What is the Army definition for "exercise"?

PFC Aarion Ojeda — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 11:54:54 -0500

If a profile says that "soldier performs exercises at own pace and distance" what exactly constitutes an exercise? Is rucking considered to be an exercise in this case where it's otherwise not specified? I only ask because I have a hard time keeping up and end up falling out, I'm not trying to avoid rucking, but merely trying to avoid "lack of motivation" counselings because I end up falling out because of my condition

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2016 12:12 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 12:12:47 -0500

Rucking is exercise.
Sounds like you need some mentorship and/or a gut check to push past comfort. Rucking is a skill. There are different ways to do it, though, with and without full kit (vest & bucket).

1. Be able to handle walk (maybe slower) with heavy loads
2. Be able to walk fast with moderate loads
3. Be able to Airborne Shuffle with moderate loads

There are different things to learn regarding rucking that differ from person to person:
1. Socks - two layers (dress and cotton), thick cotton, cotton/polyester mix - all most common. I prefer cotton/polyester socks
2. max strength foot powder and/or kinetic tape and/or moleskin
3. Boots - I used to prefer boots I could feel somewhat comfortable playing basketball in
4. Stride - short and quick or long and steady - both come with the occasional running. Be careful with ankle strikes and locking knees
5. Ruck config - heaviest goes closest and highest inside the ruck. Ruck should be snug. Use tape for loose ends - looks good and hardens snug.
6. Use the waistband! It's meant to keep the weight on the hips, which helps you breathe, which helps stamina.

That's it for now. I'm hungry. Let me know if you need more.

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Dec 10 at 2016 1:27 PM

1SG Al Brown — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 13:27:04 -0500

If you have a physical profile, foot marching "can be" one of the effected criteria. However, ruck marching as a conditioner will result in great improvement in rucking ability and PT run times. Soldiers that train for Nijmegen (alternate 5 to 10 miles every other day for a month) dominate the foot marching and 2 mile run when they return.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2016 2:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 14:34:07 -0500

On the profile it has a list of exercises that you can do comfortably and majority of the PRT workouts come with alternatives depending on your profile. Your profile should have the specifics on exercises and distances.