5' 8". I weigh about 218lbs, but I'm trying to get to 186lbs to join the United States Air Force
xgray213
Posts: 39 Member
I'm about 5' 8". I weigh about 218lbs, but I'm trying to get to 186lbs to join the United States Air Force as an active-duty member. I need some tips or advice on how to lose weight quicker so I can get it.
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Replies
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Eat less, move more
Read through the sexypants thread pinned to the top of the "Getting Started" board.
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What do you suggest are the type of food that I should avoid eating and what type of exercise should I be doing?0
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Eat what you like, just less of it. If you are joining the military, you may want to start a running program, because you are about to run your little hiney off.
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This isn't mine, but the dude trog that linked it is awesome. If you follow this advice, you will do well.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974889-in-place-of-a-road-map-short-n-sweet
Follow that thread, read through it carefully, give it a try for a few months and thank yourself later.0 -
Hello, I was in the Air Force from 2008-2012. There's no foods to really avoid eating. Anything will make you gain weight if you eat too much of it. Of course, you can't go wrong with lean meats and vegetables. If you like grilling or grilled food, that's a good way to go.
As far as exercise, start a running program now. Something like Couch to 5K would be really beneficial, and anything else with sprint intervals. Your other main exercises will be things like pushups, situps, flutter kicks, squats, lunges, and other basic bodyweight exercises.
I tell everyone this, though: Prepare yourself as much as you can for the physical aspect of it, but you will still be tested once you get there. Things like pyramid pushups never get easy. For punishment, you'll have to hold your rifle in your arm straight out from your body for minutes on end without flinching.
Start drinking as much water as possible now too. That's something they drill into you from the start.0 -
Oh, also, have you spoken to a recruiter yet? If not, do so now. Your recruiter should be doing everything in his power to get you ready for this. That includes working out with you. If he's not willing to do it, go to a different AF recruiter.0
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Laurend224 wrote: »Eat what you like, just less of it. If you are joining the military, you may want to start a running program, because you are about to run your little hiney off.
This. Also pushups, squats, etc. You might as well get your body used to the idea of getting into very good physical condition. The more you do now the easier boot camp is going to be.0 -
One last question, how long should I do these exercises?0
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One last question, how long should I do these exercises?
Well, endurance is key. For the final test, you're only required to run 1.5 miles, but you will easily run 3-5 miles during your PT sessions. Each PT session is about an hour long, and you'll do it every day. Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays were running days; Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays were strength/calisthenic days.
Bottom line on the calisthenics: Do as many as you can. And then do some more. Pushups were a real problem when I was in, so just make sure you get your recruiter to show you proper form. Do as many as you can correctly.0 -
Which hours are the appropriate time to do the running days and the strength/calisthenic days? Because I'm starting to do some running today.0
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Oh and I did spoke to a recruiter on the phone today and he said that he can't do anything until I meet the exact height and weight requirements. So, I told my parents about it and my stepfather says, "Lose the weight!"0
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Which hours are the appropriate time to do the running days and the strength/calisthenic days? Because I'm starting to do some running today.
Well, if you're concerned about what conditions you'd be exercising in outdoors, it would really depend on what time of year you go in for basic training. Since you haven't enlisted yet, I'd just concentrate on putting the work in and worry less about which hours are appropriate.
But since you asked, AF basic training is only in San Antonio. If you arrive in the summer, be prepared to put in the workouts in some hot weather. You'll workout in the morning, but it'll still be 80-85 degrees at that time. I showed up in the wintertime, and we worked out in the afternoons. It was anywhere between 30-50 degrees (Texas weather is crazy).
As far as what the recruiter said, it's hard for me to believe that he has so many recruits that he can't help you. But if that's the case, he probably just wants to make sure you're serious about it before really investing his time in you. Keep in touch with him (or another recruiter if you wish), ask questions, etc. Show him you mean it, all while losing the weight.0 -
You want to get less than that if you're going to enlist, even with the air force.0
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Eat more whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, multigrain bread instead of plain white), lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu), the good kind of fats (avocado, nuts- just don't go overboard!), more vegetables (the more color in it, the better!), more water. These foods are more filling and give you better nutrition.
