I am new to this forum and so wil start with a highly controversial topic. through reading many of the posts, many lads are discussing how they are going to start weight training and running. The two disciplines negate each other. You cannot efficiently weight train and expect good runnign results. How many of you see a stacked marathon runner or a slim sprinter??? It just doesnt work. I f you do attempt both of them in your training regime you will not make strength gains, or if you do they will be at the expense of running. For operational capabilites in the military it si only essential to have a high level of aerobic endurance and good body weight:strength ratio. Time would be better spent on circuits including pull ups, press ups and dips to build natural strength.
I am available to give any advice on fitness matters for training for the military.
Yours,
Tom
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military fitness training
I suppose that depends on how you weight-train. If you use low weights and high reps, you will train muscle endurance and that can actually help you in your running. By the way, what do you do or have you done that makes you think you can give advise on these matters? No offense, I'm just curious.
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
Right, so what do you think about my point then? If you use relatively low weights and high reps, you might just improve your running. Also on things like the assault course a bit of explosive power might come in handy. But you're right, it's a difficult balance.
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
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tom1123
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low weights high reps
From an entirely athletic point of view your statement is correct, however, I should have been clearer-I was addressing the issue of putting weight on through weights whilst still trying to improve aerobic fitness. Whilst the type of weight training you suggessted may be be beneficial in sporting situations I would question its relevance in the military. For example you are never tested with weights in the military so why train with them??? You are however tested through pull ups and push ups. Weights serve there purpose but in the military I would only see the need for them if someone was seriously struggling strength wise or in rehabilitation where it was not possible to lift body weight.
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Edwards159
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tom1123
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aerobic/anaerobic
The definition of aerobic exercise is when working with the aid of oxygen, primary activities such as walking, jogging, swimming and cycling. Anaerobic is working without oxygen-sprinting and weightlifting and yes circuits would be better suited to the military.
I agree that circuits would work better for the military than bodybuilding-type weight training. But in the military you do need a certain amount of strength, if you had tried to do a march carrying a heavy bergen you would understand. And you ARE tested on weights, right at the beginning at RSC. Although big muscles won't help, a little explosive strength will in various situations eg bayonet training, assault courses, and short sprints with full kit when being "bugged out" on exercise. There was a skinny lad in my platoon who came 1st in the 1.5 mile run, he was about 2 minutes in front of the second person. His aerobic fitness was amazing, but struggled terribly with the jerrycan test. And really struggled on tabs. He could hammer out push ups, sit ups and pull ups all day easily, that's because he was so light. He started training with weights, built up his strength (put on a bit of weight) and is still very fit aerobically. Of course he isn't as quick, that comes with carrying more weight. He is now a PTI in the Duke of Wellington's regiment.
What you need when training for the military is a mix of strength and stamina training. The forces don't need slow bodybuilders that can't run far, nor do they need marathon runners who can't carry a bergen. They need all-rounders who can adapt and turn their hand to any type of strenuous activity. So you need to cross-train.
I don't mean to cause offence, as I'm sure you know a lot about fitness that I don't. But I have been training for a number of years, and I know a lot of people who have also been training for years, and I know people in the forces; and in my experience you can weight train as well as improving aerobic fitness. Slower, but it's possible. And I would advise anyone going in the forces to train on cardio (especially running), weights, and circuit train with exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, burpees, squats etc. mixed with some swimming. Train in every way you can think of, so you can stress both your slow and fast twitch muscle fibres and become a fit and efficient soldier.
What you need when training for the military is a mix of strength and stamina training. The forces don't need slow bodybuilders that can't run far, nor do they need marathon runners who can't carry a bergen. They need all-rounders who can adapt and turn their hand to any type of strenuous activity. So you need to cross-train.
I don't mean to cause offence, as I'm sure you know a lot about fitness that I don't. But I have been training for a number of years, and I know a lot of people who have also been training for years, and I know people in the forces; and in my experience you can weight train as well as improving aerobic fitness. Slower, but it's possible. And I would advise anyone going in the forces to train on cardio (especially running), weights, and circuit train with exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, burpees, squats etc. mixed with some swimming. Train in every way you can think of, so you can stress both your slow and fast twitch muscle fibres and become a fit and efficient soldier.
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tom1123
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weights
In response to your reply I totally agree with the adage of needing to cross train and sure weights can help ( as mentioned in the skinny lad's case ) However, I was unaware that any formal testing with weights in the military existed could you please give me some more information as to what exercises are tested and what weight needs to be lifted in order to complete ( pass ) the test.
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Hyperlithe
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Sorry about the confusion... Let me clarify
You hold two handles on a frame 1.4m off the ground. The weight on these handles is gradually increased and 60kg is acceptable to pass.
That's what my recruiter said to me.
You also have the jerrycan carrys and the static lift...
You hold two handles on a frame 1.4m off the ground. The weight on these handles is gradually increased and 60kg is acceptable to pass.
That's what my recruiter said to me.
You also have the jerrycan carrys and the static lift...
"The enemy should be in no doubt that we are his nemesis and that we are bringing about his rightful destruction."
Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collins
Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collins
