So I was accepted into Session 2 of the summer seminar. I think I made a mistake. I do not think I am physically prepared to go to nass. I am unable to run a mile straight without walking, let alone run a mile in under 10 minutes, I cant do 20 straight push ups, and cant complete one pull up. NASS is about 1 month away, and I am extremely worried. If I can’t complete the exercises, what will I do? If anyone has any help or information please share.
There’s always a starting point. I don’t have any advice regarding NASS, but if you’re interested in pursuing a SA or ROTC, start your training now. I’m sure there are PE teachers at your high school or someone qualified in your community that would be happy to provide some training information. You just need to take the first step to get into a good training program, eat nutritiously (no junk food or sugary drinks), and make sure your running shoes are of quality and fit well so you don’t get injured.
Lastly, there are plenty of training programs online.
Best wishes, and congrats on NASS.
Lastly, there are plenty of training programs online.
Best wishes, and congrats on NASS.
Summer Seminar is to introduce you to life at the Academy and as a Mid. There will be some physical activity but you won't be judged in any way. That said, don't forget you'll be required to take and pass the CFA when you apply. It definitely is in your best interest to get yourself in shape sooner than later but not necessary to make yourself crazy for Summer Seminar. Enjoy NASS and good luck with your application!
THIS IS FALSE. While not everyone applies to NASS will be accepted, and acceptance to USNA does not require acceptance to NASS, those who are accepted to NASS are evaluated by admissions these days. A good CFA performed means you can check it off. Period.
Focus on “DO NOT QUIT”. They could write: “Tyler stopped halfway into it...” or “although not in the best physical shape, Tyler was driven and kept pushing and pushing through the end...” all depends on your attitude regardless of your level. You have literally half a year left to improve and replace your CFA scores if you need it AND it will only help admissions see positive in you. Can’t complain a month wasted since your NASS acceptance. Focus on SIX WEEKS left before you check into NASS.
Good advice for NASS, CFA and really, anything in life worth pursuing.
Follow advice from @PinWrestling. Good luck!
https://www.serviceacademyforums.co...s-for-improving-cfa-scores.60850/#post-604190
Session 2, means you have a month to get out running and working on this stuff. Go see your PE teacher, track coach or XC coach. You can run a mile by the end of a month. Push ups and sits up daily. Work on pull ups. It’s easy enough to google mile training plan, push up and sit up training plan and same for pull ups. Pick one, use it. Show up with a good attitude, try hard and you will be fine.
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I typically can’t do more than 5-10 push-ups in a row the month before my Pt test...I do as many push-ups as I can and as many sit-ups as I can in 1.5 minutes every day for the 3.5ish week’s before my test and I usually max the sit-ups (54 in a minute) and do decent on push-ups, usually about 30 or 35 (I’m female)
As for running, it will really suck the first two weeks, but find a training plan that gets you to your goal and stick to it. You will improve.
As for running, it will really suck the first two weeks, but find a training plan that gets you to your goal and stick to it. You will improve.
usna1985
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Following up on the above posters, two different issues.
First, is getting into shape. You're not going to go from where you are to maxing the CFA in a month. That said, you can definitely improve, especially in crunches and pushups (which are 90% about repetition), the Bball throw (which is technique), and the shuttle run (which is practice). Fully agree that you should talk to a school coach or gym teacher and get started on a plan. Remember that you have until Jan. 31 to submit another CFA, so not doing well at NASS isn't fatal.
Second is that you ARE evaluated at NASS. To be fair, the evaluation is by your squad leader, who was a plebe only a few weeks ago, so that evaluation is not the be-all and end-all. As a relative of someone who was a squad leader for NASS, I can tell you that effort and attitude are key. Yeah, it's great to be a PT stud, but if you try hard and don't complain, it's a great start.
Finally, understand that USNA life is very physically intensive, especially PS and plebe year. But you have to stay in shape your entire 4 years. If you don't like PT/working out, then consider whether USNA is right for you. NASS will provide a bit of a window into that lifestyle so you can make the right decision.
First, is getting into shape. You're not going to go from where you are to maxing the CFA in a month. That said, you can definitely improve, especially in crunches and pushups (which are 90% about repetition), the Bball throw (which is technique), and the shuttle run (which is practice). Fully agree that you should talk to a school coach or gym teacher and get started on a plan. Remember that you have until Jan. 31 to submit another CFA, so not doing well at NASS isn't fatal.
Second is that you ARE evaluated at NASS. To be fair, the evaluation is by your squad leader, who was a plebe only a few weeks ago, so that evaluation is not the be-all and end-all. As a relative of someone who was a squad leader for NASS, I can tell you that effort and attitude are key. Yeah, it's great to be a PT stud, but if you try hard and don't complain, it's a great start.
Finally, understand that USNA life is very physically intensive, especially PS and plebe year. But you have to stay in shape your entire 4 years. If you don't like PT/working out, then consider whether USNA is right for you. NASS will provide a bit of a window into that lifestyle so you can make the right decision.
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You have gotten good comments above.
