<p>I know physical requirements have been covered before, but I was still wondering if some current cadets could give us (incoming cadet candidates) some numbers. For example, how many pushups do you think we should be able to do at one time? Situps? Also how many miles we should be able to run in what time? And are there any unique yet painful exercises you remember from BCT? Even though its hard to put numbers on these kinds of things, I would still appreciate a rough estimate . . .</p>
<p>Remember to take into accound altitude change if you are from a sea-level state.</p>
<p>Come to the Academy with plenty of stamina that you will enjoy the physical challenges of BCT, not bring you down. Run. Run Run Run. You should be able to click off seven minute miles without any problem. Do wind sprints mixed with distance running. I've read that upperlcassmen lead you through steep hills. It is recommended that guys do at least 50 push ups and for girls at least 30. Guys should do at least 10 pull ups. You may be dropped to do 20 pushups at any given time, it may not sound like much, but it does get tiring, especially when then leave you in the down position or front leaning rest. Doing a lot of flutter kicks helps your sit ups. If you are able to do these no doubt you will pass the PFT and will enjoy the physical challenges of BCT. Remember, you don't want to involuntary dissenrolled from the Academy.</p>
<p>Also, packermatt7 is right about the altitude change. Where are you from? if your from a sea altitude state like me (NY), what I suggest you do is fly into Colorado Springs a week before BCT, which means your gonna have to pay the flight on your own, and run everday in Colorado Springs untill BCT. You should be adjusted to the altitude by then. I had a hard time adjusting when I first went to visit the Academybut after a day or two I was fine. Just don't let it get to your head. The Academy is 7258 feet above sea level. But with the density altitude, its feels like 1,750 Feet and sometimes feels higher on hotter days. The air is rare on those type of days.</p>
<p>Don't fly to C-Springs that early for the sore purpose of that. Just condition yourself well before you get there. Spend the last few days of "freedom" enjoying life. You'll realize how much of a luxury that is later on. ;)</p>
<p>It is true that it is difficult to put values on the qualtities of different exercises you should be able to do. Unless things have changed drastically since I went through BCT and was BCT cadre, realize that most of the physical focus will be on pushups, pullups, and flutterkicks. Don't get too wrapped up with these though. Just show up fit... The rest will take care of itself. </p>
<p>Also, I do HIGHLY recommend that you break your boots in a bit if you already have them. With all of the stressors in BCT, no need to unnecessarily add blisters to that.</p>
<p>Yeah Im from sea level (Portland, Oregon) and I already have my plane ticket for June 25, so I wont be there early to acclimate. UNCynical, I'm glad you said its not worth coming early because I too feel like my time WILL be better spent at home seeing friends and just preparing to have my world turned upside down. I will continue to workout hard for these next two weeks, while still enjoying myself and realizing how good I have it as a civilian.</p>
<p>I'm a bit skeptical that showing up a week early will make any significant difference in helping one acclimate. In one of the brochures bundled with the offer of appointment, it is said it takes an average of 2-3 months to get 80% acclimated to the altitude if you are coming from sea level. After reading that, there was no question about taking the free e-ticket.</p>
<p>Good point =]</p>
<p>Yeah, coming up a week early won't help hardly at all. Honestly, the only situation that I can think of it helping in is for someone from the 'Springs, if they have been on vacation at sea level, for them to return with a week to spare so that some of the acclimation returns. </p>
<p>Actually, you'll be surprised how even after you get pretty acclimated during your first semester, it'll take a few weeks to gain it all back once you get back from Winter leave at sea level. I think that may be one of the many reasons that the PFT/AFT isn't until a month after the Spring semester starts...</p>
<p>I did a little bit of research about altitude acclimation. Eating foods that are rich in carbohydrates such as bread, pasta and rice. Drinking a lot of water, even adding a little bit of salt to retain that water in your body. Eating high amounts of green leafy vegetables and other chlorophyll-rich foods (wheat grass, barley grass) increases the hemoglobin levels and carries oxygen from lungs to tissues. *Fully acclimatizing to a new altitude will take weeks (80% acclimatization in 6-10 days, the last 20% could take up to six weeks), so all you can do is ameliorate the symptoms of high altitude. Drink lots (your blood will become alkali and the volume will be reduced at a higher altitude until you acclimatize, and the drinking can help this). Eat, even if your appetite is diminished (which is not an uncommon problem at altitude). Stop the exertion immediately if you begin to feel disoriented or have an ataxic gait. Ask your doctor about taking Diamox and Prednisone.
*</p>
<p>I think that the first few days we'll be disoriented no matter how far above sea level we are. ;)</p>
<p>You have to be 21 to drink, AFPJ. Dumb suggestion.</p>
<p>;)</p>
<p>Where do you see that i suggested not to drink alcohol? And some candidates may be 21 or older. You have to be no younger than 17 and no older than 23. And besides, you don't think any teenager has had at least one drink during their entire adolescent life? ;)</p>
<p>I haven't... but that's mainly cause I don't find a night that you can't remember and felling like crap the next day too appealing... and I enjoy being able to laugh at my friends who are making fools of themselves</p>
<p>I spend numerous memorable nights as a four degree taking pictures of upperclassmen who would come back to the squadron after drinking WAY too much and do all sorts of silly stuff, none of which they remembered in the morning...which makes it even better that I had "documented" the occasions. ;)</p>
<p>I'm in the same boat as CraZnes. But I got pretty wasted off Communion wine once. What a morning!!!</p>
<p>True story? Cause if it is that's frickin hilarious!</p>
<p>Lol, no. That would be awesome though.</p>
<p>lmao, as horrible as that sounds, it would still be hilarious =D Now, if I was a drinker, I would play wine pong or something like that, cause I tasted beer once and I'm not gona lie, I thought it was disgusting. I do love the communion wine, though...</p>
<p>w/e, I'm sure most of you guys know you don't have to be drunk to have fun. I've managed to not kill myself out of depression these last 18 years ;)</p>
<p>Wow. communion wine...</p>