A few days ago a report released by two public health groups showed that 16 states had a marked increase in adult obesity over the past year. US Surgeon General Dr David Satcher stated this epidemic is a serious problem for the future health of our nation. Why is this happening? Why are Americans becoming more and more overweight and with that more sickly, as the rates of diabetes and heath disease are also on the rise? This remains the case, despite diet and exercise advice being more readily available than ever before. In my opinion, the reason for this “growing” problem is a combination of poor eating habits, less over all physical activity, and common everyday items like computers, and cable TV making our life more sedentary. Simply put, people just do less and eat more. In my book, “Corps Strength” I outline an effective proven method to obtain not only a high level of physical fitness, but a practical way to help you from becoming another overweight statistic. Common sense, effort, and long term planning are the keys to managing your body weight, and you don’t have to exercise 24/7 or starve yourself. No fads, weird diets or before and after picture nonsense, just results. The United States of America has always been a nation of tough, healthy, hearty people. They had to be, not only to win our wars, but to persevere in the peacetime efforts of building and expanding our country. No nation in history has ever prospered when its people were sick and unhealthy. Despite all the advantages of a high tech society, the strength of our nation will always be rooted in the physical vitality of our people and that begins and ends with each individual taking charge of his/her own health. It’s not that hard, just lean into it and you’ll get there. I guarantee it.

Good Luck
MGunz

One of the big “Buzz words” in the fitness industry nowadays (they always need a new buzz word) is Core Training. Before you say it, the title of my book “Corps Strength” is not one of these, as “Corps” relates to my Marine background. However training your Core is very important for those who use their bodies to make a living. Military members, firemen and law enforcement people rely on their Core much more than the average weekend athlete.

But what really is your Core? Many years ago when I had dreams of being a professional fighter (a boxer that is, MMA wasn’t around in the late 70’s) my old school trainer use to preach to us about using our “Core” to generate real punching power. However he never used the word Core, he called it the “Wheel house”. Roughly the area from your belly button to your knees. This is the place where the most powerful muscles of your body hang out; your upper legs, hips, butt and lower back, it’s where knockout power really comes from, not in your arms. But this area doesn’t just help in hitting power but for every important movement in sports as well as for everyday physical work. It needs to be trained and conditioned, for not only brute force but also for endurance, flexibility and remaining injury free. I learned how to do this correctly many years ago and include these methods in my training system. You will never maintain real strength, health and endurance without a well conditioned “Wheel House”. Sorry that I brought back an old buzz word to describe a new one, but to be honest I like the old one better.

Be safe and good luck.
MGunz

One of the most common questions I get about working out is about lifting weights. “Do you lift weights”? Or just do calisthenics? The answer is yes and yes. I do lift weights and highly recommend them for those looking to get into top condition. However, my views on the best way to train with weights has changed a lot over the years. When I was younger I had dreams being a huge body builder like Arnold. I saw Pumping Iron at least 10 x and read and tried every conceivable lifting routine and diet for many years (with mixed results). I also competed in both Olympic and Power lifting competitions. My parents still have the tiny trophy I won in my first lifting competition over 30 years ago. However, after many years of lifting heavy weights (and observing many others) I have come to the conclusion that you don’t need to lift heavy weights (more than your body weight) to get into top condition. In fact, I think that doing so is not worth the risk of the injury that will surely come from doing so over the long term. So unless you are training for a power sport like football or an actual weight lifting contest, I ‘m convinced that using around 1/2 your body weight is the right amount. In my book Corps Strength I outline a way to effectively train with moderate weights. Trust me when I tell you that you can become very strong by using just 1/2 your body weight. I haven’t lifted heavy weights in years but if you note the recent photo (age 50, body weight 170lbs) I’m carrying two men, a flak jacket and two ammo cans full of sand, all with a combined weight of over 400 lbs with no problem. There is a different between gym strength and the strength you need to function in the real world.

PJ Rourke
MGySgt
USMC (Ret)

Corps Strength is our monthly fitness feature by Retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Paul Rourke. He is the author of “Corps Strength” a book based on his lifelong fitness experience.