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10 Secrets to Boot Camp
Fitness For fitness secrets the Insider turns to Military.com's
fitness columnist, Stew Smith. A Navy SEAL and author, Stew knows what it
takes to be physically and mentally ready. Here are Stew's tips to turn
your morning PT into a stress reliever rather than a stress creator.
1. Practice the physical fitness test (PFT). Regardless of
what kind of shape you are in, you should definitely practice daily one or
two of the events in your service's PFT. You should make sure you can do
the following exercises comfortably:
Sit-ups
Push-ups
Pull-ups
Running: 3 miles if you plan to go into the Marine Corps, 2 miles
for the Army and Air Force, 1.5 miles for the Navy and Coast Guard
Swimming
2. Learn what is expected of you ahead of
time. There is a wealth of knowledge out there and people help if you
ask.
3. Practice adaptability and
flexibility. Learn to roll with the punches. In the military, things
are regimented but always subject to change. Change your workouts
occasionally and run in boots instead of running shoes. Carry a 5- to
8-pound object or wear a backpack to prepare for running with a weapon and
gear.
4. Set goals. Know the PFT standards and always
strive for maximum effort. Set military goals, such as becoming a company
commander or achieving other leadership positions.
5. Listen to
your body. If you are hurt, take it easy and rest. See a doctor if
things persist for more than a week.
6. Fuel and rest your body
-- properly. Eat good foods -- grains, vegetables, fruits and lean
proteins that you enjoy. Drink three-fourths to one gallon of water daily.
It's important to stay hydrated! Try to go to bed early and wake up early
with at least eight hours of sleep.
7. Lay off the weights.
Slow, controlled calisthenics is what you will do in the military. There
are no weights in morning PT.
8. Learn to enjoy group
exercise. You naturally need the discipline to exercise on your own,
but working out with a group of people with similar goals is very
motivating.
9. Start waking up and exercising early in the
morning. Guess what? Most PT is done early in the morning, so get used
to early morning workouts.
10. Start doing push-ups. You
will do push-ups. Not only is the push-up an all-time favorite exercise,
it is also a punishment exercise you'll do for fun!
Bonus
Tip: Remember, it's always a good idea to check with your physician
before starting an exercise program, especially if you have been inactive
or if you have certain medical conditions. Pick up Stew's book on SEAL
Fitness.
