Surviving Military PT: A Field Guide to Embracing the Suck

When I was a young Airman, I had the distinctly questionable honor of serving as a Physical Training Leader (PTL). On paper, it sounded like a great gig - lead workouts, stay in shape, and help fellow Airmen succeed - but in reality, it meant rolling out of bed when it was still dark, long before anyone else was awake, and preparing to motivate a group of exhausted individuals who were just as excited to be there as me. Every morning, I'd question my life choices as my alarm screamed at me.

Yet, what amazed me most was the determination of those Airmen who struggled with PT but kept showing up. Yes, the UCMJ helped get them there, but there's a difference between being there and actually showing up. These weren't the Airmen who breezed through their fitness tests effortlessly; these were the folks genuinely fighting to pass, to improve, to overcome. As a PTL, nothing matched the pride and genuine joy I felt when an Airman, who’d been showing up consistently before dawn, passed their PT test. Their relief and excitement made every early morning worthwhile.

Sure, I complained - a lot - about those brutal, early mornings. But looking back, those were some of the most fulfilling experiences of my military career. It taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of showing up, especially when it’s hard.

In the military, and life in general, embracing the suck isn't just a catchy phrase. It's a way of living that builds discipline and character. Whether you're gearing up for your next PT test or simply battling life's everyday challenges, the right mindset (and gear) makes all the difference.

That's why we created Class 5 Performance, a veteran-owned fitness brand designed to help you embrace the suck with humor, comfort, and practicality. Our performance apparel isn’t just clothing; it's gear designed to remind you of every tough morning you conquered, every test you passed, and every moment you showed up when it mattered.

Ready to upgrade your fitness journey and proudly embrace those early mornings? Explore our line of military-inspired performance apparel, crafted by veterans who've lived exactly what you're experiencing.