Alright lads

[pablo]

Alright lads, bit nervous about signing up so bare with me if I ramble or something.

I've been reading both forums for several months now. I am extremely interested in going to the gym (or just general training), and challenging myself mentally and physically. Prior to visiting these lovely forums, joining a military branch had crossed my mind, but I always beleived I wasn't fit enough.

Since then I've shed a few stone, joined the gym (training 4 days a week) and am really loving it. I've noticed several people asking for help here on the forums, and while I too am doing the same thing, I hope to be able to help those that have been in situations than I have.

Below is my training plan, and a couple of modifications I plan on making to it. If anyone could give me any criticism regarding it, I'd be really greatful. Note that right now I'm more focused on becoming stronger

Monday - Biceps/Back - 10 minutes running
Tuesday - Triceps/Legs - 10 minutes running
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - Shoulders - 10 minutes running
Friday - Chest - 10 minutes running
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Rest

I know I'm going to get told that 10 minutes running is nothing, but I have to run on a rickety old treadmill that sways when I run.

Now, I'm planning on making one slight but major modification. In addition to the 10 minutes, which I sprint, I'm thinking of waking up an hour earlier than usual (I wake at 7am now) and doing hill running before I get ready for class. I currently live in Tenerife (Spain), so there's no grass to run on. My house is surrounded by steep hills which will be ideal for running.

And that's it. If you've read it all, thanks.

[borisimo]

maybe have 2 rest days, up the running a bit and mix up some endurance runs (2 miles +) with the sprinting, and running outside is far better than running on a treadmill if you can help it.

what are you hoping to join?

[pablo]

I'm not really sure. I started reading the forums to find advice on getting fitter (what better plan is there to follow than a military one?), but now since I'm interested I will be looking into it when I move back to the UK. There seems to be a lot of Royal Marine / Para interest on the forums, though.

[flo]

welcome to the forums Rich.

any chance of a free holiday?

Oh ok yes i am a tight jock

[rc]

don't forget sit ups and pull ups as well.

[pablo]

Sure thing flo, as long as you promise not to upstage me in the drinking department!

I also do situps and pullups every day. I'm planning on doing a 2-minute test this week, so i'll tell you how I get on when that's done.

[Wee Willy Winkie]

if your aiming to improve cardiovascular endurance then you want to be running no less than 25 minutes in one session. i should know, ive just done a bloody massive training programme on it for AS courswork www

[pablo]

And how many times a week should I do a good running session? I figured about 4 times a week.

I'm up at 6:30AM tomorrow to do some hill/endurance running before I go to work so Ill have to see how I do then.

[Stu-]

maybe a good workout on the rower would do wonders for c.v.

am I the only one that thinks alot of good work can be done on the rower?

oh, supplement on the weekend with a short swimm session. doesnt have to kill you, just works muscles that dont get worked during a normal running or gym session

[Geordie]

Yeah I quite like rowing, it's my first choice for non-impact exercise since I don't have an accessible swimming pool.

off-topic: Stu-, about your asthma how far did you get through the application process before you were binned on those grounds? Did you have a spirometry test or did they just look at your medical records?

I've been clear of asthma for 4 years now and my lungs are perfect, the respiratory nurse had never seen lungs like mine.

[DWW]

I've been clear of asthma for 4 years now and my lungs are perfect, the respiratory nurse had never seen lungs like mine.

Bet she says that to all the boys