New year, new health regime... physical training instructor WO2 Chris Leare (RAPTC) lists his top
ten tips for keeping in peak condition while living in confined spaces on operations...
1. The first thing to do is sign out an operational light pack from your regimental quartermaster department. All units are entitled to this excellent selection of fitness equipment – which includes a punchbag, skipping ropes, medicine balls, push-up bars and a TRX Rip trainer – and it will provide plenty of ways to stay in peak condition.
2. Warming up is an essential component of any physical training programme. Even in confined spaces you can easily increase your pulse rate to pump more oxygen around the body, raise the body temperature and switch your muscles on, ready for exertion. Work for approximately ten minutes on mobility and stretching.
3. Don't fall into the trap of just pumping out a standard bench-press as a way to boost your chest strength. Vary the exercise with decline and incline movements to ensure you work the whole pectoral region. The old-fashioned press-up shouldn’t be forgotten – bend arms at a 90-degree angle at the elbow joint, push body up in a solid mass, lock arms out and do not flex at the waist.
Want to know our other seven tips? Read this month's issue for the full list or download the FOB Fitness and Patrol Base Conditioning Guide at www.chris-leare.com