Commanders may now authorize the elliptical trainer as an alternative testing option for the cardio portion of the US Navy's Physical Readiness Test's (PRT) 1.5 mile run beginning with the Spring 2007 physical fitness cycle.

"This option provides a challenge equal to the run with much less impact to the lower extremeties," said Heather Pouncey, Physical Readiness Program Office Director. "The Addition of the elliptical trainier as a testing option expands our support for sailors and commands to maintain a fit and fully mission ready force."

As with the swim and treadmill options, commanders and officers-in-charge maintain discretion in authorizing the elliptical trainer fore the PRT.

The elliptical trainer test is a 12-minute fixed time test which correlates the results to the 1.5 mile run. The elliptical trainer test will provide the sailors caloric output, which will be converted into a run time. The run performance standard charts, in OPNAVINST 6610.1H, will determine the PRT score. The goal is to burn as many calories as possible during the 12-minute test.

The testing procedures for the authorized elliptical trainers will be sent to the fleet via NAVADMIN at the end of this year. Run time conversion charts, caloric output goal charts, testing procedures, and answers to frequently asked questions will be available on the Physical Readiness Program office web site, http://www.npc.navy.mil/commandsuppo...sicalreadiness next January.

Elliptical trainers reduce the shock associated with running and decrease the risk of further damage to those with previous lower extremity injuries.

The authorized models of elliptical trainers for the official PRT include: the Life Fitness (models CT9500 HR, 95 XI, 91 XI, and 91X), Percor model EFX-Navy, and Nautiluys model E9.16.

Sailors are encouraged to use any type of elliptical trainer for their aerobic work out to improve fitness and overall health and wellness.

For more information on this new policy, refer to NAVADMIN 293/06