How To Physically Prepare For Basic Training 

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail!” 💪🏽

What I got from the video: Push up training: Diamond push ups 30 second rest Close grip push ups 30 second rest. Wide grip 1 minute rest 3 sets Up and down ALL THE WAY 30 second planks EVERY DAY Sit-up training: Stretch for the love of God Do max situps 1 minute rest 3 sets Do crunches, build the abs Extra free time throughout your day? Work on that front leaning rest position. Also just do push ups or sit-ups randomly when bored. Helps build stamina and improve for PT Running: you might hear it a lot but it is true. Running is a mental game. Once you break through that limit you can keep on running. Once you stop running the pain goes away. Just a mental game

your the only military you tuber who really goes in depth thanks man I'm watching all of your videos I leave in two weeks

I made it to the end. I went into basic right after high school. I was 6'3" and 146lbs and not in shape unless you consider twig a shape. I was able to do the minimum 10 push-ups on the first day of reception and that was all I prepared for. My second biggest mistake of basic, other than not having been prepared physically, was shoes... Yes, shoes. On one of the first days at reception we were all given about a $200 advance for "incidentals" and this was more money than I'd ever had in my life up to that point and I wanted to keep as much as I could. The first thing they did after they gave us that money was march us to the barber to shave our heads, which cost us 3 or 4 bucks. Then we marched over to this little counter space where they had about 6 pairs of shoes on display ranging from $20-$120. If I remember, you just yelled out your size and the shoe you wanted and they'd hand them to you and you'd fork over the cash. So of course I picked the cheapest running shoes. My first PT test in basic was abysmal, I did 30 push-ups, 12 sit-ups and 18 minutes on the 2-mile run. But it was my feet, or more specifically the area above my ankles to just below both knees, that were in constant pain every day. After eight weeks of basic I was 186lbs and able to eke out of there with 40 push-ups, 44 sit-ups and 16:15 minutes on the run. I think the standard back then to graduate was 32/42 and 16:54. When I got to AIT the standard rose to 42/52 and 15:54 and of course I bombed the first PT test there. My run time had dropped to 17:15 and my new drill sergeant was like "WTF private?!" And I told him how when I ran it felt like I was running on wooden pirate legs: two stubby knobs jammed into my knees. He took me to the PX and suggested I buy a better pair of shoes. And his advice worked, the pain was gone in a few days and my overall PT score started improving over the next couple of weeks. Over the rest of my six year Army career I was a 260 guy, but I only ever did PT in formation, no amount of convincing from my friends could get me to the gym. Anyway when I was 22 I was in PLDC to make E-5, one of the many classes we had to sit through was how to pick the right shoe for your type of foot and it was very eye-opening to me. Advice I very much could have used on my first day of basic. So to anybody who plans on leaving for basic in the next few weeks I suggest you take five minutes to find a youtube video discussing the different foot arches and figure out what kind you have and what to look for in the type of running shoe you buy, chances are no one is going to explain it to you when you get there.

4:23 When you go full "hooah" You NEVER go full hooah

The 20 dislikes are probably people on the sofa eating chips right now.😂

I know this video is almost a year old.. but I made it to the end! These videos are actually very informative.

I appreciate this video immensely. While I have too many tattoos to join up and I am now 33, I will be unable to join - however, I decided to quit drinking and smoking and to start training as if I was in the military as a new way of making myself the best I can be. I appreciate the positive outlook and good information in this video, thank you for your service and thank you for the video.

I'm honesty just worried about the cardio. I feel like anything else I'll excel at but I'm just not good at running

I did 2 miles in 23😂 I need to move it

I watched the whole video. My son is in BCT. He failed the last PT test. Now has to go to PT CAMP. Wished I would have seen this video before he left. I would have made it a point to exercise with him. But I think, now, I will try myself to follow this regimen just to get a little in shape. Thanks!

Matt Ward here I am 28 minutes and 35 seconds later, I have 4 months until my basic training, I was at 250 lbs last year and now I am at 163 lbs, I still plan on going down and after this video and getting great tips from you I am looking forward to pushing myself to get rid of that last "stubborn fat".