Cut out or REALLY limit fast food, fried foods, starchy foods (eat sweet potato instead of reg. potatoes). No soda (not even diet- it makes you crave the bad stuff). Sweets and carbs are also bad.
Also, it helps to keep a pedometer handy- aim for 10000 steps a day and 4-5 days a week with 30 minutes of moderate to intense strength/cardio training.
Make sure you are at a 1000 calorie a day deficit if you want to lose 2 lbs a week. 1500 if you're active to lose 3. More than that and you're not getting enough nutrition.
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Which hours are the appropriate time to do the running days and the strength/calisthenic days? Because I'm starting to do some running today.
Pick whatever time is best for you. Some people prefer in the mornings while others prefer the evenings. You don't want to be full, but you don't want to work out while fasting neither. Make sure to have a lean protein after your work out to help build muscle.
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Oh and I did spoke to a recruiter on the phone today and he said that he can't do anything until I meet the exact height and weight requirements. So, I told my parents about it and my stepfather says, "Lose the weight!"
You're young and you're a guy. You'll lose weight pretty easily.
My son is about 5'10" and when he hit 200 pounds a few years ago at the age of 20 he made the decision to drop some weight and get down to about 170. It took him about 3 months. He used MFP, he stayed within his calorie goals and he ran a few miles every other day. He also plays soccer on the weekends.
The main thing to remember is that the weight loss component of your goal is almost entirely about eating less calories than you burn each day. Do that and you'll drop weight. We're all talking to you about strength training and calisthenics and running and endurance because your ultimate goal is the military where those things are important. How much of them you choose to do is entirely up to you but the more you do the easier it's going to be on you later.
You could easily lose the weight you need just by eating less than you are now. Cut out the junk food, eat more vegetables and lean meats and make sure you are hitting under your calorie goal every day. The problem is, while doing that, your body is shedding muscle along with the fat. You'd go into the military unable to perform well in the physical training part of it. Getting stronger and increasing your endurance now, while you're putting in the time to lose the weight, will put you in a much better place for doing well once you enlist.0 -
I was in Navy and did not physically prepare myself when I enlisted. I wish I had started a running program prior to though because they expected you to be able to run long distances in a short amount of time. We ran in formations, so you could only go as fast as the slowest person - you just do not want to be that slowest person. I would definitely recommend getting in a running program now and also work with a recruiter now. Most recuiters that I know worked out with those trying to get in and those that are enlisted but have not gone to boot camp yet (DEP program).0
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Good morning! I am about to have something for breakfast. But, I just don't know what to have today. Any suggestions?0
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Oh and I did spoke to a recruiter on the phone today and he said that he can't do anything until I meet the exact height and weight requirements. So, I told my parents about it and my stepfather says, "Lose the weight!"
Um....what?
BTW, what do you tape? I made ht/wt approximately 5 times in my 8 year career, but always blew my PT test and tape out of the water.
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Oh and I did spoke to a recruiter on the phone today and he said that he can't do anything until I meet the exact height and weight requirements. So, I told my parents about it and my stepfather says, "Lose the weight!"
Um....what?
BTW, what do you tape? I made ht/wt approximately 5 times in my 8 year career, but always blew my PT test and tape out of the water.
The maximum weight requirement for my height which is 69'' has to be 186lbs.0 -
Oh and I did spoke to a recruiter on the phone today and he said that he can't do anything until I meet the exact height and weight requirements. So, I told my parents about it and my stepfather says, "Lose the weight!"
Um....what?
BTW, what do you tape? I made ht/wt approximately 5 times in my 8 year career, but always blew my PT test and tape out of the water.
The maximum weight requirement for my height which is 69'' has to be 186lbs.
