Army Basic Training PT Exercises

United States Army Basic Training is far and away the hardest, most trying experience that most people will ever go through. In fact, many cannot endure the mental and emotional trials that lie ahead of them during that nine-week period. The obstacle that most have trouble with is the physical fitness regimen. However, with proper knowledge of what to expect, you will find that the physical fitness aspect is not as difficult as your recruiter made it out to be.

Push-Ups

• The most basic exercise that is done in the U.S. Army is the push-up. Most PT (Physical Training) sessions begin with a repetition of no fewer than 5 and no more than 10 push-ups. These are included on Army PT tests as well. On the PT test, a soldier is required to do no fewer than 35 push-ups.

Side-Shuttle Hop

• "Side-shuttle hop" is simply the fancy Army terminology for "jumping jack." In addition to push-ups, a standard PT session will consist of no fewer than five repetitions of the side-shuttle hop.

Sit-Ups

• Sit-ups, which are also included on PT test scores, are done in sets of 10 during standard PT. During a PT test, a soldier is expected to do no fewer than 47 sit-ups.

Squats

• Squats are excellent at building leg strength. While not included in every PT session, when squats are included, they are done in 25-repetition cycles.

Running

• The 2-mile run, included on the PT test, as well as every other PT session, improves stamina and helps to build leg muscles. On the PT test, soldiers are expected to run 2 miles in no more than 16 minutes.