University of Washington - Current Midshipman

Hey I have another question, what would you recommend I do as far as physical preparation? As a Varsity XC and Soccer player I am not to worried about cardio, but I could use some strength training. Do you have any specific recommendations for workouts or things that you overlooked before getting to the unit?
 
Koehler said:
Hey I have another question, what would you recommend I do as far as physical preparation? As a Varsity XC and Soccer player I am not to worried about cardio, but I could use some strength training. Do you have any specific recommendations for workouts or things that you overlooked before getting to the unit?
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For physical preparation, your goal should be to get the maximums in every event in the PFA. In order to pass, you need to earn GOOD or better in all categories, but that doesn't mean you should stop once you've reached the minimums. Here is the link:

http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/pdfs/Physical Standards.pdf

My recommendation would be to do calisthenic exercises. You won't become "huge macho man" by doing calisthenics as fast as you would if you were purely lifting weights. However, pure weight lifting will also not increase your PFA scores as fast as calisthenics will. If you need help getting started, definitely look into Stew Smith's workout routines. I bought one of his books last January because I hadn't really focused on upper body before. I busted it out over the summer and saw clear improvement. His workouts are geared towards those wanting to become SEALs, but really anyone can do them (I want to be a submariner). He is truly a fitness genius and I highly recommend you look him up. Also, do not limit yourself to push-ups, sit-ups, and running. Try to mix in back, triceps, and leg exercises as these are equally important.

Don't hesitate to message me if you need help finding a workout routine. I'm more than happy to help you. I've stopped doing his workouts because they helped me understand how to create my own personal routines (which is also a bonus). Below is a link to his website and also to some helpful advice:

http://www.stewsmith.com/
http://www.stewsmith.com/favoriteworkouts.htm
http://www.stewsmith.com/fitnessplanoftheweek.htm
 
Thanks for the detailed reply, I actually looked into his stuff and found a great deal ($9) for his book and bought it. As far as a career in the Navy, I want to be an aviator. I have heard a variety of opinions on obtaining a pilot slot about how important GPA, fitness, NROTC unit peformance are. What are your recommendations to someone like me who is really striving for a pilot slot? Also I have heard that GPA is calculated differently at UW (i.e. a 95% is not a 4.0 but a 3.8 or 3.9?), how does this work and does this grading system negatively impact my comparison with other NROTC students across the country trying to get a slot?
 
Koehler said:
Thanks for the detailed reply, I actually looked into his stuff and found a great deal ($9) for his book and bought it. As far as a career in the Navy, I want to be an aviator. I have heard a variety of opinions on obtaining a pilot slot about how important GPA, fitness, NROTC unit peformance are. What are your recommendations to someone like me who is really striving for a pilot slot? Also I have heard that GPA is calculated differently at UW (i.e. a 95% is not a 4.0 but a 3.8 or 3.9?), how does this work and does this grading system negatively impact my comparison with other NROTC students across the country trying to get a slot?
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NROTC midshipmen are ranked with all of the other NROTC midshipmen throughout the nation who are graduating the same year. It is very likely that you will receive your first choice as long as you put forth your best effort in school and in the unit. Service selection is just like earning the scholarship; the board considers the whole package. You will hear more about this throughout your first quarter from the officers in the unit, but for now please realize that the only thing you can do to get what you want is to just do your best and strive to be in the top of your class.

You are absolutely correct in that UW has an outrageous grading scale. Unfortunately, the selection boards don't take into account the difficulty of the school. In other words, a 3.4 here is the same as a 3.4 at Nebraska (Side note: In no way did I just imply that Nebraska was a bad school. In fact, I would have gone their had I not gotten into UW). The difficulty of the school really doesn't matter though because, like I said before, as long as you do your best, you will get into your preferred warfare community.

Great to hear that you bought that book. Which one is it?
 
OK that is good to know and encouraging. I certainly will be putting forth full effort! I bought The Complete Guide to Navy Seal Fitness, which from my research seemed like the best one to buy first. Which one did you use?
 
I bought the same one. One thing to remember when going through the 12 weeks workout is that it is ok to repeat a week if you have trouble doing the workouts or skipped some of the workouts.
 
Alright thanks for the tip. A question about the PFT, will I swim and run, pick one or the other, or not have a choice for the test?
 
You will be running no matter what. You really don't have a choice.
 
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