Usually, after 8-9 months of challenging running and calisthenics based workouts (see Solstice Plan), I am ready for a few months of non-impact aerobics of indoor swimming and biking for cardiovascular workout options. However, this year, I have tested out some gear during the 30 degrees days of the past month and feel like pushing it a little during the winter ...

Here is a great question from a sailor seeking to better his PFT run time and has gathered extra information about training with heart rate monitor training. How much emphasis should I put on target heart rate while training for the PRT run? The Navy PRT web page says the target heart rate for my age group (25 years) is 117-146bpm, ...

To lose weight, there are a few factors that you must consider for any weight loss program to be effective. If you remember the following formulas, you should be able to lose weight in a healthy manner and better yet, KEEP IT OFF! Formula #1: Calories OUT > Calories IN = Weight Loss This formula is as basic as weight loss ...

Here is a concerned future military member who is having a tough time with what we all have to conquer when exceeding perceived limits - our own doubts! "Stew, I have a problem - mentally, I think. I am fitter than any time before in my life which my brain knows, but my mind constantly speaks to me that I cannot ...

Here is an email from a military man seeking to get better at his pull-ups and pushups for an upcoming PFT for Special Ops Selection. _Thank you for the 14 day "pull up":http://firelink.monster.com/training/articles/163-pull-up-tips and the "push up routine.":http://firelink.monster.com/training/articles/164-stuck-on-pushups-try-the-pushup-push-workout I did it to the letter, doing on average of a 130 pull ups and 300+ pushups per work out. I went from ...

Many people like to do calisthenics based workouts using pyramids and super set routines. In fact, with the right mix of exercises you can create a perfect workout that balances the entire body. Here is a question that prompted the following article: _Stew,_ _Do you have any lower body workouts in the pyramid form? I would like to put together a ...

*+Flexibility is Key+* First of all, anyone in fire and rescue should be flexible with an ability to move at a moment's notice. After hours of sitting at the firehouse, then jumping out of a truck and pulling someone out of a burning building at full speed can injure even the most athletic individuals. Stretching at least your legs and lower ...

A Navy Chief emailed me about his recent shoulder injury. Sometimes life throws you a curve ball and freak accidents can occur at the strangest of times. He writes: "I am an avid lifter. I lift all the time and have done bodybuilding competitions, so you would think I would be pretty strong. At only thirty years old, I was closing ...

I received several e-mails last week about running faster. A few requested workouts for their 1.5 mile, 2 mile or three mile PFT runs and several were runners who compete 5K and 10K races on the weekends. Since all these distances use relatively the same training philosophy - short distance , faster pace - I decided to answer them all ...

This week, getting better at pull-ups is the subject of many people’s concern. As with the Pushup-Push Workout (linked below), this idea makes little sense physiologically, but it works. You never want to have an extended period of repeating the same exercises day after day, but you can do this workout for ten days, rest for three or four days of ...

Last week, I received an email asking if interval training was a good way to improve speed in your military PFT run. The answer is absolutely. “But what exactly is interval training and how do I determine what speed I should train?” the question continued. There are some general formulas that can help you determine where you should be, but I ...

Whether you are a military, special operations officer, an athlete, or just a regular person seeking to lose weight, all groups experience similar personal obstacles. Those who succeed in their training programs learn to conquer self-doubt. That is the key to fitness! Every day, excited people join fitness clubs determined to attend classes or workout for an hour a day, five ...

After doing research and writing about physical fitness tests for public service agencies for the past ten years, I recognized a common appearance of the 1.5 mile run, pushups, and sit-ups test as a near universal basis for testing fitness levels. The groups who use the Common PFT are the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and more than 50% of federal, ...

We all are susceptible to lower back injuries– military, law enforcement, advanced athlete, beginning exerciser, or sedentary person – we all get back injuries of some sort. The back injuries seen most in doctor’s offices and chiropractic clinics world wide involve the lower back / hip region and can occur from a variety of different causes. According to Dr. Steve Erle ...

If you are like a majority of the people who exercise regularly, often the question of what do you do first - Cardio workouts (Running, swimming, biking, cardio machines at the gym) or Resistance training workouts (lift weights or PT) is discussed. This article will further discuss that question on several different levels. What combination is best for the following common ...

Getting into a running program after an injury or just starting running for the first time ever or many years is very tough. For one, the joints, soft tissues, and bones can all be injured by common “overuse” injuries such as: * Shin Splints * Very Common Knee Tendinitis * Runner's Knee (PFS) * ITB Syndrome * Heel Injuries (Plantar Fasciitis) ...

On average, most people can gain five or more pounds a year. That is why in five short years, people step on a scale and cannot believe they are nearly FIFTY pounds overweight. Weight has a way of sneaking up on you over time. You do not get overweight overnight and you do not lose the weight overnight either. Both take ...

One of my favorite things to do is to workout in the AM and PM. I find often due to my schedule that a tough workout needs to be split into to different workouts in the same day. Here is the question posed: "I would like to know if when I workout in the morning at home, on the days I ...

This week, I had a question that comes from a frustrated exerciser who likes to swim and either cannot make the pool times or the pool is closed at the times he can reserve time in his schedule. Cross-training with other cardio options is always healthy. Runners get injured three times as much as people who cross-train with swimming, biking and ...

As with any cardiovascular activity if you are going to perform for several minutes or even a few hours you need to find a sustainable pace. Here is an email from someone who enjoys running with a group but struggles with running alone: Hey Stew – When I run with my group of friends, I am always faster than when I ...