I watched the whole thing, you didn't ramble at all! Your videos are the best so far for in depth informative content and it has helped me a lot so thank you

I'm 15 and I'm trying to prepare myself very early and make sure that I am fit and in shape enough for basic training. This perfectly explained on what to do and I thank you for that

Even though this is 3 years old. I'm going into the military spring of 2021, I had a bad foot injury back in February and I'm trying to get a kickstart on all this. So your video was so extremely helpful. Thank you soo much for this!!!

All these people saying their 2 mile times and here’s my couch potato ass dieing doing a 16 minute mile No excuses though Putting that work in to fix it

I quit lifting weights and only focus on calisthenics and running so I can prepare myself lol

"You run for a mile." I can for 1/2 mile broken up over a mile. Good thing I have a year before I plan to sign up

Stuck around for the whole video! Haha PT is my biggest concern. I’ve been lazy for too long, and this helps me know exactly what I need to do. Thanks Matt!

I’m 16 5’11 220 pound I’m going to try to do these exercises for the next year in order to be prepared for basic training.

I have recently gone from 250lbs to 170lbs all from dieting, it has given me a new outlook on life. I am woefully out of shape from never really working out and always being obese but it all changes now. I decided to join the Canadian Armed Forces and I have been using this advice to prepare and I feel better than I ever have! Thank you for the advice I will update when I get through basic!

i accidentally stumbled upon one of your videos a while ago, and now i've officially decided i'm going into the USMC. i would never have even considered it if i hadn't seen your videos and how passionate and dedicated you are and especially how knowledgable you are about the military. thank you for inspiring me to do whats best for me.

I stuck around till the end. Preparing to go to the reserve. 26 years young. God bless everyone 🙏🏽

I'm glad I saw this. because my mindset was that basic training was gonna get me in shape.

Your the best homie, An actual up to date informer about what basic will be like. Stuck till the end too

hehe.... I did a 30 minute 2 mile... and I'm 26. I have a long long way to go. I'm determined to make it though.

100 pushups in 2 minutes is outstanding. I practiced for a few months before I went to basic and worked up to around 50 pushups in two minutes so I figured I would be fine, given you don't take the PT test until the end of basic. That was a big mistake on my part. Although I was going to all the way down and keeping my back straight, I was NOT looking forward. So when I was being tested, the DS just kept counting the same number over and over, he didn't even tell me what i was doing wrong. I barely made the minimum because I was just tired and stressed out after 2 months of basic and kind of apathetic at that point. I had actually lost motivation for a number of reasons at that point. If I had the opportunity to do it again, it would be a good idea to try and practice to do at least 20 more push ups more, than the minimum, including practicing in the evenings during basic training. Have someone else in your unit observe you to ensure you are keeping your back straight and ensure you look forward.

i DID "BASIC" IN 1977! a NUMBER OF 'VARATIONS' YOU'D MENTIONED HERE WE DIDN'T DO! Good Job and Very Well Done !

Is nobody bringing up the fact about doing 80 pushups in 2 minutes? I dont see myself getting anywhere near that...

Just finished the video. Watched until the end. I am 17 and junior in high school. I leave for ANG Basic next summer before my senior year of high school. So excited, so thankful for this video! Thanks Matt! I will start getting in shape.

I always stick through all your videos. You provide such great detail and examples. Thank you for your service and all the helpful tips you provide us.

Thanks man!! I really appreciate the knowledge. I'm out of shape right now and really want to join the CAF. Watching your video has given me the inspiration to get into the gym.

Just signed as a 68w last Friday and I ship January 2nd. Your content is helping me train and feel more confident about whats to come. Thanks a lot, it's really appreciated!

“Make sure to practice going all the way down when you do push ups” I’m doing my work out right now and I’m at push-ups, thanks for correcting me man 😂👍🏻 I never practiced going all the way down

My whole body hurts like hell. I'm training 6 years early

Stuck it out to the end!! Your workouts and circuits are quite helpful. Already doubled my pushup & situps in a month and am looking forward to basic now as I'm far better prepared!! Thanks Matt!!

