How many of you have taken a physical fitness test (PFT) and did not score as well as you have in the past during your own workouts?  Often by the end of a PFT, you will be fatigued and the last cardio test will be slower than normal workouts scores.  Here is an email I received that I think we all can relate to:

Hey Stew - I normally run a 9 minute zone 1.5 mile, but after pull-ups, pushups, and sit-ups testing portion, I can only get 10 minutes on the 1.5 mile run.  What gives? 

This is very common.  Once I realized you need to have a strategy for taking the PFT, my scores started improving.  Of course, I was doing more PFTs in order of the test I was about to take, so I am sure getting in better shape helped with my PFT stamina. 

First of all, you have to train the way you test:  If your PFT requires you to perform weights or PT exercises first, then your workouts should mimic the order of the test as best you can. 

For example, for your test, you should do your PT, weight training first, then, follow it with the running portion of your workout.   By arranging the workouts this way you will get the body used to running when the upper body is pumped up with blood.  During the test you need to understand about PFT Transition. (link that article from your server).  In a nutshell, if you can loosen up your upper body by stretching the arms, chest, shoulders, and back muscles prior to running,  that will help with your more natural running state.  Also loosen up your legs by doing a short run so you get the blood from your upper body down to your legs.  This transition takes about 4-5 minutes and usually you get about 10 minutes to prepare for the last event of the PFT.

Stay hydrated and cool:  If you can keep your heat down, your performance will improve.  Be well-hydrated days prior to the event and sip water or a sports drink during the test in order to stay cool.  The sports drink or fruit will help you keep blood sugar levels high during the test.  By doing this you will have energy to push yourself on the last event of the PFT.  In between all events, hold onto cold water bottles (even ice filled) to keep the colder blood circulating to your core.  You will be amazed at how well this works. 

PT Tips:  Exert on the UP:  When doing any of the PT exercises, you have one advantage to half the exercise - gravity.  Gravity will take you down faster with no effort, so do not waste energy by slowly lowering yourself to the bottom of the exercise.  If doing sit-ups, let gravity take your back to the floor by relaxing the abdominal muscles.  If doing pushups, relax the chest and triceps and fall to the counter.  Same goes for pull-ups, but you must semi-control your decent here as it can produce swinging which will throw you off your best scores.

So the things to remember is going into the PFT well prepared.  Make sure you are hydrated and stay hydrated, stay cool, and stretch well before running (both upper and lower body).  Do not forget to learn your pace and pace yourself during the test.

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