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Some Recruits Need Even More Weight Loss!
I typically receive an email like
this week's article subject several times a week. In
fact more than HALF of the emails I receive are of this
nature!!!
Help! I need to lose 40 lbs.
before I can join the Army. I also need help with running
and I cannot do any pushups. How do I get fit and fit into a
uniform?
It is a fact that many (too many) of
America's men, women, as well as teenaged youth are
overweight. Recent alarming statistics conclude the
following:
Not meeting Height / weight standards is biggest issue the military deals with versus high school education, felony crimes, eye sight, and other medical disqualification among recruits seeking military professions.
75% of America is overweight or obese = 250 million people!
More than half of the overweight people are obese = 140 million people!
These numbers have doubled since the 1970's.
70% of diabetes cases are preventable
300,000 Americas die EACH year due to complications caused by improper diet and fitness habits
50% of teen's exercise consists of nothing or just walking
See
www.overweightteen.com for more information/statistics
First of all, I am proud of anyone
who wishes to serve in the Armed Forces in any capacity. The
goal for the young future soldier is to start moving TODAY.
At 40 lbs. overweight, it is not recommended to start a
running plan. For the first 1-2 months, you should stretch
daily, walk 30-60 minutes a day and watch what you eat.
Depending upon your height, weight, and sex, running when
significantly overweight can damage your knees, lower back,
and other joints. Focus on losing weight first by moving
more, eating better and drinking water (up to a gallon a
day).
See the
StewSmith.com Article Archives for more info on the
Nutrition/Food Plans to help you. Also see this
food plan
for more ideas.
As far as adding strength at the same time as losing weight, the good news is that you can do both at the same time. If you cannot do pushups, start doing pushups on your knees. Consider it a lighter weighted bench press -- not a girl pushup. Today, women in the military do regular pushups all the time, so they are NOT girl pushups any longer just assisted pushups. See the articles on Pushups and PFT Testing in the Archive for more info and workouts on pushups and situps.
For quick health weight loss - read - www.stewsmith.com/linkpages/dropsugar.htm
For starters see the 45 Day Plan for Beginners
And once you have a few weeks or month under your belt of stretching, some weight loss, and lots of walking or biking, try to start running. Run a little and walk a little for the same amount of time that you were walking before. I recommend that you run for a minute, walk for a minute or find a certain number of telephone poles or drive ways to run and walk to catch your breath. Just like doing knee pushups, eventually you will be able to do pushups. It is the same with running non-stop walk/run workouts work best for beginner runners.
Soon, you will be able to perform pushups and sit-ups, and run. But you have to do it properly, because a fitness beginner no matter the age can be easily injured if you start off too fast. See the free running plan once you are able to run 1-2 miles non-stop.
As a nation, our pool of fit youth to serve in the military is decreasing in size every year. We have to encourage our kids to exercise, eat right, and not start smoking for many reasons, including energy level, strength, confidence, health, and even vanity to name a few.
The good news is that a program works!!
| I'm not sure you remember me I emailed you last year about losing over a 100 lbs! I wanted to join the army but the only way to do that was to lose 100 lbs.....I did a lot of what you said. I first emailed you when i was 350 as of now I'm 240.....I just want to let you know and to also thank you I will be taking the asvab and joining in February 2009.. |
There are some great beginner plans that will help you get there!!!
General Fitness and Nutritional Guides for Everyone
The 90 Day Beginner Guide to Fitness
Veteran's Fitness - Baby Boomer and a Flat Stomach
Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. If you are interested in starting a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle - check out the StewSmith.com Fitness eBook store and the Stew Smith article archive at StewSmith.com. To contact Stew with your comments and questions, e-mail him at stew@stewsmith.com.