Stuck around to the end. I wasn't able to do a single pull up a week ago. I can now do 6 consecutive pull ups. At 36 sit ups and couldn't do more than 15 a week ago. Push ups were at 15, now over 30 consecutive.

Getting ready for the Air Force. This was very helpful, I need to improve my pushups and pull ups. Cheers!

Even though I'm 15, I am considering the army. I'm trying to get into shape so when I'm 18 I can join and not die from being out of shape. Thank you for making this video, its gonna help out a lot. Even if I decide not to join the army later on, at least I'll be healthy! Thank you for your help, I have been watching a lot of your videos and they have been helping me prepare!

Hey Matt, I'm glad I came across your channel and have really appreciated what you have shared concerning basic training. I just joined the Army reserves and I'm in my mid 30s and ship out May 8. I wish I would have seen your videos sooner but it is what it is. I watched this particular video until the end because I value your content and what you have to share. I definitely cannot bust out 100 pushups or sit-ups but hopefully will be in good enough shape to perform up to par during basic.

I’m preparing for basic and I felt like everything you said was very helpful thanks for the tips !and I stuck around for the whole video

Sir. I'm 37 years old amongst many other possible issues that might make this basic training idea bad for me and literally everybody else. But I think you have a bright future and that people will naturally want to follow you. Cheers.

Stuck around till the end- thanks so much for all the help.

I was fat out of shape and a smoker. I started to run 2 months ago almost everyday, like 3 - 5 days a week. Did a 2 mile in 14:19 now, when I started it was definitely 20 plus. It gets easier don't give up and push yourself, David Goggins is my idol and he got me off my ass. Now I need to work on sit ups and push ups. I can do 25 push-ups in 2 minutes and like 35 sit ups in 2 minutes. Work work work and push yourself

I stayed till the end. Ik it’s been a while since you uploaded this, but thx fo explaining in detail, it rlly helped. I still got 3 years till I can go the military but I’m definitely gon take yo advise n start preparing :)) n thank you for yo service 🇺🇸💪🏼💯

man, your videos are truly a huge help. I went from doing 20 per set on pushups to 50 per set now, On average 150-200 a day. Trying to get myself prepared as much as I can physically and mentally.lots of work before I walk into the recruiters office and enlist. Planning on going active duty in infantry. Thanks for all the help/advice/knowledge you provide!

I stuck around till the end I’m 14 and aspiring to join the 75th ranger regiment and ur videos are really helping me. Thanks

I want to join by the end of the year, and I have 30 pounds to lose. I am absolutely unprepared, but watching your video (I stuck to the end) gave me my first real grasp on what to do in order to succeed. I've had my eyes on being a Ranger my entire life, and now I feel like I can actually push myself to reach that goal. Thanks man, this video helps alot

I now have alarms set every day for push-ups and sit ups. Planks are a part of my job. Thanks for the awesome video. I stuck around til the end.

I stuck around for the whole video! I ship out in 4 weeks, and I’m trying to lose as much weight as possible and get myself as prepared as I can. Your video was very informative even 6 years later. I appreciate it!

I'm joining in late January. Thanks for the advice.

I always stick around till the end!!! I just turned 17, and have a year till I want to join. I'm 6 ft, 205 lbs, and I really want to get into shape for basic early. Thanks I really appreciate the videos!! I would love it if the king responded!!

I find that doing the 3 different pushups before timing myself helps to warm up my muscles to push through the 2 minutes

This is really high lighting how underprepared I am for basic, even when I'm preparing.

Hi Matt, I stuck around until the end. Thanks for the awesome video, I'm hoping to join the British army reserves in about 9 months and have found your videos really motivating and helpful.

I watched it all the way through. I haven’t even been to MEPS yet. Only talked to the recruiter so far. I DO feel lucky! I’m in pretty good shape. (Great for the civilian world.) But I want to up my fitness to do the best I can. This is especially true since I’m about to be 33, and I don’t want to be the ole lady who’s dragging behind and gassing out before all those young things. Ha! Thanks so much for the video!

