What are some of your favorite ways to physically train / stay fit?

SSG Isaac Tavares — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 16:55:02 -0500

Remaining physically fit while serving in the military will & should always go hand in hand.

So when it comes to staying fit, I'd like to know a few of your favorite physical training regimens / programs and why?.

Maybe we can learn something off each other...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 1:39 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:39:28 -0500

I use Insanity, it has been really useful for me, and I don't have to run 50 miles a week with it.

Response by SSG Isaac Tavares made Nov 14 at 2013 5:00 PM

SSG Isaac Tavares — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 17:00:59 -0500

@SFC Sean S. I wish I could do a little bit more swimming in my program. <div><br></div><div>I currently do Crossfit. It's a training program that is filled with Constantly Varied, High Intensity, Functional Movements. There's a little bit of everything in it: From Olympic Lifts, Bodyweight Movements, Gymnastics, Cardio (Run. Bike. Swim), etc. I absolutely love it!</div>

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 5:04 PM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 17:04:57 -0500

I am currently doing body weight training, You are your own gym, and running roughly 10 miles per week, and 60/120's once a week.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 5:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 17:13:06 -0500

I stay with basics, cardio, pushups and sit-ups. However in order to get those better I do lift weights and use machines at the gym. Simple stupid. You do have to get on a right diet otherwise you are wasting your time. Stay away from soda, fast food and use portion control and drink lost of water with ice.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 5:27 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 17:27:28 -0500

Rock climbing. And pretty much anything involving climbing in general. The nearest rock climbing gym is two hours away, but I make a trip to it at least once every weekend. Once I get my own place off-base, I'm thinking about constructing some home-made obstacles from Ninja Warrior to help me work out. I heard someone in Macon has already built some, but I don't know the person. Love the show, and love making my workouts fun and unique.

I can't stand regular gym exercise. I don't feel like I'm making any progress so I get bored really easily. With rock climbing, I feel like I have an objective.
Short-term: Get to the top.
Mid-term: Get to the top on a 5.10 route.
Long-term: Get to the top on the longest route in the gym.

I've yet to take rock-climbing outside the gym, so I intend to do that someday as well. Perhaps someday I'll do some research into some locations near me.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 10:09 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 22:09:44 -0500

Crossfit!

Response by MAJ Sitz Randy made Nov 14 at 2013 10:53 PM

MAJ Sitz Randy — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 22:53:07 -0500

I was and still am an avid martial arts nut. Krav Maga is my favorite but I also do Taekwondo for the cardio and conditioning. You can do this anywhere...theater or not. I also liked to do body weight training.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 11:05 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 23:05:33 -0500

Jump rope for a minute (less or more depending on fitness level), then a minute of pushups/abs, triceps, etc, minute of jump rope and on it goes. It will blow your heart up, but in a good way. Also beyond what you already own, a decent jump rope only costs $10.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 11:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 23:16:25 -0500

I'm an avid runner.....currently using the Nike+ running app (which I recommend, by the way) and I love it. Hiking, biking, swimming are some of the ways I keep my cardio up and I currently weight train during the week and conduct circuit drills on the weekend.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2013 3:37 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 03:37:01 -0500

On top of PT (which is a joke in my unit) I go to the gym usually 5-6 times a week and use the free weights.

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Nov 15 at 2013 5:21 AM

SPC Matthew Birkinbine — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 05:21:43 -0500

I suck at getting off the couch in my spare time to force myself to workout. What do y'all do to motivate yourself, and convince your family that you WANT to be with them, but you've GOT to get in gear and get out there? On one hand, my wife tells me, you need to get out and start doing more, then when I suggest that I'm going to the gym after work, she says well that's more time away from us! I'm trying to find that delicate balance, and lunch just doesn't seem like enough time.

