<p>I was thinking of getting a personal trainer to help me max my apft and get into great physical condition before beast.</p>
<p>Anyone heard of doing this?</p>
<p>I think it'd be worth the money.</p>
<p>That's going overboard. Besides, once you get to West Point you'll have more "personal" trainers than you can shake a stick at.</p>
<p>It would also bring, as Inigo Montoya says "Humiliations Galore" once the upperclassmen found out about it. Might even give them cause to test you out even more, if you know what I mean.</p>
<p>As Nike says, "Just do it" on your own.</p>
<p>It was fairly low key, but we did hire a trianer to help my son... they were mature, professional, but helped with supplements (vitamins, and best weight liftinge)... HOWEVER and a big however... he was not very athletic or experienced in sports so he needed that help</p>
<p>I know of cadets that are at West Point and the Naval Academy who worked out with a personal trianer prior to going to Beast. They indicated that it helped them considerably during Beast because they were already in good shape. If you are not very athletic, using a personal trainer a couple of times a week could only help you prepare for Beast. In response to the entry above, there is no reason to tell anyone, especially the Cadre during Beast, that you used a personal trainer.</p>
<p>If you feel the need to hire a Personal Trainer, then I would question your self-discipline and motivation. Get yourself a good fitness book - there are several put out by former Navy Seals or Army Rangers. Design your own program and stick to it. If successful, you will not only report in better shape, but also will have the satisfaction and self-reliance that you did this on your own.</p>
<p>Example: The United States Navy Seals Workout Guide: The Exercise and Fitness Programs Based on the U.S. Navy Seals and Bud/S Training...
by Chalker, Dennis C.</p>
<p>If you feel that you would have trouble taking this on yourself, find a workout partner...perhaps another candidate in your area? Beast is 3 1/2 months away. Start now and you could get into decent shape.</p>
<p>Getme,</p>
<p>As long as you're preparing for Beast, you're doing the right thing. Whether it's on your own, or with a partner, or by working with a personal trainer, you'll be smart to get ready. Even though a trainer can be pricey, make sure you're working with a professional so you won't get hurt. You'll save money on bubble wrap. :)</p>
<p>rotorhd,</p>
<p>i would have to disagree. In my experience, it seems that the majority of people lack the personal discipline needed to maintain fitness before entering the Academies or enlisting. Not saying that you're wrong about needing discipline, just that part of basic training is getting people in the habit of maintaining personal fitness. When i was training for Beast, even with the guide that WP sent out, I was pretty lost and could have been in far better shape going in if I'd had some experienced help. But whatever help one can get, be it books or other people, will be beneficial regardless.</p>
<p>The 7 weeks of Beast are very physical. One needs to be able to do more than run, push ups and situps. Rucking is physically demanding and requires a strong core.
Working with a personal trainer can be a big plus. It's not a matter of discipline at all. A trainer is much more than someone who kicks butt.
Many folks tend to work on their strengths when working out. They work hard but never develop their weaknesses. Natural runners tend to run, while strong folks tend to keep on weight training. In other words - slow runners can benefit greatly from a trainer who can help them develop an interval program to increase speed.
Those of a slight build may benefit from strength training.</p>
<p>A female I know was in good physical condition but very tiny and thin. She was advised by admissions to under go some weight training prior to Beast so she would be able to ruck with 60 lbs on her - which was 60% of her body weight. She did complete Beast injury free due to arriving prepared.</p>
<p>Not every person is the same body type, weight and has the same physical attributes. A professional trainer greatly help a candidate report to beast in great shape, injury free.</p>
<p>Last year the APFT was adminstered to the Class of 2012 the first week in beast and 47% failed. All of these New Cadets had at one time passed their CFA's. The good news is by the end of Beast - 98% passed the APFT.
With or without a personal trainer, show up in excellent physical condition.</p>
<p>I think your disciplined mind and goal will be a great personal trainer for the upcoming CBT.</p>
<p>If you choose to go with a personal trainer make sure he/she is qualified. Yes - a good personal trainer can develop a program specifically for you and help you overcome your weaknesses. He/she can observe your form and make corrections to help prevent injuries.
Having run the personal fitness program at our Boy Scout troop for years I can tell you that many HS athletes do not know how to stretch properly. Many football players, swimmers etc. do not know how to pace themselves on a run, how to run intervals or play with speed (fartlek), or how to do hill work. Some candidates can’t swim…. I think that a few sessions with a good personal trainer could only be of benefit.
Good luck!</p>