I just watched the whole video even though it was posted three years ago!! just discovered your channel. I leave in three weeks for basic and im anxious in a good way. im just starting to get off of my ass and hitting the gym cause reality set in. Thanks so much for your in depth advice and thank you for your service!

You are one of the best military youtubers I have found. I'm goin into the National Guard , and I'll feel so prepared before going in.

I’m 32 about to sign up. Turn 33 in February. Covid got me out of shape. I’m getting ready and watched the whole video. Thanks! I wanna show these young cats that us guys in our 30’s can still get it. 🤙🏻

Thanks for all the information! I'm prepping now to go later this year. Thought I was doing enough and I definitely am not. As an older enlistee, this is crucial for me. Thanks!

Hey Matt! I stayed until the end, and thanks for giving us self awareness of how much we need to work on ourselves. Much respect!

I'm planning on going into the military in 3 years, these videos will help me prep

I’m so glad I came across your video; I have been super anxious about what to expect while at basic. Thank you for this!

Watched to the end. I am a 42 year old electrician looking at sparky jobs in the military. I have not ran in a few years... Looks like I have my work cut out for me! Thanks for the advice. Cheers.

I'm 4'10 1/4 and 92 pounds, I just barely made the cut off and I'm super nervous I wont pass BCT but your videos have honestly made me feel so much better. I'm hoping if I apply your suggestions to my daily routine I'll pass. I've always been so freaking lazy, like walking up stairs would make me winded😂 I'm excited to see what I can turn myself into.

I stuck around until the end. I ship out in March and your videos have given me a lot of confidence for basic! I don’t mind long videos at all because you always pack them full of great information. Thank you!

Watched the whole thing, I am starting to talk to my recruiter tomorrow

I graduate from high school around may 21st and leave for basic the 27th. I made it to the end! Thank you!

When he said 2 mile run in 11 minutes I thought it would've been impossible for me to do, so I tried it and ran 2.4 miles in 12 minutes and 22 seconds, in my opinion I did good and im feeling prepared for bct physically and mentally, cant wait to join....

I am not in shape, but I’m starting to get in shape now. Because even tho I get free training I already want to start training myself! My recruiters told me I’m qualified and that I’ll eventually be in shape due to all the training and even free training at BCT.. and etc! I’m so excited and happy I’ve made the decision to join and get in shape!❤️

I stuck around to the end. Thank you so much for all of these videos! I ship to Ft Benning in a little over a month and up until about 2 weeks ago I barely worked out at all since I quit sports 2 years ago. I clocked my first timed mile since then yesterday at 7:12. Not quite where I want to be but I'm excited to get back in shape and this video has definitely helped my motivation tremendously. Thanks again!

Love your videos man. Have been talking to a NG recruiter and am excited to get started. I'm 24 and going to take ASVAB soon then get to basic. I thank you for the insight on this stuff man. God bless man. Hope things are well and thanks again for the videos!

I stayed til the end, leaving in 9 weeks for basic training. Wish me luck

I'm 32 and will be going to Basic Training in a month and some change. Thank you for the really informative video. I need to start asap for I don't work and haven't ran in ages. Wish me luck

Thanks for this man I'm shipping to Bennings as a 19K and I'm really nervous cause I'm not the most physically in shape, but not out of shape. That weird gray area. Thanks for the info! I've started shaping my shit up

I'm undecided myself. I was more searching for info about how to prepare if you're aiming to sign as an officer. I have my degree, but I feel like there would be a lot of advantages of having military service. My one concern about going forward is the physical aspect, so I'm glad your video focused on that.

At age 52 I completed the PT test for Broward county sheriffs department which has the same standards as the Army. I passed in the top 20% of no less than 50+ individuals. I was by far the oldest candidate. I passed all tests then decided to just remain a commercial diver and not put up with the sudo military bs. But I felt pretty damn good when I beat out 80% of the 21 to 36 year old candidates. 💪🏼 yeah. One thing I did to help motivate me in each individual obstacle or one mile run was to compete with the strongest and fastest athlete there. Just trying to keep up will increase your score significantly. Watching this video is actually very motivational. I only run in the water waste deep then chest deep with about 28# of weights. The cold water will tighten every muscle and the density of the water will make running on a track or road seem like flying.

