Each branch of the military requires its troops to take fitness tests, even the Air Force. These PT tests are designed to determine an Airman’s continued eligibility for the Air Force, and you will also have to take one of these tests while you’re at basic training.

You don’t want to go into one of these tests unprepared, so we’ve listed the requirements and tips for preparation to help you in the weeks leading up to the test.

What Are the Air Force PT Requirements?

When you’re at basic training, you will need to pass the Air Force physical fitness test, which requires you to complete timed sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. Once you become an Airman, you will need to pass the annual fitness test to ensure you’re still eligible for service, but you can choose between events or exercises. For the annual test, you can choose between:

●The beep test or timed 1.5-mile run

●Hand-release push-ups or standard push-ups

●Coss-leg reverse crunches, the plank pose, or traditional sit-ups

Additional tests are necessary if you want to join the Special Warfare units to ensure you’re fit for these more demanding roles.

Tips for Preparing for the Physical Fitness Test

It’s important to prepare for the Air Force PT test ahead of time so you can feel more confident that you can pass. Use the following tips to help you prepare for your upcoming fitness test:

1. Start By Increasing Your Endurance

The Air Force fitness test will put your endurance to the test, and it’s something you need to work on over time to build. You shouldn’t wait until a few days before your test to start building your endurance because you won’t have enough time.

Ideally, you should try to start building your endurance at least a few weeks beforehand, but it’s better to start as soon as you can to build up as much endurance as possible. Not only will improved endurance help you with your PT test, but it will benefit you for the rest of your career and your long-term health.

2. Start Working Out

If you don’t already, starting an exercise routine can make it easier to adjust to the physical requirements of Air Force PT. You should adapt existing workout routines or create a new workout routine to meet the specific requirements of the Air Force PT test. Start this new workout routine at least six weeks before your next test if possible. As you work out, keep track of how you’re progressing so you’ll know how to adjust your routine as needed.

3. Train With a Partner

It can be challenging to maintain your motivation when you’re working out by yourself, so you may want to consider having a buddy to come with you during your workouts. Having someone there with you can help you stay motivated, even if things start to get tough. It will also be easier to stick with your schedule if you have someone expecting you and holding you accountable.

4. Take a Mock Test

With the requirements necessary to pass the Air Force fitness test, you can start performing mock tests to gauge where you’re at and how you can improve. You can have a friend help you with the timed tests and with counting, especially for push-ups and sit-ups. Once you get your results, you can see the improvement you’ve made and what you need to work on to meet the requirements of the Air Force PT test.

5. Rest Up for Test Day

While it’s important to push yourself and get physically fit before you need to take the Air Force PT test, it’s also important to give your body the rest it needs in the day or two leading up to it. You won’t be able to perform your best if you’re fatigued from an intense workout or tired from a lack of sleep and dehydration. Some ways you should prepare in the day or two leading up to your test include:

●Drinking plenty of water, especially on the day before and the morning of the test.

●Eating a good meal the night before.

●Eating a healthy and energizing meal the morning of the test.

●Resting your body two days before so you’re not sore and fatigued during the test.

●Getting at least eight hours of sleep.

●Warming up before the test to prevent muscle injuries.

Trust AUSI to Help You Keep Your Uniform Within Regulations

PT tests are just a small part of your experience in the Air Force, but your uniform will be a big one. You need to make sure your uniform stays within strict Air Force regulations, which is where American Uniform Sales can help. We offer AFI-compliant OCPs, rank, insignia, footwear, and more so you can add more uniforms to your closet or replace parts that are wearing down. We also offer plenty of gear to meet your specific needs. Get started by checking out our selection, or contact us with your questions!