:29 6:45 50 11:15 7:45 47 11:30 8:30 45 11:45 9:00 43 12:00 9:30 42 12:30 9:45 36 12:45 10:45 30 13:00 12:00 24 13:30 13:00 22 14:15 13:15 20 14:45 13:45 19 15:00 14:15
450-m swim 6:35 7:35 8:20 8:50 9:20 9:35 10:35 11:50 12:50 13:05 13:35 14:05
Appendix (1)
OPNAVINST 6110.1G 10 OCTOBER 2002 Physical Readiness Test Standards (Test site elevation LESS than 5,000 ft above sea level)
Performance Category Level Points 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 Outstanding High Outstanding Medium Outstanding Low Excellent High Excellent Medium Excellent Low Good High Good Medium Good Low Satisfactory High Satisfactory Medium Probationary Curlups 105 103 98 94 90 87 78 66 58 54 50 46 Males: Age 20-24 years Push- 1.5-mile 500-yd ups run swim 87 8:30 6:30 86 9:00 7:00 81 9:15 7:30 77 9:45 8:00 74 10:00 8:15 71 10:30 8:45 64 10:45 9:30 55 11:30 10:30 47 12:00 11:30 45 12:45 12:00 42 13:15 12:15 37 13:30 13:00 450-m swim 6:20 6:50 7:20 7:50 8:05 8:35 9:20 10:20 11:20 11:50 12:05 12:50
Performance Category Level Points 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 Outstanding High Outstanding Medium Outstanding Low Excellent High Excellent Medium Excellent Low Good High Good Medium Good Low Satisfactory High Satisfactory Medium Probationary CurlUps 105 103 98 94 90 87 78 66 58 54 50 46
Females: Age 20-24 years Push- 1.5-mile 500-yd Ups run swim 48 9:47 7:15 47 11:15 8:00 44 11:30 8:45 43 12:15 9:15 40 12:45 9:45 39 13:15 10:00 33 13:30 11:00 28 13:45 12:15 21 14:15 13:15 20 15:00 13:45 17 15:15 14:00 16 15:30 14:30
450-m swim 7:05 7:50 8:35 9:05 9:35 9:50 10:50 12:05 13:05 13:35 13:50 14:20
Appendix (1)
OPNAVINST 6110.1G 10 OCTOBER 2002 Physical Readiness Test Standards (Test site elevation LESS than 5,000 ft above sea level)
Performance Category Level Points 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 Outstanding High Outstanding Medium Outstanding Low Excellent High Excellent Medium Excellent Low Good High Good Medium Good Low Satisfactory High Satisfactory Medium Probationary Curlups 101 100 95 91 87 84 75 62 54 50 47 43 Males: Age 25-29 years Push- 1.5-mile 500-yd ups run swim 84 8:55 6:38 82 9:23 7:08 77 9:38 7:38 73 10:15 8:08 69 10:30 8:23 67 10:52 8:53 60 11:23 9:38 51 12:15 10:38 44 12:53 11:38 41 13:23 12:08 38 13:45 12:23 34 14:00 13:08 450-m swim 6:28 6:58 7:28 7:58 8:13 8:43 9:28 10:28 11:28 11:58 12:13 12:58
Performance Category Level Points 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 Outstanding High Outstanding Medium Outstanding Low Excellent High Excellent Medium Excellent Low Good High Good Medium Good Low Satisfactory High Satisfactory Medium Probationary CurlUps 101 100 95 91 87 84 75 62 54 50 47 43
Females: Age 25-29 years Push- 1.5-mile 500-yd Ups run swim 46 10:17 7:23 45 11:30 8:15 43 11:45 9:00 41 12:30 9:30 39 13:00 10:00 37 13:23 10:15 30 14:00 11:15 26 14:30 12:30 19 14:53 13:30 18 15:23 13:53 15 15:45 14:15 13 16:08 14:45
450-m swim 7:13 7:58 8:50 9:20 9:50 10:05 11:05 12:20 13:20 13:43 14:05 14:35
Appendix (1)
American College of Sports Medicine. (1998). ACSMs Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. (3rd ed.). Williams and Wilkins.
Appendix 2
Ergogenic Aids
Appendix 3
Authors
Diana Settles, M.A.T., A.T.,C.
Manager, Physical Fitness and Injury Prevention Programs Health Promotion and Medical Management Directorate Navy Environmental Health Center, Norfolk, VA
Bibliography
American College of Sports Medicine. (1995). ACSMs Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, (5th ed.). Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins. American College of Sports Medicine. (1998). ACSMs Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. (3rd ed.). Williams and Wilkins. American College of Sports Medicine. (1990). The Recommended Quantity and Quality for Developing and Maintaining Cardiorespiratory and Muscular Fitness in Healthy Adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 22, 265 - 274. Blackburn, T. A. (13 September 1997). Personal Interview. Bockelman, T. & Long, K. (October 1996). United States Marine Corps Poolee Conditioning Program. Marine Corps Base, Parris Island Sports Medicine Department. Chief of Naval Operations. (1998). OPNAVINST 6110.1E. Navy Physical Readiness Program. Washington, DC: Department of the Navy, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, 23 March 1998. Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (October 1998). U.S. Navy Personal Training Plan, NEHC Technical Manual 6100.98-4). Norfolk, VA: Navy Environmental Health Center. Corbin, C. & Lindsey, R. (1997). Concepts of Fitness and Wellness with Laboratories, Boston: McGrawHill. Deuster,P. Jones, B., & Moore, J. (1997). Patterns and Risk Factors for Exercise-Related Injuries in Women: A Military Perspective, Military Medicine, (162) 649 - 655. Robins,G. Powers, D. & Burgess, Sharon (1997). A Wellness Way of Life , (3rd Edition) Boston, McGraw-Hill Settles, D. & Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (April 1999). Aerobic Fitness for Readiness, (NEHC Technical Manual 6100.99-4). Norfolk, VA: Navy Environmental Health Center. Settles, D. & Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (April 1999). Muscular Fitness for Readiness, NEHC Technical Manual 6100.99-3). Norfolk, VA: Navy Environmental Health Center. Settles, D. & Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (April 1999). Stretching and Injury Prevention for Readiness, (NEHC Technical Manual 6100.99-2). Norfolk, VA: Navy Environmental Health Center. Trone, D.W., Hagan, R.D., Shaffer, R.A. (1999). Physical Training Guidelines for U.S. Navy Recruits: Preparing for Battlestations (NHRC Tech. Doc. No. 99-1A). San Diego, CA: Naval Health Research Center.
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DRAFT
U.S. Navy Pre-Entry Physical Training Waiver of Liability
This is only a draft form. This Waiver of Liability may be provided to prospective Sailors entering the United States Navy (signed during the Navy recruitment process).
I, ______________________________, have enrolled in a program of physical activity including, but not limited to, aerobic exercise, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. I hereby affirm that I am in good physical condition and do not suffer from any disability that would prevent or limit my participation in this exercise program. In consideration of my participation in the US Navy Pre-Entry Exercise Program, I, _____________________________, for myself, my heirs and assigns, hereby release the United States Navy, from any claims, demands and causes of action arising from my participation in the exercise program. I fully understand that I may injure myself as a result of my participation in the U.S. Navy Pre-Entry Exercise Program and I, ______________________________, hereby release the United States Navy from any liability now or in the future including, but not limited to , heart attacks, muscle strains, pulls or tears, broken bones, shin splints, heat injuries, knee/lower back / foot injur ies, and any other illness, soreness, or injury, however caused, occurring during or after my participation in the exercise program.
I hereby affirm that I have read and fully understand the above. _______________________________________ Signature