Can you be fat & fit?
Discussion
Halb said:
I know that 'fit' really mean suitable for the job, but I'd consider people running a parkrun at 30mins fit, that's decent.
It may put somebody in a category of "fit" compared to an averagely sedentary, overweight, unhealthy UK resident but for able-bodied men across the world, "decent" is possibly pushing it a little.
MC Bodge said:
It may put somebody in a category of "fit" compared to an averagely sedentary, overweight, unhealthy UK resident but for able-bodied men across the world, "decent" is possibly pushing it a little.
I'd be comparing against UK people, for sure, yip. Sustaining 6 min kms for that length.MC Bodge said:
It may put somebody in a category of "fit" compared to an averagely sedentary, overweight, unhealthy UK resident but for able-bodied men across the world, "decent" is possibly pushing it a little.
Its s
te.This is the other reason, we seem to be afraid to tell it like it is, throwing sponsorship money at people for walking a 5km, ffs!
Halb said:
MC Bodge said:
It may put somebody in a category of "fit" compared to an averagely sedentary, overweight, unhealthy UK resident but for able-bodied men across the world, "decent" is possibly pushing it a little.
I'd be comparing against UK people, for sure, yip. Sustaining 6 min kms for that length.6 min/km is slow running, if that is a maximum effort, then it does not indicate 'fitness'.
Fighting weight is 15st, though I am currently a "comfy" 17st. Despite carrying more Terry I can still comfortably do a 5 or 10k. Yes the speed has decreased and I acknowledge that the likelihood of injury in the long term is greater but i think I am fit for my lifestyle despite being visibly fat.
MC Bodge said:
You should be comparing with other humans, though, surely? Not comparing with the inactive obese in a mostly unhealthy nation?
6 min/km is slow running, if that is a maximum effort, then it does not indicate 'fitness'.
Well I wouldn't, I would rate an Eskimo against an aborigine. Humans are widespread and live in very different environments. Best only to evaluate against nation. 6min/km is only slow for those that consider it slow. 6 min/km is slow running, if that is a maximum effort, then it does not indicate 'fitness'.
Clever people have already done all the 'what is reasonably fit' calculations and you can see them in the current army physical tests for regular soldiers.
I believe it is still sub 10:30 for 2.4k for the under 30 year olds. The test takes into account the wide disparity of body types and athletic ability and gives what I believe is a fair test.
NB you do have to do some press ups and sit ups before the run.
I believe it is still sub 10:30 for 2.4k for the under 30 year olds. The test takes into account the wide disparity of body types and athletic ability and gives what I believe is a fair test.
NB you do have to do some press ups and sit ups before the run.
Remember there are lots of people who join the Army and a fair few of them hate running and have no interest in keeping fit or staying in reasonable shape - this test is for everyone.
Personally I would say sub 9:00 is a reasonable 2.4k time for a soldier who takes pride in his fitness and runs regularly, which would work out at about 20mins dead for a 5k.
Personally I would say sub 9:00 is a reasonable 2.4k time for a soldier who takes pride in his fitness and runs regularly, which would work out at about 20mins dead for a 5k.
272BHP said:
Remember there are lots of people who join the Army and a fair few of them hate running and have no interest in keeping fit or staying in reasonable shape - this test is for everyone.
Personally I would say sub 9:00 is a reasonable 2.4k time for a soldier who takes pride in his fitness and runs regularly, which would work out at about 20mins dead for a 5k.
Unless the BFT has changed, the first half of the three miler is done as a squad and is a veritable bimble, then the second half is 'best effort' and a 9 minute time would be alright.Personally I would say sub 9:00 is a reasonable 2.4k time for a soldier who takes pride in his fitness and runs regularly, which would work out at about 20mins dead for a 5k.
272BHP said:
McMillan running extrapolates the 10:30 2.4k time to about 23:20 for a 5k
Still a good time.272BHP said:
Remember there are lots of people who join the Army and a fair few of them hate running and have no interest in keeping fit or staying in reasonable shape - this test is for everyone.
Personally I would say sub 9:00 is a reasonable 2.4k time for a soldier who takes pride in his fitness and runs regularly, which would work out at about 20mins dead for a 5k.
A reasonable time for a soldier, doesn't matter if they hate running or not, they are meant to be very fit or fitter than others. Not just Joe Public for whom it's a very good time.Personally I would say sub 9:00 is a reasonable 2.4k time for a soldier who takes pride in his fitness and runs regularly, which would work out at about 20mins dead for a 5k.
Edited by Halb on Monday 24th August 10:55
I would still say the test is a good general reference for everybody not just soldiers. The term 'soldier' covers everybody from dagger in teeth killers to people who sit in an office all day watching their bellies grow.
Remember the test is age and gender fair so a 40 year old female would probably have 14 minutes for the run (can't be bothered to look it up - I am on my phone)
Remember the test is age and gender fair so a 40 year old female would probably have 14 minutes for the run (can't be bothered to look it up - I am on my phone)
272BHP said:
I would still say the test is a good general reference for everybody not just soldiers. The term 'soldier' covers everybody from dagger in teeth killers to people who sit in an office all day watching their bellies grow.
Remember the test is age and gender fair so a 40 year old female would probably have 14 minutes for the run (can't be bothered to look it up - I am on my phone)
As a general reference but remember the first half of the BFT run is not much more than a warm up at a much slower pace - 15 minutes for the first 1.5 miles - then it's 1.5 mile sprint (effectively) at your best pace.Remember the test is age and gender fair so a 40 year old female would probably have 14 minutes for the run (can't be bothered to look it up - I am on my phone)
IIRC Paras would have to do it in around 9:30 and the rest had 10:30. It would be a bit longer age and sex dependent as you said.
Oh, and we used to do it in the old s
tty LPCs. None of your fancy trainers back then.ETA - Just looked up the new BFT regs and they've made it a lot easier. Just a quick warm up and then the 1.5 miles with longer allowances and not in boots - bunch of lightweights
Edited by Asterix on Monday 24th August 15:29
Halb said:
Asterix said:
ETA - Just looked up the new BFT regs and they've made it a lot easier. Just a quick warm up and then the 1.5 miles with longer allowances and not in boots - bunch of lightweights
That's the modern UK for yer! 
Halb said:
MC Bodge said:
Reflecting that most people aren't fit, not what human beings should be capable of if in reasonably good shape.
All of that is arbitrary.You could take elite athletes as the maximum that can be achieved with good genes and full-time training.
If you then consider 'normal people':
Putting in a few hours of decent physical exercise (stamina and strength) and general activity a week (including walking/cycling to work/shops, gardening, housework etc.)and eating/drinking healthily. ie. Not just driving everywhere, boozing, eating junk and watching TV every night.
I think that 25 minutes for 5K or 50 minutes for 10K (or the swimming or cycling equivalent should be achievable for an able-bodied man (and maybe woman) of healthy weight. There may be some age correction to be considered above the age of 50.
Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 25th August 12:08
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