How to Max the US ARMY Physical Fitness Test

Tips, Techniques, and Training Information on Scoring Over 300 on the APTF

The ARMY physical fitness test consists of three main areas, timed pushups, sit-ups and a two minute run. For an ARMY soldier your physical fitness test score is not only worth points for promotion, but is a measure of prestige and honor. The higher your test score the better you look, the better your unit looks and the more kudos you get (certificates of achievement, unit coins, and officer congratulations).

A score of 300, which breaks down to 100 points in each category is considered perfect. Once you score "perfect" you'll also receive an extended score which will give you a number over 300 allowing you to compare your results with other "perfect" score achievers. For most soldiers maxing this test proves to be very difficult, but it's definitely possible with a few tips and a lot of training. As a former soldier of the US ARMY I'm proud to say that I maxed the physical fitness test with an extended score of 362. Here are some tips, tricks, and training advice so you can max it to.

General Test Information:

The scoring varies a little depending on your age, but I believe most people reading this article will be in the younger brackets and thus all have to meet roughly the same requirements for a score of 300. In addition the ARMY fitness test requirements are revised occasionally so be sure to check out exactly what you need to accomplish before deciding on a training regiment. Generally though, you'll need to do 77+ pushups in two minutes, 82+ sit-ups in two minutes, and a two mile run in 13:00 minutes or less. When the test is administered the first fitness event is pushups, followed directly by sit-ups, which is followed by the run.



Do a pretest to determine your weakest and strongest area. Maybe you're the rare person who is physically balanced and scores about the same in all 3 areas. For most soldiers they're tests are slanted highly in one of the two following ways.

1. really good at pushups, running is extremely difficult
2. really good at running, pushups are extremely difficult.

For me, pushups were relatively easy and it was the run that caused me the most problems. Pushups:

PUSHUPS