Hegseth said the goal was for military members to show how fit they really are.
“We want recruits who are ready to go; who are challenged,” Hegseth said. He and Kennedy were at the Pentagon Athletic Center along with several service members from different military branches to push themselves and see who could post the fastest time.
Both Kennedy and Hegseth both reported finishing in less than six minutes. Others said they broke for five minutes, which was considered an elite time. However, everyone in the room was stunned to discover that someone had knocked out all 150 reps in 2 minutes and 43 seconds. That someone was Sergeant DaQuan Hye of the United States Marine Corps. .
Hye, who is stationed at the Pentagon, first became aware of the challenge after seeing an email referencing it along with a request for participants. Hye asked to be part of it and was accepted. He vividly remembered the energy in the room that day. Speaking on behalf of the Marines who were there, Hye said the purpose was clear.
“We wanted to destroy everyone,” he stated emphatically.
Hye and the other Marines heard the details of the training and immediately knew they would have an advantage. That’s because pullups are part of their usual fitness test, meaning they entered the Pete and Bobby Challenge with an indirect advantage. Above all, Hye envisioned himself dominating the training before it even started.
Hye explained, “I just knew I was really good at pullups.”
Genetics plus strategy equals victory
Hye is no stranger to training and even acknowledged that he was somewhat genetically blessed with his pull-up ability. However, he applied the rule of doing the workout in any combination of his choice by using strategy to achieve overall victory in the challenge.
“I thought, let me get as many push-ups out as I can, and then I’ll pump out the pull-ups.”
Chances are others in the PAC had a similar plan, but Hye just executed it flawlessly. He acknowledged that he has received additional attention at the Pentagon in the days after the video was posted.
“I’ve been called the Pete and Bobby Challenge guy,” Hye noted. “I think the people in the gym will give an extra head nod and fist pump.”
About Show Before Go
Hye acknowledged that he wasn’t always into fitness. The 31-year-old enjoyed show choir when he was at school. His younger self would probably have predicted that he would have a career in music.
“That’s what I was into in high school. I was also very involved in church, singing in church.”
Despite his biological father, grandfather and uncle having all served in the Marines before him, Hye had no plans to serve himself. However, he eventually joined after speaking to a recruiter who came to his job.
“They were persistent,” Hye recalled. “It turned out to be the second best decision I ever made. The first was my wife.”
From the Pac to the stage
Hye’s victory in the Pete and Bobby Challenge may have given him some momentum. Since then, he had prepared for and competed in an NPC bodybuilding show, in which he also won his class. He is now preparing to compete in the NPC Nationals, where he could potentially earn his IFBB Pro League card as a Men’s Physique athlete.
Whether on stage, on the field or in national dress, Hye strives to not only set a positive example, but also stay ready and always give his best. That’s also what he believes can help any American interested in service, fitness or whatever other endeavor they’re passionate about.
“Going for it or trying won’t get you back in life. There are no downsides.”
Hye’s tips
Cardio is a must
Obviously running is a requirement in the military, but Hye found that his better cardio makes him a better athlete. Whenever possible, he focuses on an elliptical trainer or other cardio machine so he can stay in shape without putting his joints at risk more than necessary.
“I want to try to optimize my cardio, but minimize the stress on my body.”
Prioritize the weaknesses
Hye knew his benefits when he participated in the Pete and Bobby Challenge, namely the pullups and cardio. That’s why he did push-ups first. By saving the strengths for later, he was able to maximize his time of under three minutes. That theory could be applied to all aspects of fitness when creating a training plan.
Hye said, “If you’re trying to get better at pullups, do more of them. If they’re pushups, start with them.”
Stay consistent
Sometimes keeping things simple really is the most effective way. Hye’s advice is not complicated, but therefore logical. Even something as basic as keeping a regular workout schedule and not missing meals is something Hye says can make a big difference for any goal.
“Whether it’s powerlifting, bodybuilding or whatever, staying consistent is the most important thing to do.”
For more information about the Marines and how to sign up, visit the Marine Corps website.
For more information about the Pete and Bobby Challenge, click here.
M&F Senior Military Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this article.
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