It's the end of the year, which means it's time for Sailors aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) to get their workout gear ready for the Navy-wide Physical Readiness Test (PRT).

"It's important to always be prepared for the PRT, because it transcends physical fitness - to better morale - which makes accomplishing the mission a bit easier," said Lt. Ugochukwu Nwosu, Truman's physical readiness control officer. "I like to call it a continuum of good which starts with , a regimen that keeps your body fit. This creates a healthy mind that is ready to execute the mission."

Maintaining physical fitness standards is a year-round mission for Sailors. Truman has nine gyms on board and various workout programs lead by Truman's Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fit Boss, to provide Sailor's with the tools they need to stay healthy.

"I plan to incorporate all different types of fitness disciplines in order to achieve my goal of having all personnel mission ready," said Fred Clemmons, Truman's Fit Boss. "We're going to have different workouts such as insanity, boot camps, [Explosive Ordnance Disposal] fitness, and a spin class. With all these different fitness disciplines Sailors will have many opportunities to work out and stay healthy."

There are various techniques and exercises Sailors can use to maintain their physical fitness while out at sea. These can help increase the number of push ups and sit-ups Sailors perform during the test, and help make that 1.5 mile run faster.

"For cardio, it's important to practice," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Sienna Echon, an assistant command fitness leader aboard Truman. "I would say it's important to do more than what is required for the PRT. Incorporate warming up, cooling down, and then stretching each time you work out. Sailors can always reference the [Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System] manual for more guidance."

Working out can not only help the body physically, it can also have a positive impact on Sailors mentally.

"The best way to stay motivated and relieve stress is to find a time that you can block off as your 'me time,'" said Nwosu. "Let the gym or your workout regimen be your place of peace. Gather your thoughts, and allow your workout to be the place where you build your mental toughness and relieve stress."

Eating a healthy, balanced diet also has it's many health benefits. As the saying goes, you are what you eat.

"A healthy diet is almost more important than working out itself," added Echon. "If you don't have a healthy diet then all the hard work you put in to working out can become pointless. What you fuel your body with is very important, it's making sure you're fueling your body the right way."

Truman's PRT cycle began October 16 for BCA's. The PRT begins October 29 and ends November 20.

For more information and guidance on Navy fitness and nutrition, visit https://www.navyfitness.org/.

Truman is currently underway conducting Tailored Shipboard Test Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) in preparation for future operations. For more news from USS Harry S. Truman, visit http://www.facebook.com/usstruman.

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.