Army fitness preparation (Preferably UK experience)

Plumbkinpie

As the title suggests I'm hoping to become a combat medic in the British army. It was my "click" that got my head into gear and motivated me to lose weight. I'm working very hard on my fitness as I want to be in decent shape before I start so I'm not struggling and pulling everyone else back. I can run the 1.5miles in around 13.30 so I'm currently working on that, as well as push-ups, sit-ups and cycling (getting 20km done in around 36mins). I'm female so I know the entry requirements are lower, but if we're all training at the same level I want to be on par.

I'm just looking for people who have experience in the army and basic training for advice (preferably in British as its more relevant but any advice is welcome!!). I would love to know what you struggled with and what to prepare for fitness-wise.

mustgetmuscles1

http://www.amazon.com/Official-British-Army-Fitness-Guide/dp/085265118X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232375182&sr=8-1

MeanderingMammal

I'm on my tablet just now but will come back to this later. There are several threads where this is covered but I'll type up more detail. For context, I'm ex regular, current reservist with experience of Army and RN/ RM recruiting operations.

As a starter take a look at the Army website and if you have a smartphone I'd recommend downloading the Army Fit app.

Plumbkinpie

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

I'm on my tablet just now but will come back to this later. There are several threads where this is covered but I'll type up more detail. For context, I'm ex regular, current reservist with experience of Army and RN/ RM recruiting operations.

As a starter take a look at the Army website and if you have a smartphone I'd recommend downloading the Army Fit app.

Thank you! I have the Army Fit app and am using it, I'm looking for more personal experiences and perhaps things that you aren't told that I should prepare for. :-)

MeanderingMammal

Have you already attended ADSC? I can't recall the threshold time for CMT at the moment.

What I'd suggest is working up to 5Km, rather than concentrating on the 2.4Km for the fitness test. You'll be doing a lot of running at ATR so it's best to have quite a lot in reserve, essentially the easier you find the phys, the easier you'll find the classroom work.

As far as strength work is concerned, again in training you'll do a lot of bodyweight work, so it's worth preparing. I find it useful to use a structured plan, something like You Are Your Own Gym or Convict Conditionng would be useful. That'll allow for progression, rather than being a bit directionless.

The cycling is useful cross training, it'll help keep your aerobic fitness progression alongside the runs, but ease your risk over injury.

cingle87

I'm in the same place as you, however I'm hoping to join the RAF, currently using 100% army fit app, it made by the MOD as the title say to get 100% army fit. Takes you stage by stage in increasing you fitness levels.