Need help getting fit for joining

[ArmyBrat]

Hi there! I am Carl, 20, and very unfit (i broke my leg 1 year ago and piled on the weight whilst i was in a cast for 14 weeks ) and went up roughly 3 stone in weight (went from 12st 4lbs and now sitting at a lovely 15st 7lbs and now a size 38-40 waist). I would like some help in getting the physically fit again so I can sign up as an officer.

I have 2 days off from work guaranteed (Monday and Tuesday), and work a regular 8:30-5:30 as a security guard for a shop the rest of the week (apart from sunday which is 9:30-5). I would like to get a regime that I can fit around my schedule and join by the time I am 21½ - 22 (Aug 2007 - Feb 2008). My main aim for the military is to join up as an officer (as i believe i have the qualities for officer) and join the Parachute Regiment, so any and all help is much appreciated.

Regards
Carl

[Mr_Kiwi]

check out www.mfat.co.uk/forums

[HCR]

Armybrat there should be no problem in getting your weight down and fit enough. I was a big lad when I left School about 14st but wanted to join up so much that with in a year I was a healthy 10.5st and was one of the most all round fittest lads on my selection and in basic. What I didnt do though was put a time limit on when I wanted to join. Your only 20 so dont rush it, you have years to join so get it right.

I dont know how far you work from your house but if its within a good running distance then why not run to work and back. Thats what I use to do and that way you can easy fit into your day. And with traffic the way it is you would probably get there quicker and it will save you money as well.

If you want to join the Paras then why not try putting your question on there bit of the site. Theres plenty of them on here who could help.

[jE^_^]

my friend was 16 stone, he had to get his personal BMI down, hes now 13.5 stone, and got his tickets in janurary.

All he did was joined weight watchers, and did regular running. You dont have to eat weight watchers tho, just be healthy... he had bigger meals than me, they were jus low in caleries etc... you should look into that?

p.s. he did run alot however... and got on his rusty old bike too hehe... jus a few miles here and there.

[ArmyBrat]

see I could bike it to work as its 10 miles from mine to where I work, but its the case of gettin the bike! lol, might look into gettin one for christmas! lol. I have cut out most of the junk food (Fried chicken, McDonalds, Burger King etc) but my only vice is Subway!

[jE^_^]

subway isnt too bad if you cut out the mayo... and have it once a week or something!?

Jus start off with some light jogging or watever... a few miles... while your waiting for your bike... im sure once you start to see your losing weight you will get hocked and focused on what your doing and you will steam ahead losing weight.

[ArmyBrat]

subway everyday...no mayo... its basically the only thing there is apart from takeaway, or fast food, so i'd rather that, as i never have time in the morning to make anything myself in the morning! and i rarely get time for running, thats why i am getting a bike, i do loads of walking during the day, i know its not the same as running but it helps!

[HCR]

subway everyday...no mayo... its basically the only thing there is apart from takeaway, or fast food, so i'd rather that, as i never have time in the morning to make anything myself in the morning! and i rarely get time for running, thats why i am getting a bike, i do loads of walking during the day, i know its not the same as running but it helps!

Why not just get up 10 mins earlier and have some breakfast, theres no excuse. And if you have time to go for a walk then you have time to go for a run. If you want to get fit enough to get onto the Army never mind the Paras then you need to get out there running, not a few walks and a bike ride now and then. If you aint got time then make time, like get up an hour earlier and go for a run or go to bed an hour later and do one at night. Like I said stop making excuses and get on with it.

[Mr_Kiwi]

yeah I'm a big bitch at the moment, and did shit loads of running and got bad shin splints so im resting on the running and just focusing on pressups and situps. and low impact leg work to strengthen the muscle...I read today that the pain from shin splints is the muscle tearing off the shin bone... Im not going to try and push through the pain haha

[tom_06]

try swimming, if you do it properly it is awesome for all round fitness!it boosted my running so much before PRMC and i really got into it!There is also a very very low risk of getting any injury because there is no impact!

[ArmyBrat]

i like swimming alot so i might take that up to try and boost my fitness...i can easily fit that into my schedule, another thingm, is there any sort of unarmed combat training within the forces (anywhere at all)?

[Coopser]

From watching this i surpose there is, but im not too sure.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... pany&hl=en

34 mins into it

[Sky Police]

i rarely get time for running, thats why i am getting a bike

But...

i like swimming alot so i might take that up to try and boost my fitness...i can easily fit that into my schedule

You have time to go swimming but you couldn't possibly fit running into the equation??? Sounds more like a case of can't be bothered to me!

If you want it bad enough you'll get your running shoes on and get out there without making excuses!

I'm naturally a good runner but i only really enjoy cross country. Now the nights have drawn in, being dark by 5 O'clock my only option is road running (apart from 1 long weekend run in the hills each week). I hate road running with a passion, it's boring as hell with constant traffic but i do it because i want to be a para. I have to tell myself on every run why i'm doing it and it gets me through. Hopefully, by the time i get in, my fitness level might be enough to get me through RT!

If you want it, go and get it. It won't come to you!

[ArmyBrat]

i rarely get time for running, thats why i am getting a bike

But...

i like swimming alot so i might take that up to try and boost my fitness...i can easily fit that into my schedule

You have time to go swimming but you couldn't possibly fit running into the equation??? Sounds more like a case of can't be bothered to me!

If you want it bad enough you'll get your running shoes on and get out there without making excuses!

I'm naturally a good runner but i only really enjoy cross country. Now the nights have drawn in, being dark by 5 O'clock my only option is road running (apart from 1 long weekend run in the hills each week). I hate road running with a passion, it's boring as hell with constant traffic but i do it because i want to be a para. I have to tell myself on every run why i'm doing it and it gets me through. Hopefully, by the time i get in, my fitness level might be enough to get me through RT!

If you want it, go and get it. It won't come to you!

Regarding the running, i literally have no time, unless i run to work and back everyday which is a cool 10 miles, which is why i have the bike, and there are swimming facilities near to my work so i can go for 45 mins every day during my lunch time, but there is nowhere to run where i work. Dont worry, once my schedule is down after christmas I will be doin the running like a mad man and getting fit along with the biking aswell.

[Sky Police]

You could use your 2 days off to do some running. You could do a morning run on your first day off and then an evening run on your second day off. That way you'll have a fair amount of recovery time. Don't do too much too soon though or you'll get injured. Start out slow and walk for a bit when you need too. You can slowly reduce the time you walk each session and then start building up your time. When you start running you will notice that the pounds soon come off (which in turn will make it easier).

Dont worry, once my schedule is down after christmas I will be doin the running like a mad man and getting fit along with the biking aswell.

Is there any specific reason why you are going to start after christmas and not now? There really is no point procrastinating, you're only kidding yourself by doing that. It's far to easy to say you'll do something than to actually go and do it. Especially when it's cold, wet and miserable outside. If you're gonna do it, do it!!

No doubt if you need any help or advice, everyone on here will be more than happy to help you if you are serious about joining

Might also be worth going along to the Army careers office and asking them for their 'Get Fit For The Army' booklet. It has some good advice on nutrition and also a basic fitness program to get you started. Certainly worth a read in my opinion.