Posted on Nov 1, 2015
CPT Multifunctional Logistician
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Posted in these groups: 3203 Airborne SchoolLogo no word s Fitness
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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Run. A lot. Very slow.
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MAJ Matthew Arnold
MAJ Matthew Arnold
10 y
Yeah, you're not use to the slow run and it will mess with your legs.
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SFC Maury Gonzalez
SFC Maury Gonzalez
10 y
Run a lot, pull up, wear boot, no flip flops, also run in boots once in a while
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CPT Multifunctional Logistician
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CrossFit, Boot camp, TRX...and run. Alot. Make sure when you run, you find a place with cushion and where GOOD running shoes, otherwise you will give yourself stress fractures that will get worse when running in ABN school.
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SSG Robert Webster
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CPT (Join to see) All of the advice so far has been excellent advice. From what I have been able to learn about you, you already have a good exercise plan in place. Even though these items have been stated before, I will reiterate them.
1. Work on your pull-ups.
2. Insure that when doing an exercise, correct form is more important than number of repetitions - You can not get the number of repetitions without correct form.
3. Enjoy yourself.
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Maj Assistant Director Of Operations
Maj (Join to see)
10 y
I'd agree that form is extremely important. The standards weren't tough, but they were strict on form!
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This question is for Airborne graduates. Are there any good workout routines that you used to increase fitness prior to school?
SGT Scott Henderson
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I went right after Basic/AIT, the only thing you really need to be good at is running really slow.
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
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I saw dozens (probably not enough) fail the APFT. Push-up form is very important. Be able to do pull-ups. I also saw at least one fail too many PT runs and get dropped. Be able to run for a few miles up and down small hills at a slow pace while sounding off with goofy cadences.

Stew Smith is my favorite source for military workouts.

Like CPT (Join to see) said, don't hurt yourself before you get there.

You mentioned in a comment that you were wondering about weight of gear; that's not an issue. There are no ruck marches. PT runs are normal PT runs in formation. The weight of the parachute is not something that you have to deal with very much.
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CPT Multifunctional Logistician
CPT (Join to see)
10 y
Thanks, not very many people talk about the PT, they talk about the weight of gear. I usually run about 4-5 miles a day so. I am going to work on the pull-ups and core.
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
10 y
CPT (Join to see) Parachutes are indeed heavy, but you don't have to move with them a lot.
If you run 4-5 miles per day, you should have no problem with PT in Airborne School.
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MAJ Glenn Bergeron
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Edited 10 y ago
All great comments prior to mine. IMHO as a former Co Cdr at the School, it's a blend of upper body strength (push ups/pull ups), slow long runs (7-8 min miles over 4-5 miles), and overall health/ fitness. I know I'm a couple of years removed but think about it, there are only 9 'formal' PT sessions with 9 record PT runs (after the initial PT test), averaging 8 minute miles at best, ranging from 2.4 to 5 miles (increasing every few days (2.4/3.2/4/5) through Ground and Tower Week). The Ground and Tower branch committees time each run (and each lap) to make sure that the company runs are within the standards. The majority of PT drops I saw (that were truly fitness related, not quitters) were either totally out of shape and never should have reported OR lacked overall fitness as the course takes a cumlative toll on your body over the weeks. You can X pull-ups/pull a slip NOW but can you do it after MANY push ups and pull ups wear down your arms. You can easily run an 8-minute mile over 5 miles NOW but can you do it after days of the Sling Land Trainer slamming you on your side practicing Parachute Landing Falls.

FYI I went though Abn School in '89 as an Infantry 2LT (D Co) and returned in '96-'97 as an Abn School Co Cdr (B Co). After PCSing from Benning I went to a ROTC assignment and mentored many cadets headed to Abn School. Don't overthink it. GOOD LUCK ! ! !
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MAJ Glenn Bergeron
MAJ Glenn Bergeron
10 y
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I got reminiscent after posting this . . . First pic is of me assuming command (taking the guidon - I'm the short guy, lol). The second is of me relinquishing command (passing the guidon to 1SG, I'm blocked by the guidon/Bn Cdr).
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CSM Battalion Command Sergeant Major
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Pull-ups. I graduated in 1987 and it was a bit more physical than it is today. Just be in good shape and you will be fine
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CPL Richard Flagg
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Mine was called Infantry Baaic/AIT right there on Fort Benning which had me in really good shape for Airborne School.
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SSG Michael Scott
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Run and pull ups
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SSG David Ursini
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Running 4-5 mile clips, pull ups, pushups, situps, Airborne high jumpers, leg lifts/rolls. Sense of humor.
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CPT Multifunctional Logistician
CPT (Join to see)
10 y
The sense of Humor got me lol. Thanks! I appreciate it!
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