Huge help! Wasn't sure what to do for losing weight and gaining stamina, really don't want to die (that badly) in basic. Thank you!

New sub here and I watched til the end. Good motivational videos. I currently need to lose around 35 lbs to be able to enlist and have started working on my running.

Great vid! Watched all the way through and have watched a lot of your other vids too. I’m currently 31 and considering Guard or Reserves. I’ve almost joined on multiple occasions in the past, nearly attending the Service Academies and OCS. Never pulled the trigger though. Years later, and I feel like this is something that I have to do. Thanks for the help, and thank you for your service!

Looking forward to getting to work on this.

My dude is a studmuffin. Glad I stayed around and watched the whole video. 🔥

I’m going to basic in May, I’m going to be ready by then. Thank you for the video!

My son is planning to join the Canadian Navy so it was very informative for what he needs to do for basic training. I know you are in the US but getting your body ready is universal! Thx for the great video!

I can max running and sit ups. Really need to work on pushups.

I passed through the Navy training and failed my last pt two years ago. Because of that, I was sent home, and I did know it was because I didn’t prepare myself before basic training. With your tips I’m getting more motivated and make my mind to try one more time preparing my body in the time I’m finishing college to enlist in the Army this time. Thanks for everything

I only had a month and a half to prepare from the time I first met my requiter til I shipped out. I improved my mile run from 10 min to 8 and went from 20 pushups to 60 and about 50 situps.i wish I had more time to prepare. I hope I don't die in basic lol.

2023 watching this! Great video! I watched so many videos before leaving for BCT and yours is the best! Continue doing videos! Maybe do a video on actually doing the workout so we could follow.

I’m 29 this year 2019, I can do 2 miles in 14mins, now I’m trying to do it weight vest on,

My husband is about to enlist. He goes to swear in on Thursday. He feels like he is a little unprepared physically, but thanks to your video, we have come up with a daily work-out schedule. Watched all the way through. Thanks!

Stuck around til the end; great detailed video. Thank you :)

I warched to the end, I’m deciding on joining after I graduate in the spring. Watching all your previous and present videos is helping me understand what I want to do

Wow this is great advice, glad I haven't even been to MEPS yet lmao

Honestly this video is also really good for people just wanting to get in better shape. Eat right and do this and you’re set. I’m not even planning on going to basic training and this is still a super helpful video.

After MEPS, I had like only 2 weeks to prepare for BCT. My lower body was hurting the whole time there.

I stayed to the end. My son leaves in 50 days to Boot camp and I was searching to help prepare him. Thank you! Ps. Maybe u want to write down a outline, so u don’t say the same thing several times, which makes it longer. However, very informative and good! Blessings 🙏🏻💜

great video I am waiting on getting cleared to go to meps and this helps me to adjust my workouts

im turning 15 in October, and I've been dreaming of a military career since I was a little kid. i've knocked out the sit up standards with 98 sit-ups in 2 minutes, and I still have a little road ahead of me to make the push up standards. I'm currently at 11 military pushups and then I start getting muscle failure. my running time is 20ish minutes for 2 miles. my goal is on December 31st, 2020, I'll be able to knock out all the standards, both running, sit ups, push ups and pull ups.

Watched the whole thing dude . Good stuff

Just started to run again to prepare for a military career... Have yet to even talk to a recruiter because I want to get my body in proper physical shape and make sure I can run the 2 miles within the time for my age group (I'm in no rush essentially). I've ran 2-3 times a week for the past month and have noticed my shins and knees are getting sorer than when I first started. Probably due to my running form which I am correcting and I do have properly fitted running shoes that I purchased within the first week of getting back into running. I also stretch after every run. How many days of rest is recommended between each run so my knees can recover? Should it be 1-2 days off of running or more? Any advice will be appreciated, thanks.