Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)(Ike) entered the physical fitness assessment (PFA) phase, Oct. 6.

With just a week to go before the PFA moves into the physical readiness test (PRT) phase, many Sailors are rushing to get in shape.

What Sailors don't realize, is when they don't maintain a sufficient level of fitness, launching into an intense workout regimen can increase their risk of injury. Even worse, injuries may not be limited to muscles and bones, but can also increase the risk of a heart attack.

"Putting it off to the last minute is a common mistake with many Sailors," explained Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Blanca Arredondo, an assistant command fitness leader (ACFL) onboard Ike. "I see a lot of people get to the PRT and end up hurting themselves because they haven't been working out."

Underway schedules can create an increased workload for most Sailors, and it can be difficult to find the time to work out.

"We literally stand 10-15 hours a day of watch in deck department." Arredondo said. "I'll just do little movements, or random squats throughout the day to keep the blood flowing."

Ike has numerous gyms throughout the ship - a cardio gym, a gym with weights, and a gym which overlooks the water and offers rowing machines, bikes, and a matted area to do core exercises. With all of the options available, there's something for everyone.

According to Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman J.J. Wivell, Ike's command fitness leader, it takes approximately six weeks of consistent exercise for the average person to get into shape, but only a small number of days to start losing any progress that's been made.

"The average Sailor underway works 12 hours on, 12 hours off," said Wivell. "How much are you going to sleep? If you sleep six hours a night that gives you six hours of your own time, and six hours is plenty of time to go to the gym. Plus, if you do anything for three weeks straight it becomes a habit and it gets you in the mindset of working out."

There are numerous benefits to staying in shape, including those from a financial standpoint. Even with the annual uniform allowance, uniforms can be costly to purchase items for a new sea bag. Taking care of one's health now will also save Sailors a lot of money in the future with health-related expenses.

Most importantly, staying in shape underway can keep you from getting kicked out of the Navy, as there are more people separated for PFA failures than there are for drugs, said Wivell. In the last year alone, approximately 1,500 Sailors were administratively separated for PFA failures.

"Working out helps you become a better Sailor because it means you won't be sluggish," said Arredondo. "I see people every day moping around without any energy, saying they don't have enough energy to workout. What they don't understand is if you do, you'll get a natural boost of energy. It's way better than coffee, which will just make you crash later in the day."

Science has shown that physical activity releases endorphins - the chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed - as well as the benefits that come with a sense of accomplishment, and boosting self-esteem.

The Navy is only as strong as its Sailors, and when a crew is mentally and physically healthy, the crew is ready to take on the challenges at sea.

Dwight D. Eisenhower is underway conducting carrier qualifications.


For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.