After the new Army Combat Fitness Test was announced, I saw that I needed a new workout plan to match the expectations of the new test. Where the old test was three events; push-ups, sit-ups, and a two mile run, the new test is six different exercises including a new modified and harder push-up and two mile run. I new that I would have to rethink my training to match the new test.
I’m not changing my running, because I am fine in that area. I will continue to run several half-marathons, if they are available. The train-up for these is enough to keep me running. I also enjoy running, so that helps. I run Monday, Friday, and Saturday, with Wednesday and Sunday as flexible run days. Most of the time, I run 3-4 miles, but on Saturday, I try to run a long run of 5 plus, depending on training requirement and time.
What I am changing is my strength training. I’ve never been very serious about strength training. I did it to pass my PT test. I cannot get by with a daily dozen of push-ups and sit-ups any more—I must step it up. And that’s a good thing and, apparently, by design. After some discussion and investigation, I went into the nearest gym and worked my way through each Nautilus machine inside. I set each machine to lift 35 pounds, except for the pull machine and the leg press, which I weighted 155lbs (counter weight) and 100lbs respectively. The I read through the instructions and began to do 10 repetitions at a time. I went through the entire circuit of about eight machines three times and conclude each time with push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. This is beginning to get easier as I have worked for about three or four weeks. So, next week, I will move the weight up to 50lbs. This is becoming more and more rewarding and I am beginning to look forward each week to my Tuesday and Thursday sessions in the gym.
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Photo by Kaka Sandhu on Unsplash