Over the past couple of weeks I’ve spent a bunch of time watching the London Olympics. I’m sure most people would agree with me when I say the unreal athletic ability displayed by the men and women competing there is sometimes hard to comprehend as its so far above what the average person can do. Yes, it would have been great to have the talent get to the Olympics, let alone win a medal, but in reality that’s just a dream for the vast majority of us.
That being said, we need to remember that we have people who must be ready to operate at a world class physical level everyday, and these people aren’t blessed with superhuman genetics, unlimited time, and funds for training. They’re our First Responders; Military, Fire-Fighters and law enforcement. Out there in harms way 24/7 protecting lives at home, and overseas in combat zones. Now these everyday hero’s will never be able to run the 100 with Usain Bolt, but I wonder how Bolt would fare humping a 60+lb pack up a rocky hill in Afghanistan, fueled by cold MRE’s, warm water, on only a few hours sleep (not to mention being shot at in the process)? The point is that the physical requirements of First Responders are fundamentally different than Olympic or professional athletes. In addition, they need to preform at their best not just every four years, but everyday, and sometimes, for days on end. To maintain this high level of conditioning over a long career requires a specifically focused system and training mindset. This has always been the goal of my fitness book Corps Strength. Not to get you ready for the decathlon, soccer or water polo, but well prepared to handle the difficult tasks that you may have to deal with everyday. Like hiking with heavy gear, running with equipment or weapons, climbing and lifting (yours and others) body weight over obstacles, just to name a few. My system was designed and tested in the real world, by real people from all different types of working occupations, and it’s been proven an effective and sustainable program. The bottom line is it works and doesn’t require excessive amounts of training time or special equipment. In any case my exercise system probably won’t get you an Olympic medal, but it can help you accomplish the mission and help keep you healthy on the job for years to come. Try it.
Be safe and Semper Fi
MGunz
Tags: Corps Strength
Good post, professional athletes only have to workout and compete. Soldiers must workout and also do regular work not to mention “compete” (war). The stress to win a medal is nothing compared to that of being shot at, shooting at people and protecting others while making sure you also only harm the bad guys and no friendlies. It’s one thing to run, it’s another to do it carrying equipment shooting and communicating with others. The military is the greatest team in the world!