Response by CPT Gary Valencia made Nov 15 at 2013 9:17 PM

CPT Gary Valencia — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 21:17:35 -0500

I'm a member of the local Crossfit "Box" gym. I also train in bagua (internal Chinese martial art) and ninjutsu (Japanese martial art). I also cross train with other martial arts systems to be well rounded. During the summer months I mountain bike.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2013 10:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 22:19:41 -0500

I love going to the gym to lift weights, it is my break time from reality. Nothing makes you feel better than getting that pump from the gym! I go running on my own to get my cardio in. I cannot stand treadmills or jogging in place I have to hit the pavement and go the distance. Going for a run releases stress as well and makes me feel better afterwards.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 13 at 2013 4:48 PM

SFC James Baber — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 16:48:36 -0500

I still utilize my normal PF standards that I had before I retired and they are just as effective for me now as they were then. I know many Soldiers who utilize what I think is the PPS or PX90 workouts, it was a little to strenuous for my old bones though, but they seemed to like it.

Response by CPT Gary Valencia made Feb 15 at 2014 8:46 PM

CPT Gary Valencia — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 20:46:07 -0500

I do crossfit and practice martial arts. I like the variety of movements and challenge both offer. I like to alternate the power lifting, gymnastics, kettle bell & cardio. During the summer months I mountain bike.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2014 6:56 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 06:56:51 -0500

Snowshoeing. I love hiking and climbing mountains, but nothing will suck more than snowshoeing in some deep powder. It will make you rethink your hobbies!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2014 3:35 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 15:35:45 -0500

Number one is running. There's nothing better than a runners high and it lasts all day long. I also get better sleep and eat better when I run. Number two is doing High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). I don't like to spend a whole lot of time in a gym but I like to stay in shape. HITT is a great way to get a total body workout in a short period of time. Number 3 is biking. As I've gotten older I have to hold myself back from running everyday. I enjoy going for a bike ride. I can't wait for the weather to get better so I can do it more often. I like to swim but I haven't had a whole lot of opportunity to do it. Once I finish out my 1SG time I'll get back into it and will be able to continue to do some small sprint tri's.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2014 4:29 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 16:29:34 -0500

I like lifting heavy STUFF lol!!! I love weight training it gives me a challenge and a good O'l High. I also like doing 400 and 800 meters sprints for 6 to 8 intervals.

Response by Sgt Huy Hoang made Mar 19 at 2014 9:44 AM

Sgt Huy Hoang — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 09:44:40 -0400

I'm a Beachbody Coach that helps people get in shape with programs like P90X. We all have a gotten into great shape from being in the military but I don't think that flexibility or nutrition is cover enough or not at all. So I love the fact that I can help people get in shape but also show them how to be in shape as a lifestyle.

Response by Sgt Huy Hoang made Mar 19 at 2014 9:57 AM

Sgt Huy Hoang — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 09:57:15 -0400

P90X3, is mostly body weight workouts and also a concentration on core exercises. Combine that with a nutrition guide, fantastic results!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 11:20 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:20:40 -0400

I actually improvise using jugs full of water for the various presses. I also walk 2-3 miles each day and plan to jog that in the next few weeks, Eventually walking/running 20 miles.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Mar 19 at 2014 11:21 PM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:21:54 -0400

http://www.trainingforwarriors.com/are-you-ready-for-the-tfw-warrior-challenge/

Anyone else checking out TFW? Opinions???

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Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 5:24 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 05:24:59 -0400

The workouts I create (usually Push,Pull,Rest,Push,Pull with rest on weekends) always work the shoulders, back, and legs directly for strength and endurance. I believe both attributes are important for Soldiers. I love to incorporate PT with IOTV for combat fitness.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 2:31 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 14:31:56 -0400

The newly minted Kwamura Human Performance Center aka Crossfit Ft. Belvor. see you there. End of Story.

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Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 12:39 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 12:39:16 -0400

CrossFit has taken off in the Military and there's a reason for it, it makes sense for people like us. The amount of CrossFit equipment that has popped up in base gyms is great if people could just learn more about proper movement.

