When Marine Corps Times wrote about the Corps' plans to add pullups to the female PFT I thought, hmmm ... how many can I do?
The answer? Three.
Come 2014, three would be a passing score, but it would be the minimum number needed to pass that portion of the test. Eight gets you a perfect score -- so far I'm up to five.
Marine Corps Times' Bethany Crudele talked with two female fitness experts about their PFT training tips. She writes:
Intimidated by pullups? Don't be. When the Marine Corps announced a change in the female Physical Fitness Test — from the flexed-arm hang to pullups — on Nov. 27, plenty of Marine women wondered how they would fare in the new system. Once it takes full effect in 2014, women will have to complete three pullups to pass and eight to achieve a perfect score.
Some women could rip off 20 pullups right now, the maximum required of male Marines on the PFT. But many more will need to do some work.
Now, we know what you're thinking: The buff, biceps-flexing fitness gurus on these pages make pullups look easy.
That's why Marine Corps Times reached out to Pauline Nordin, an internationally recognized fitness model and entrepreneur, and Marine Sgt. Amanda McGhee, a fitness enthusiast, for tips on building upper body strength. And their suggestions apply to men and women looking to max out their PFT scores.
Read the rest of Bethany's story here to get their tips.
