For the Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) season is over for the first half of the year and the Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) has just begun.

The month of May is Fitness Month. It is observed as a time to set and achieve goals to improve personal health and fitness, and focus on the importance of maintaining physical readiness throughout the year.

"Most people, when it comes to PRT time," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Rashad Beamon, a physical therapist and Command Fitness Leader (CFL), "they think, 'oh crap, I haven't worked out,' and they try to rush. But, if you maintain physical fitness throughout the year, you won't have to worry about it. People don't have to stress or worry that they're not going to pass the PRT."

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, the recommended total of activity per week is approximately 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity.

"It improves overall quality of life," said Beamon. "You feel better when you work out more. Most people hate the actual working out portion, but love the results of it. If we could press a button to get to that physique, we would do it, but it takes that hard work, dedication, and time."

Sailor's lives can be busy and it can be hard to find time to go to the gym. However, it is important to remember that the benefits of daily physical activity goes beyond just passing the semi-annual PRT.

"People often say that they don't have time to exercise," said Lt. Myra Maresh, the ship's physical therapist, "but it's important to make that a priority in your life because it has such a great impact on improving things from just your mood, to everything else you do."

With the George Washington facing several years in the shipyard, Sailors are encouraged to continue healthy levels of physical fitness.

"I understand that the GW is going to be in the yards and we're not going out to sea anytime soon," said Maresh, "but there are Sailors from this ship that are getting pulled to go deploy with other ships. If you are not physically ready, you are hurting the Navy. The Navy is not ready if you're not ready. That's another really big reason to stay in shape."

Sailors are encouraged to incorporate physical activity into their daily or weekly schedule.

"As far as getting back into a routine, don't try to do too much, too soon," said Maresh. "You lose that level of fitness as soon as you stop, so trying to go back to exactly what you were doing before is very faulty thinking. You'll wind up very sore, likely very discouraged and potentially might not continue."

Some barriers that people may face is finding the right fitness plan for them.

"Find an activity you like doing," she said. "Whether it's running, swimming, cycling, as long as it's something. Even playing basketball with your friends. There's certain levels that are involved with all of those. What is good and works for one person, doesn't necessarily work for another."

Beamon had several tips for Sailors wanting to get back into a workout routine.

"One, set appropriate goals," he said. "Two, take your time, start off low and build your way up. Three, proper dieting and nutrition. If you have questions, you can always come to us at medical. Four, find something that you're passionate about and get out there and do it."

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