Preparing for Beast

[classof2022]

Hello!!

It know it’s the best case scenario to be in the best possible shape for Beast and there’s plenty of time to improve on everything, but how are things handled when one is amazing at running but struggles on pushups/pull-ups. Or if someone is great at pushups/pull-ups, but struggles with the run. I know there are running groups at Beast. I’m most certainly going to work hard on my weak point as much as I can, but is it okay if everyone doesn’t excel at all aspects? I know fatigue comes into play too, but that’s a whole different story.

 

[Belisarius]

Hello!!

It know it’s the best case scenario to be in the best possible shape for Beast and there’s plenty of time to improve on everything, but how are things handled when one is amazing at running but struggles on pushups/pull-ups. Or if someone is great at pushups/pull-ups, but struggles with the run. I know there are running groups at Beast. I’m most certainly going to work hard on my weak point as much as I can, but is it okay if everyone doesn’t excel at all aspects? I know fatigue comes into play too, but that’s a whole different story.

Watch the late 90s documentary on the service academies- it is one of the first results on YouTube. In it, you will see a, let's say, horizontally challenged cadet running far behind everyone else. He was not ostracized, rather, an instructor ran next to him the entire time and he was cheered to the finish. Everyone found it quite comical in fact.

Now, this is certainly not to say that a major deficiency in running or anything else should be accepted. That cadet was likely a Left Tackle or something. But they will recognize that some cadets excel in some areas and struggle more in others. Attempt to achieve at least a solid base in everything, especially the running, as you will do a lot of that in Beast. It was the first thing that my field force representative recommended to me to prepare for, the running.

I'm a cross country runner, so if you want any tips or help coming up with a running plan feel free to PM me.

 

[USMA88GOHOGS]

Hello!!

It know it’s the best case scenario to be in the best possible shape for Beast and there’s plenty of time to improve on everything, but how are things handled when one is amazing at running but struggles on pushups/pull-ups. Or if someone is great at pushups/pull-ups, but struggles with the run. I know there are running groups at Beast. I’m most certainly going to work hard on my weak point as much as I can, but is it okay if everyone doesn’t excel at all aspects? I know fatigue comes into play too, but that’s a whole different story.

BEAST BARRACKS will test your physical, mental, moral/ethical, and psychological mettle just to name a few. So, focusing on your question about preparing to be in the best shape possible...I recommend working on push-ups, sit-ups, and running since that is what makes up the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). All soldiers must take an annual APFT. That includes you, New Cadet. Additionally, you will do a CFA assessment on R-Day (Reception Day). Ensure you can still do at least 9 pull-ups, so keep doing them daily. USMA started requiring candidates to video their pull-ups and push-ups last year for CFA submission because...you guessed it, many Candidates who reported doing 9 or more pull-ups during their application process could only do 4-5 pull-ups on R-Day. Don't be "that New Cadet" drawing attention to yourself. You should not expect everyone to "smoke" all aspects of the physical training events. But, you should expect to try your hardest to excel in every aspect of Cadet Basic Training (Beast Barracks). Others will do better than you, others will not. Good Luck.

 

[onepercenter2021]

Several Old Grads told my cadet that the Army Motto is "If you can't run you can't lead". Unfortunately, she has seen the consequences of not being able to keep up with the pack due to injuries sustained at Beast. She is finally overcoming those stigmas placed in her. So RUN!! Be able to keep up the best you can... she says the same thing. If she could do it all over she would have focused on her running skills more.

 

[mom3boys]

You want to do as many pull ups as possible on Rday. Get a pull up bar and hang it on your bedroom door frame. Do not pass it w/out doing as many as you can. Go to the gym. There's apparatus there to help you w/ pull ups.

 

[USMA 1994]

Your initial PT test that you complete at the end of Beast has a big impact on how you are perceived by your leadership. You need to be in the top end of the PT scale and other things will follow.

You have three months to prepare. Make sure you are in the best shape of your life especially if you do not have a strong athletic background.

While pull-ups will definitely help with Military Movement and the IOCT, initial perceptions are based on your ability to run. You do not want to be the cadet who can hardly keep up in the slow group.