What is your BF%, that's what I'm asking. Unless the service has actually made it harder to get it, you can make tape (BF%) without making weight. I didn't make weight a MEPS, I made tape.0 -
Oh and I did spoke to a recruiter on the phone today and he said that he can't do anything until I meet the exact height and weight requirements. So, I told my parents about it and my stepfather says, "Lose the weight!"
Um....what?
BTW, what do you tape? I made ht/wt approximately 5 times in my 8 year career, but always blew my PT test and tape out of the water.
The maximum weight requirement for my height which is 69'' has to be 186lbs.
What is your BF%, that's what I'm asking. Unless the service has actually made it harder to get it, you can make tape (BF%) without making weight. I didn't make weight a MEPS, I made tape.
I'm not sure what branch you were in, but I think it is branch-specific. When I went through MEPS, I had to meet a weight requirement. Once I was actually in, weight didn't matter. I had to have a certain waist measurement along with passing the running, pushups, and situps portion of the PT test.0 -
hollydubs85 wrote: »Oh and I did spoke to a recruiter on the phone today and he said that he can't do anything until I meet the exact height and weight requirements. So, I told my parents about it and my stepfather says, "Lose the weight!"
Um....what?
BTW, what do you tape? I made ht/wt approximately 5 times in my 8 year career, but always blew my PT test and tape out of the water.
The maximum weight requirement for my height which is 69'' has to be 186lbs.
What is your BF%, that's what I'm asking. Unless the service has actually made it harder to get it, you can make tape (BF%) without making weight. I didn't make weight a MEPS, I made tape.
I'm not sure what branch you were in, but I think it is branch-specific. When I went through MEPS, I had to meet a weight requirement. Once I was actually in, weight didn't matter. I had to have a certain waist measurement along with passing the running, pushups, and situps portion of the PT test.
It must be...Turning away qualified recruits because they weight "too much" is beyond me....0 -
hollydubs85 wrote: »I'm not sure what branch you were in, but I think it is branch-specific. When I went through MEPS, I had to meet a weight requirement. Once I was actually in, weight didn't matter. I had to have a certain waist measurement along with passing the running, pushups, and situps portion of the PT test.
I was in the Army from 1994 to 1997 and folks were kicked out for being overweight. My experience has been Navy was the most relaxed on standards followed by Air Force, Marines was the most stringent. Work with your recruiter (most are always under quota but that depends on the branch, economy, and location - Air Force had the most stringent IQ requirements and normally had their picks). Most branches are in the same location so it may be good to talk to other recruiters but just be up front about it. They are always working with someone to bring them up to minimum standards so maybe you can join the workouts. Be prepared to do morning PE. Also it may not hurt to have a high ASVAB score. Recruiters wouldn't bother if there are many qualifying candidates and each has it's own as well as office quota. It doesn't hurt if you check around. Also check if there is an JR ROTC/ROTC around you can link up. Good luck.
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I saw the other side, guys and girls in various branches (mainly army and marines) who were in trouble because they weren't making weight. Depending on branch, your command, and the current zietgeist, it can be a huge struggle to be military and have weight issues. If you are flagged you can't get medals, promotions, and you can be kicked out. A lot of people were doing ridiculous and unhealthy things to make weight.
I would highly recommend that you think of any changes you make as PERMANENT, REALISTIC, and HEALTHY. You are going to have to keep it up for the duration of your time in the military. Going on crash diets, taking supplements, etc., extremely bad idea. Also make sure that you can maintain BELOW (not right at) the maximum weight. You probably should be looking into how they will do taping too. That could either work in your favor or against you depending on your body shape.0 -
hollydubs85 wrote: »I'm not sure what branch you were in, but I think it is branch-specific. When I went through MEPS, I had to meet a weight requirement. Once I was actually in, weight didn't matter. I had to have a certain waist measurement along with passing the running, pushups, and situps portion of the PT test.
