What is Coast Guard Academy Workout Like?

I'm planning to apply to the Coast Guard Academy and I'm curious about the typical workout routines. What kind of physical training do they require? Are there specific fitness benchmarks I should be aware of before applying?

The Coast Guard Academy has a very discipline-oriented culture, and physical fitness is an integral component of the training. Here's a snapshot of the activities you can expect:

- Cadet Basic Training: Upon entry, all new cadets will engage in Cadet Basic Training. This intense seven-week program focuses on instilling discipline and teamwork, as well as testing and developing physical strength and endurance. You'll participate in many activities including, but not limited to, running, swimming, push-ups, sit-ups, and obstacle courses.

- Physical Readiness Testing (PRT): Throughout your time at the academy, you'll be expected to pass the PRT every semester. This includes a 1.5-mile run, push-ups, and sit-ups. The benchmarks for each event vary based on gender and age group. For example, males aged 20-24 need to complete the run in 12:51 or less, do at least 38 push-ups and 46 sit-ups. Females in the same age group have 15:26 for the run, and minimums of 29 and 46 for push-ups and sit-ups respectively.

- Sea Trials: In your third year, you'll participate in Sea Trials, a demanding day-long event composed of rigorous physical and mental challenges designed to test leadership, teamwork, and endurance.

- Regular Workouts: Throughout your time at the academy, you'll have mandatory physical education courses, structured workouts, and/or participate in a NCAA or intramural sports team. This will ensure you maintain your physical readiness consistently.

It's a good idea to prepare for this level of physical activity before you begin at the academy by developing your own fitness routine. This could include regular cardio (i.e., running, swimming, biking), strength training (i.e., weight lifting, bodyweight exercises), and flexibility exercises (i.e., yoga, stretching). This will not only help you meet the physical fitness benchmarks, but also aid in injury prevention, and better equip you to handle the physical rigor of life at the academy.