Hello everyone

[sundaynights]

Hi,
I'm new here, been reading a bit and just wanted to say hello. Feeling a little miserable at the moment as I've told my friends that I would like to join the RAF and they laughed at me - silly me, should have realised that we are still supposed to act as school children, only difference is we're all 21! lol. Just wondered if anyone can advise me a bit really, I've been trying to get fit so I can join and it's really hard work. My boozy time at uni has played havoc with me. No fitness at all now, really. I put on a couple of stone slobbing it at uni. Yup, it's all my fault though. I'm 5'4", female, and weight 12 and half stone - so I'm pretty overweight at that, but I am trying to lose it and get fit at the same time. Anyways, I told my mates and they laughed and reckoned it's gonna be pretty impossible for me to go from overweight and unfit to normal weight and RAF fit. I know it's not true, I can do it, but it has knocked my confidence a bit.
Anywho, please can anyone give me some tips. At the moment I'm doing a boring office job so am sat down most of the day - which does not help!!! I walk for about half an hour a day, do a dvd workout 3/4 times a week and go jogging 2 times a week. I want to work on my fitness before I even try to build up my muscle strength. Am I doing the right thing?
Sorry it's been so long, I'm just trying to get it all out because I am stressssed.
Phew,
Thanks a lot
S

[LostandFound]

first of all, welcome to the forum

Secondly, dont listen to anyone who tells you its "impossible" to get fit enough to go for selection - all it takes is hard work and determination. Youve got the goal, now you just need help planning a path to achieving it.

Because Im not a qualified fitness trainer, I cant give you hints on a program to follow because when you havent exercised for some time it can be dangerous to just leap straight into an intensive program. My advice to you would be to invest a little money in a personal trainer to start you off - he/she will be able to do a few tests with you to see where you are currently at, and then create a program to give you gradual increases in intensity in order for you to see gains without causing injury.

Once your fitness begins to improve (mainly your running) then you will be able to get a wealth of info about training programs both from on this site and from the internet in general.

Hope this helps. Invest in the personal trainer - it will be well worth it, especially if it means you remain injury-free.

Good luck!!

[Alex Himself]

yeah that sounds like pretty good advice, find a running buddy maybe if you know anyone? also watch what you eat, and cut on the booze if you can.

[sundaynights]

Hi guys!

thanks a lot. I will definately look into a personal trainer - sounds like the best way to go. My friend seems pretty up for going running together, just need to find a time to suit us both!

Thanks again really appreciate it
S

[ryo1987]

Yeh dont listen to them my friends always say to me "youll never make it as a gunner". Their just jealous because when im standing on the parade square on cloud number 9 they will be in there pathetic 9-5 jobs. I always set myself a goal then go a bit over that for eg. 1mile run go for a mile and a half youll feel alot better or situps 25 push it to 30. You will have bad days but everyday will be an improvement. Good luck!

[Pilot999]

Sundaynights,

It sounds like you're pretty much on the right track. Having been in for 7 years now, I let my fitness drop massively after initial training and only late last year decided to sort it out.

Three runs a week (aim for 30-40mins), with a rest day in between should be a good start. Run for time, not distance and don't get fazed if you have a bad day/week - we all do. On your rest days you can do your DVD or do swimming/gym CV work, anything that raises your heart rate but gives your kness/shins a rest.

As previous posters said, cut down the booze, not only for the calorific benefits but as most people can't be arsed training with a sore head.

Take one or two full rest days each week and vary the routes you run and gym activities you do to keep interest high. Has worked so far for me. Good luck.

[sophiebutty]

Sunday Nights,

This sounds so familiar, I was in exactly the same place 2 years ago. Suddenly i thought a career in the Navy was a good idea. I put some trainers on and thought I'd go for a run to a friend's house. I made about 500 m before I thought my lung had burst and I had to stop adn walk.

Now I've done 2 half-marathons raising £300 and actually count running as a hobby. Also I've lost 2 stone and the weight's stayed off. If you get yourself a gradual schedule and stick to it, you'll see results you never thought possible. 2 weeks of graft and you'll start to see a real difference. If I can do it, anyone can.

What trade are you interested in? Just keep going and let us know how you get on. Any questions let me know. (Oh one thing, there's lots on these fora on running shoes, but equally as important, get yourself a proper sports' bra. Makes more of a difference than you would ever believe)

Good luck,
Sophie

[andycee]

Hi,

From what i've read there has been some pretty sound advice coming from you guys. I currently work as a fitness/personal trainer and will be joining the Raf Regiment in july.

One of the best ways to train is definately with another person, it gives you more motivation to push yourself and there is always that competitive edge to help you get more out of your training. Make sure that you dont go mad and listen to your body! If you were thinking about classes I would consider Body Pump, this is one of the main classes I teach and is a great way to build on strength and endurance!

Anyways good luck and let us know how training goes!

Andy

[Stinky]

Body pump is a beast . I remember at school when I said I was going to go into the marines they all laughed and called me action man for a bit , anyway a pilot would be a kick*ss job.