I was in the Army from 1994 to 1997 and folks were kicked out for being overweight. My experience has been Navy was the most relaxed on standards followed by Air Force, Marines was the most stringent. Work with your recruiter (most are always under quota but that depends on the branch, economy, and location - Air Force had the most stringent IQ requirements and normally had their picks). Most branches are in the same location so it may be good to talk to other recruiters but just be up front about it. They are always working with someone to bring them up to minimum standards so maybe you can join the workouts. Be prepared to do morning PE. Also it may not hurt to have a high ASVAB score. Recruiters wouldn't bother if there are many qualifying candidates and each has it's own as well as office quota. It doesn't hurt if you check around. Also check if there is an JR ROTC/ROTC around you can link up. Good luck.
Yes, you can get kicked out of the Army for being "overweight", that would also include failing the BF% test (tape). As I stated in my initial reply, I think I may have made weight a total of 5 times in 8 years, but never had getting "kicked out" or getting flagged even brought up because I was so far under BF% requirements.
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hollydubs85 wrote: »I'm not sure what branch you were in, but I think it is branch-specific. When I went through MEPS, I had to meet a weight requirement. Once I was actually in, weight didn't matter. I had to have a certain waist measurement along with passing the running, pushups, and situps portion of the PT test.
I was in the Army from 1994 to 1997 and folks were kicked out for being overweight. My experience has been Navy was the most relaxed on standards followed by Air Force, Marines was the most stringent. Work with your recruiter (most are always under quota but that depends on the branch, economy, and location - Air Force had the most stringent IQ requirements and normally had their picks). Most branches are in the same location so it may be good to talk to other recruiters but just be up front about it. They are always working with someone to bring them up to minimum standards so maybe you can join the workouts. Be prepared to do morning PE. Also it may not hurt to have a high ASVAB score. Recruiters wouldn't bother if there are many qualifying candidates and each has it's own as well as office quota. It doesn't hurt if you check around. Also check if there is an JR ROTC/ROTC around you can link up. Good luck.
Yes, you can get kicked out of the Army for being "overweight", that would also include failing the BF% test (tape). As I stated in my initial reply, I think I may have made weight a total of 5 times in 8 years, but never had getting "kicked out" or getting flagged even brought up because I was so far under BF% requirements.
AF is similar. Once you're in, they don't really care about the number on the scale as long as you're a good representative of a fit airman while in uniform. Basically, don't look like a fat *kitten* in your dress blues. Anybody that fit that category went to the fat kid flight until they lost weight. Even if they failed their PT test, they had to fail twice in the same year and be recommended by their CO for discharge. It rarely happens.0 -
Yes, you can get kicked out of the Army for being "overweight", that would also include failing the BF% test (tape). As I stated in my initial reply, I think I may have made weight a total of 5 times in 8 years, but never had getting "kicked out" or getting flagged even brought up because I was so far under BF% requirements.girlviernes wrote: »I saw the other side, guys and girls in various branches (mainly army and marines) who were in trouble because they weren't making weight. Depending on branch, your command, and the current zietgeist, it can be a huge struggle to be military and have weight issues. If you are flagged you can't get medals, promotions, and you can be kicked out. A lot of people were doing ridiculous and unhealthy things to make weight.
I actually had to "baby sit" those that were being forced out in my last year of service (made E5 after two years and got all the *kitten* jobs because I was the lowest ranking NCO in my battalion for having the lest amount of time in service). Most were for drug or disciplinary problems but a few was not making standards - weight and fitness.
I got crap for not making tape but was overlooked because my PT test was never under 270ish and I was fit, just can't run fast. And yes, promotion is hard when you can't exceed minimal standards. The DA photo shows all!0 -
I just weighed myself today, and it said that I gain one pound. I figured that it's because I ate a pack of Dr. Pepper flavored Hubba Bubba chewing gum. Guys, I really need some help because I tried to show up for PT yesterday, but the Army recruiter heard from one of the female participants that I talked to them about enlisting into the Air Force and he said that I can't run with them if I'm thinking about joining the Air Force while shadowing the PT program that's only reserved for the Army recruits and people trying to get into the Army.
Any more suggestions?0 -
I weighed myself today and I am a 216lbs.0
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