I ran into about 4 other military members at my Level One course and I thought that was a great thing. The more knowledge we have out there about fitness, the better. I'm not saying that everyone should do CrossFit, they may not like it, but for most military members, it would be hard to find a better fitness program.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 11:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 11:21:39 -0400

I have done P90X and Insanity. Both are good workouts but my preference is running.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2014 1:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 13:23:55 -0400

I pick things up and put them dooown!

Anything that has Navy Seal in the title. DUH!

Just kidding.

Ranger Athlete Warrior is good.

Thor3. ( http://www.menshealth.com/best-life/mission-save-you )

Spin class will break you off, no joke, and it can be done when weather isnt ideal for running and on active rest days to break up the monotony.

Rucking (not for time) is always good for a semi full body workout, just dont try to do to much and get injured.

Good old fashioned weight training of the main muscle groups.

Good old fashioned core exercises, a weak core effects the whole body.

A good Stretching routine is a must to prevent injury and to help tear down your muscles after a good workout to promote full growth.

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL PATIENCE AND A GOOD DIET,YOUR NOT GOING TO BE HERCULES OVERNIGHT AND YOU CANT OUTRUN YOUR FORK(OR SPOON)!!

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Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Apr 7 at 2014 6:17 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:17:28 -0400

Sir -

I've used P90X and if you have the equipment (not much is required), it is an excellent routine. If you're just using body weight, I've found Super Slow Sevens absolutely crush. Super Slows are, as the name suggests, light weight, with a seven count up, and another seven count return. Minimum of 9 reps; max 13 before moving to a higher weight. For example: 25# bicep curl, 7 count up, 7 count return, minimum 9 reps, max 13. You'll scream after 8.

For abs, nothing I've seen beats Ab Ripper X from P90X.

For cardio, nothing beats intervals on one day, followed two days later with long steady distance. If you're trying to improve your run time and are having mechanical issues - try the Newton shoes. They have these lugs in the ball of the foot that keep you running on your toes rather than striking heel-first. Makes a HUGE difference.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made May 6 at 2014 9:37 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Tue, 06 May 2014 21:37:10 -0400

Sleeping until I wake up, do work I enjoy, don't sweat the small stuff, and walk the dogs several times a day. And eat half of what you used to-and forget your Italian pasta heritage.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 10:47 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 10:47:30 -0400

TRX suspension system. You can take it anywhere. It is a total body/core workout.
It comes with a 12 week program, but they also have different workouts that you can download from their site to include apps for smartphones. Right now I have the 30 minute Military Workout. I can do it 23 min, therefore I rest 3min and do a 2nd round.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2014 8:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 May 2014 08:29:21 -0400

I haven't done it myself, but a couple NCOs in my platoon just completed the Master Fitness Training and they came back with a lot of good knowledge that has been pretty helpful in getting us to work out smarter.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made May 16 at 2014 8:57 AM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Fri, 16 May 2014 08:57:10 -0400

The Navy has a program called FEP - Fitness Enhancement Program. I'm sure all branches have the same type of thing, its for people that can't pass the PRT or are considered over weight.

I ran the swim portion of FEP for my last command, and I enjoyed it immensely. So much, in fact, that even though retired, I still get in the pool 4-6 times a week.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2014 2:26 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 14:26:52 -0400

Kickboxing, muay thai, weightlifting

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2015 7:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 07:03:42 -0400

It seems like every year/couple of years, a new fad diet or exercise regimen comes out that is supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread. P-90X, TRX, CrossFit, low-carb, no carb, Paleo.

I hate CrossFit, mostly because the cult following it has. Honestly, most (PLEASE NOTE MOST, NOT ALL) people that do CrossFit do it wrong, load more weight than they can handle, and are destined to hurt themselves if they haven't already. What is the point of trying to squat 600 lbs. when your form sucks? You aren't getting what you can out of it.

Personally, I stick to traditional weight lifting. It works.