Want to join TA and need to get fit(ter)

[E21_Ross]

996 sps said:

E21_Ross said:

996 sps said:

The main reason the weaker aspect of the spine is the posterior column is due to the posterior longitudinal ligament its much harrower and weaker than the Anterior ligament, its dentidenticulate shape means no cover on the postlateral corners of the disc hence flexion rotation not good, as for flexion if you come up only 30 degrees and feet not held then no problems with Illospoas pulling on transverse processes, that aside i d still get some sit ups cracked out early doors.

yes, which is why i said not to flex much, and under flexion the anterior part of the motion segment is under more stress. nothing i said was wrong. you don't need to try and confuse me, i've gone through all the stuff you've mentioned before, except "dentidenticulate", which even the world of google doesn't show up i think you mean posterolateral too, not postlateral i don't think it's good advice to say to do sit ups until you can't physically do any more literally the first thing you do after getting out of bed. not just my opinion, but it's been advised by one of the best spinal biomechanics researcher out there, McGill.

Edited by E21_Ross on Wednesday 10th March 22:26

I m on my phone so post lat was just an abbreviation as bit of a drama typing on a Nokia such long comments/replies ref the other googled word its just a descriptive word to say the post ligament is exposing the discs more than the anterior ligament, again typo due to phone but not trying to confuse your comments to add not telling anyone to do as many sit ups as they can in the morning especially if they have a spinal problem but what I will say is if he is joining a Company which will possibly make him complete physical training at very possibly the crack of bloody dawn then I would suggest that what McGill said or says does not really matter as he wont be up at half 5 being fitness tested.

in that case, forget everything i just said

[samdale]

i could just be chatting ste here but i know my navy 1.5 mile was tested ON A TREADMILL, although i prefer road running i was told it would be a good idea to at least get some practise on a treadmill.

Nuclearsquash said:

I was at the gym this morning so i thought i'd see how far i could run in 30 minutes, and although on a treadmill, i managed 3 miles in 28mins 21sec. Was rather pleased with that, i also made a point of not concetrating on the time, and just running, which seemed to work.

^^this is what i did, no matter what speed you choose on the treadmill MAKE THE DISTANCE each time and the speed will come, even if you alter it by 0.1-0.2km/h each time. you'll hardly notice it. i also pushed myself to pick a speed and keep it constant each time knowing that i had to be under 12.20 i had to reach 7.5 mph steady for the whole run.

got turned down by the navy for eyesight but managed around 11.30

[CharlesdeGaulle]

Nuclear Squash. Good for you for giving it a go, and I'm sure you'll have a ball in the TA.

The real key to military fitness is running. As you know, you'll have to do the sit-ups and press-ups, but most physical activity is running-based. To that end, just get out there and do what you can. You do not need to be a ninja, but being a competent runner will make everything else much easier. As a wider benefit, you'll also gain from weight loss and general fitness so it's win-win.

My advice would be to avoid treadmills and get outside. Running machines are much easier than proper running, and you'll notice it when you come to do the test. And in any case, it really should be an outdoor activity so get some fresh air in your lungs. Aim to be able to do about 3 miles or so comfortably, and the 2 mile test (0.5 mile warm-up, 1.5 miles assessed and timed) will be a doddle. You really don't want to come in last, even if you pass.

I am serving (Regular)and a keen runner (although post knee-op rehab at the moment!) so if you want more detail PM me, otherwise get a decent basic level of fitness and you'll be laughing. Go for it; and all credit to you.

[Nuclearsquash]

Thanks for the advice everyone, i'm slowly getting there, the running is getting more comfortable as my body gets used to the idea of longer distances. Now that it's finally starting to warm up i'll probably be able to get outside more, there's nothing worse that running in the freezing cold sucking back lungfulls of frigid air.

CDG is definitely agree on the point about not being last even if i pass, if i'm going to do this then i want to do it properly.

Cheers

Andy

[E21_Ross]

Nuclearsquash said:

Thanks for the advice everyone, i'm slowly getting there, the running is getting more comfortable as my body gets used to the idea of longer distances. Now that it's finally starting to warm up i'll probably be able to get outside more, there's nothing worse that running in the freezing cold sucking back lungfulls of frigid air.......

bah, light weight in my old athletics club during some winter training it was almost a contest to see how little you could wear (without being indecent of course! ) vest and shorts (with shoes of course!) in -6 with a little snow was my best! if you get working hard after 15mins or so you don't feel cold....not warm either but not too bad. i always run in tshirt and shorts. even when we had the cold winter as if i wear anything else i just over heat after 15-20 minutes. i often wear fairly thin gloves if it's cold though.

well done though, keep running.

Edited by E21_Ross on Saturday 13th March 13:00

[996 sps]

Get used to sucking in that cold air and try to find x country routes with plenty of hills, mud, and water will keep you interested and variety of inclines/declines will improve you phys.

[Nuclearsquash]

996 sps said:

Get used to sucking in that cold air and try to find x country routes with plenty of hills, mud, and water will keep you interested and variety of inclines/declines will improve you phys.

i'm liking this idea, road running is a touch dull.

[Ayahuasca]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

The real key to military fitness is running.

What he said.

I used to be in the regulars and in the TA and running is definitely the thing, at least in the infantry. You should be able to run for at least 10 miles without stopping at a moderate pace and a couple of miles at a balls-out fast pace. The more comfortably you can do this, the easier training will be. In the TA you need to do most of the fitness work yourself, there just isn't enough time otherwise. I found that jogging out for a couple of miles, turning around and sprinting back was a good way of getting fit. At first the sprint lasted a couple of minutes, then gradually I managed to maintain it for the whole two miles.

I wouldn't worry too much about upper body stuff - just get out there and cover some distance!

Good on you, by the way!