Interested in Joining the Military, but I'm in terrible shape

Blackjacket101

New Member
This is my first post, so go easy on me. I am a 20 year old male. I am currently going to college part time, as well as working at a part time job that I don't particularly enjoy. I recently ran into an old friend from high school; he joined the Navy after high school, and seems extremely happy and says he is having a great time. I have always been interested in the military, and this has only peaked my interest. The only problem is that I am terrible shape. I am 6ft and weigh 250 pounds, which according to the BMI scale, means I am technically obese. I cannot do either push-ups or pull-ups I am joining my local Planet Fitness, and I want to know what exercises I should do to improve my physique.
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
This is my first post, so go easy on me. I am a 20 year old male. I am currently going to college part time, as well as working at a part time job that I don't particularly enjoy. I recently ran into an old friend from high school; he joined the Navy after high school, and seems extremely happy and says he is having a great time. I have always been interested in the military, and this has only peaked my interest. The only problem is that I am terrible shape. I am 6ft and weigh 250 pounds, which according to the BMI scale, means I am technically obese. I cannot do either push-ups or pull-ups I am joining my local Planet Fitness, and I want to know what exercises I should do to improve my physique.
Best that you speak to a recruiter. They should have the info that you require.
 

old faithful

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
As a 20yo, loosing that weight and getting fit should be pretty easy.
Look at interval training on you tube or the net. You should be able to loose at least 4 lbs a week with ease. Good diet, and plenty of activity. I'm 50and can loose 3-4 lbs a week when I need to, I have a sedentary job now, so put on lbs easy! I swim laps in the pool , 1 hr at a time and walk. But as a 20 yr old, interval training will shed the lbs quicker.
 

KiwiRob

Well-Known Member
This is my first post, so go easy on me. I am a 20 year old male. I am currently going to college part time, as well as working at a part time job that I don't particularly enjoy. I recently ran into an old friend from high school; he joined the Navy after high school, and seems extremely happy and says he is having a great time. I have always been interested in the military, and this has only peaked my interest. The only problem is that I am terrible shape. I am 6ft and weigh 250 pounds, which according to the BMI scale, means I am technically obese. I cannot do either push-ups or pull-ups I am joining my local Planet Fitness, and I want to know what exercises I should do to improve my physique.
Try a strength training program like Stronglifts 5x5, there's an app, this will give you the basics, after you've also taken care of what you eat and lost some weight then start working on your aerobic fitness, running or cycling would work for that. Or if you really want pain and gains ditch Planet Fitness (they don't let you deadlift, squat or lift above your head) find a cross fit box and have at it.
 

Hayal

New Member
First you need its a good diet and follow it, then what you basically gonna do in the gym is train 3 days a week 2 hours or everyday 1 hour, it depends on what better fits you. In the gym what you will do is spend 1 hour and a half doing cardio, you dont need to kill yourself start walking and then footing, and the then the other half hour you must do some musculation exercises to keep the shapy, do one day biceps other legs with abs and other chest to start.
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
This is the NZDF "Get Force Fit" app. It is used here to get recruit applicants up to the required fitness standard. Download it and have a look.
 

Boagrius

Well-Known Member
Although I'm a civilian I did work in the fitness industry up until 5 years ago. Best advice I can give is start developing a sustainable exercise and eating pattern.

If your weight has grown out of control it might be worth considering whether there are some psychological drivers behind that worth facing and addressing, possibly with a psychologist - it can really help. Aside from that, a good dietitian (rather than nutritionist) would be worth consulting. There are some excellent suggestions in this thread re: exercise options already :)

The only caveat to that is that if you've been quite sedentary until now DO NOT expect to be able to launch straight into high octane training. Chances are you'll just injure yourself. Heal your mind, clean up your eating and introduce exercise that challenges you gradually. If you keep the habit consistently you WILL get there!
 
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