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Think you need to be ridiculously fit before you can even think about joining the Armed Forces?
The good news is that you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete, but you do need to be prepared to work on your fitness.
If you’re starting from scratch, here’s what you actually need to know.
First things first, don’t compare yourself to the fittest person in the gym. One of the biggest mistakes people make is looking at someone who can run 10K without stopping and thinking:
“There’s no way I could do that.”
That’s not the point, fitness is something you build.
You don’t have to start at the finish line. You just need to start moving in the right direction.
Running
Running is a great way to build cardiovascular fitness and endurance. If you currently struggle to run for five minutes, that’s OK. Start with a combination of walking and jogging and gradually increase the amount of time you’re running. Consistency matters more than trying to smash yourself in one session.
Strength
Military training isn’t just about running, you’ll need strength and muscular endurance too.
Bodyweight exercises such as:
- Squats
- Lunges
- Press-ups
- Planks
- Sit-ups
Can all help you build a solid foundation and you don’t necessarily need an expensive gym membership to get started.
Don’t forget your legs, your legs are going to do a lot of work. Running, walking, climbing, carrying and changing direction all require lower-body strength and endurance. Exercises such as squats, lunges and step-ups can help.
Recovery
Recovery is part of training, more isn’t always better. If you train hard every single day without allowing your body to recover, you can end up exhausted, sore or injured. Rest, sleep, hydration and nutrition all matter. Your fitness will improve and this is one of the most important things to remember.
You might currently be thinking:
“I’m nowhere near fit enough.”
That doesn’t mean you can’t get there.
At MPCT, physical training is a major part of the programme, alongside qualifications, teamwork and employability development. The aim isn’t simply to find people who are already fit, it’s to help learners develop.
So, how fit do you need to be?
The honest answer is, it depends on the Armed Forces role and the stage of the recruitment process you’re working towards. Entry requirements can change, so always check the latest requirements for the specific service and role you’re interested in.
But don’t let your current fitness level stop you from starting, you don’t need to be the fittest person in the room, you just need to be willing to improve.
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