i personally have found kettlebells very good... giving a great sweat inducing workout........ if you do want one go to newitts.co.uk there cheap and deliver next day..... for workouts look on youtube there a loads

I was just wondering what the fitness standards someone would need for the POC course, i.e running, pressups, sit ups, pull ups, bleep test. Thank you.

Have you thought about cross training with cycling or swimming which will not harm your shins?