SAN DIEGO -- The recruits of Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion challenged their physical fitness and endurance while learning different exercises during the Circuit Course event aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 2.
"We instill and stress the importance of physical fitness to the recruits from the beginning (of training) because it's more than just what we do, it's our way of life," said Staff Sgt. Ricky Broadway, Platoon 2142, Co. G, 2nd RTBn. "It's important to build a strong physical foundation because physical fitness helps maintain a strong mind and a strong spirit."
The recruits formed up for physical training and the chief drill instructor led them in a brief warm-up and stretches. After stretching, the recruits divided into teams and took a lap around the football field before ending at one of the sprint circuit stations.
During the sprint portion of the PT session, recruits rotated through various stations focusing on strength, agility and endurance. Some of the stations included sprints, planks and ammunition can presses.
"Before joining the Marine Corps, I played almost every sport. I also worked out five days a week, so I consider myself to be in good shape," said Recruit Morgan Chestnut, Plt. 2142, Co. G, 2nd RTBn. "The physical training we do here is different, it's very endurance based and I'm not used to the continuous rigor of the physical training in the Marine Corps; but I am beginning to adapt to it."
When each team finished all the stations the recruits formed up and ran to the next field where they faced another section of the Circuit Course. The second part focused on strength and included stations such as pull-ups, inclined sit-ups and standing barbell presses among others.
"The PT we do at recruit training helps make better more well-rounded Marines," said Chestnut. "Marines are the first in the fight so we need to be ready for any type of situation. If we are physically fit in recruit training it will help us be prepared for whatever we may face, whether it’s deploying to Afghanistan or anywhere else we may be sent."
The circuit course is part of a strict physical training regimen geared toward training recruits to meet the Marine Corps' physical standards. Since recruits arrive at recruit training at various fitness levels, the intensity of their workouts gradually increases the further they get through training. It also teaches them different techniques, ways to work out and how to maintain their fitness once they leave the depot.
Another important purpose of events like the Circuit Course is that it allows recruits to gauge their current physical fitness levels and learn their weaknesses and strengths so they can continue improving, said Broadway.
Once they finished the second Circuit Course, the recruits formed up to run back to the football field. The event concluded with a cool down followed by stretching. Recruit training PT sessions always begin and end with stretching to help prevent injury.
While this was the first time the recruits completed the Circuit Course event, it's not the last time. Throughout recruit training they will complete the course six times.