Getting into shape

[Chris of the Dale]

Well, some of you may remember me, as I used to be a regular on these boards. Recently I have started lurking again and am enjoying it so far. I recently got accepted into the military, should be starting basic training in a month or so. I finally started working out today, went for a run where I ran the distance between 2 power poles, walked the next, ran the next; in a rotation like that for a full 20 minutes. Tomorrow I plan on walking for an hour, doing sets of push-ups and sit-ups and then doing some weight lifting. My plan is to rotate work out days like these until I ship off for training. I was just wondering if this is a good routine?

[Felix The Assassin]

Depends really. But it is a start, and better than sitting on the couch.
What branch?
Army will be as many push-ups, then sit-ups in two minutes as possible. Then a two mile run. As a recruit you will be evaluated on the 60% scale, with a full PT Test (Physical Training) by the end of AIT (Advanced Individual Training) or initial unit if OSUT (One Station Unit Training). The Army is concerned with the current state of the youth, sadly, incapable of running, jumping, and pushing off. Therefore they have altered the PT training to "assist" the modern youth with physical stamina. And, lowered the PT to the 60% rate to pass off to the next phase. However, if you have chosen to be a ground pounder, then all bets are off!

USMC will have you running three miles for a fitness test, plus sit-ups or crunches, and pull ups.

The other's are not as physical.

If you were to have been in my unit:
M: Upper body muscle failure, 5 mile moderate paced run.
T: Ab muscle failure, 3.5 mile fast paced run.
W: Total body muscle failure, 3-4 miles, last man up.
TH: 15KM ruck march; on-site training; 15KM ruck march back.
F: Company PT, usually couple hundred push-ups, couple hundred abs, 7-9 minutes of basic calisthenics ((Side Straddle Hop=Jumping Jacks) Mountain Climbers etc...) Long slow run, 7+ miles.

DOH: You are in Canada. No bets taken. If you encounter Captain Franklin, a bushy sort of fellow, afford him a "Clear As Mud" and use my handle to solidify your enhanced training program. He was an exchange instructor here in the mid 1990's.

[Chris of the Dale]

I'll be going into the army as an infantry soldier.

[Nightbird]

You will want to train cardio every day.as well as cruches. It's good to start slow and to push a little more every day. It will make your life so much easier once you are on base. Take your physical and mental training very serious and it will be an enjoyable experiance.

[johnny]

Don't forget to take a healthy daily dosis of beer. 3 sixpacks should be be enough to put you on your way for now.

[Chris of the Dale]

Originally Posted by johnny Don't forget to take a healthy daily dosis of beer. 3 sixpacks should be be enough to put you on your way for now.

I would johnny but it would seem I am completely out of beer and money.

P.S. Go on MSN more often

[Armen]

if you're short of money i'll resist saying to buy some decent well fitted running shoes

i will suggest that your runs are on soft surfaces as much as possible (grass not concrete) and to build it up steadily

and good luck

[Chris of the Dale]

Well yesterday after my 20 minute run I decided to do sets of push-ups and sit-ups afterall. Today I went for my hour long, 4km walk and did sets of push-ups and sit-ups. Later today I also plan on doing some bench pressing and curls with my weights.

Even though I have just started working out for the first time in a loooong while, I am already feeling great. I plan on increasing the duration of my workouts on a weekly basis now.

Lets just hope I'll be in decent shape by the time I have to head off for basic training.

[Chris of the Dale]

Originally Posted by Armen if you're short of money i'll resist saying to buy some decent well fitted running shoes i will suggest that your runs are on soft surfaces as much as possible (grass not concrete) and to build it up steadily and good luck

Coincidently, my mother offered to buy me a really good pair of running shoes today . They'll be a very nice change from my pair of 5 year old, worn out ones.