Think about why you are a month out from NASS and haven’t invested time in basic fitness. It’s not right or wrong if that’s not part of your life, but it is an everyday part of military life, not just USNA or Plebe Summer or NASS. Someone your age should be able to grind out those basic levels with some investment in exercise.
Just think: baby steps. As noted above, go see a coach at school or trainer at the local gym, find online workouts designed for your situation. Set some achievable goals, ensure your form is correct and put the time and sweat in. I guarantee you will feel better by doing something rather than worrying. You will feel even better when you make a little progress.
Think about whether this is a matter of “will” or “skill,” and figure out what you have to do to address the core issue.
I’ve got 5 decades on you, XX chromosomes, old injuries. I’m on a cruise ship right now, where I just got back from the ship’s gym, where I ran 3 miles on the treadmill at a comfy 9:30 pace, banged out 20 minutes on the elliptical until I was dripping and another 15 on the bike to cool down. Down to the floor for stretching, and the daily planks, 100 crunches and 60 push-ups. Pull-ups are every other day for me. Then the ship’s security officer (nice guy, former Australian Navy Officer) and I worked in and out on the weight machines. I credit the Navy with instilling in me the lifelong daily PT habit. How did I get there? Just like I said above: baby steps, investing the time and effort. It’s not magic. I can’t tell you how pleased with myself I was when I did my first pull-up when I was getting ready for OCS, then 2, then 5, then more. Candidly, I loathe them, but for me, it’s a matter of “will.”
You can do this. Just go.
I appreciate all the comments. I didn’t mean to make it like I don’t work out. I do work out. I do daily push ups and sit ups, and run every now and then, but I plan to start running more. In fact I just finished a 3 mile walk with 45 pounds in under 45 minutes. I appreciate the help and I plan to dedicate myself to fitness from here on out. I’m sure I will be physically able to get through NASS without major complications. Just never give up. Thanks guys!
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I'm not sure that you are quite getting this. Saying that you PLAN to start running more is weak at best. What about NOW ? Unless you have an underlying physical issue, go out TODAY and start doing intervals - that is where you run for a hundred yards and walk for the next hundred and do that for a couple of miles or a half hour or whatever. If you can't measure the hundred yards, use another interval like light poles, houses/driveways or whatever. If you have a regular track, jog/run for a lap and walk the next lap and keep repeating this. However you are doing it, after a few days, try to increase the run/jog portion. If you increase weekly, thats still a decent way to go.
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@Capt MJ is that your normal workout routine or is it because you need to burn all the calories to prepare for next meal? But I digress...
Taking the 5th...there are Fat Pills everywhere on this ship. Adding extra cardio/more intense cardio. I’m at the point of doing two-a-days by walking the deck circuit after dinner...
No I completely understand. This morning I walked 3 miles with 45 pounds. I don’t want to sound like I’m not severely obese or anything, I am quite active and in somewhat good shape. I am on my schools soccer team, and I’m a cal fire explorer which is a firefighter in training. I just need to get to the next level where I can complete basic exercises without breaking a sweat. I eat healthy, and am in good health. Its just that I’ve struggled with weight issues my whole life and now is the time where I need to man up and tackle it before NASS so I don’t look like a bafoon.
If weight is an issue and your family is capable I would recommend you see a nutritionist. It could be great money spent. Especially heading off to college as many start to slow or stop in growth, weight can be a challenge. It’s also more difficult because you don’t have your own kitchen for most freshman. They can help guide you on solid choices for you and your body type. Exercise is also key. Rucking is good, but right now you have a test in front of you to prep for, focus there.
usna1985
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One other thing to consider . . . the #2 reason for people leaving USNA is failing the 1.5 mile run. (#1 BTW is not wanting to be there.) There is much less patience for PT issues today than in my day. And, after plebe year, working out to ensure you pass is up to you. Even after you graduate, you'll take the PRT (or USMC "equivalent") as long as you're an officer. The standards are a bit lower than at USNA, but you're going to want to do well in front of your division, department, etc.
Thus, do the best you can for NASS and then think about that week and whether that's the lifestyle you want for the next 9+ years of your life. It's not a sin to be someone who isn't into physical fitness (I realize everyone should be, but some just aren't). But if you find you don't like to be athletic and have trouble motivating yourself to maintain a high level of fitness, the military may not be the right place for you. Conversely, you could be like a young man I know who wasn't super fit when applying to USNA and had trouble passing the mile in the CFA. He eventually did. The whole thing motivated him such that (although he decided not to attend USNA for other reasons) he attended a great college, became a PT stud and is now looking to become a SEAL or USMC Force Recon. IOW, it can go either way.
Thus, do the best you can for NASS and then think about that week and whether that's the lifestyle you want for the next 9+ years of your life. It's not a sin to be someone who isn't into physical fitness (I realize everyone should be, but some just aren't). But if you find you don't like to be athletic and have trouble motivating yourself to maintain a high level of fitness, the military may not be the right place for you. Conversely, you could be like a young man I know who wasn't super fit when applying to USNA and had trouble passing the mile in the CFA. He eventually did. The whole thing motivated him such that (although he decided not to attend USNA for other reasons) he attended a great college, became a PT stud and is now looking to become a SEAL or USMC Force Recon. IOW, it can go either way.