Quote:
|
Originally Posted by ccrn
Im old school so have always been biased towards body weight fitness such as pushups, pullups, situps, and run run run.
Now serving in Iraq with most soldiers in my unit half my age I see that almost all the PT studs that max their APFT (and more) are mostly training with weights. When questioned most of these guys are only doing tradiional pushups on chest day or a couple of weeks before an APFT. This means they are only doing pushups about twice a week compared to my five days a week. They are still doing situps with modifications such as decline bench etc.
Since being here I included a leg workout that I do every few days (standing squat, front squat, leg curls, leg extentions) as I feel it directly applies to military fitness. Ive noticed a difference.
I feel like Ive hit a plateau with bodyweight only training so am strongly considering hitting a gym in a serious way starting in the next few days then continuing when I return CONUS. Ill still contiue bodyweight training and ropes etc. Running is a given so Im not discussing that here.
Of course I realize that in primative environments that you cant take a weight gym with you.
Having said all that, my question is: How many of you Bubbus, particularly guys in the pipeline and currently in units, are using weights to maximize your strength as it applies to military fitness (not beach muscles)?
Do you notice a majority of you hitting the gym or is it the other way around?
How are you guys incorporating bodyweight training into your weight lifting?
Thanks for any input-
Mods please feel free to delete if not appropriate.
|
CCRN:
Like Jack Moroney, I have lifted weights for my Army career and still lift nine years into retirement from the Army. Also like Jack, I ain't 'Bubba'.
'Bodyweight' meaning using your body weight for resistance? Unless you gain more body weight, you probably won't gain any more strength. Never used it as it won't add body weight or the type of brute strength a fellow needs to carry heavy loads short distances. I would rather spend twenty minutes doing some heavy sets on the flat and incline bench than spend twenty minutes doing push ups. Take my word for it, you will gain more strength using weights than your own body weight.
I used to have to train up for a PT test as I lifted more than ran. Would start running wind sprints about a month from a PT test and that was enough to get me through the two mile run in a respectable time.
I still lift and yes, I do cardio. As I destroyed my back, feet, and knees while in the Army due to a combination of excessively long runs (mandated) and excessively long and very fast ruck sack marches (also mandated), I can't run as much as I would like. So I bought a rowing machine and now will run a mile and then row a mile or two three times a week. However, I lift five days a week and have done so for going on about 28 years now.
I have yet to hear someone who isn't living in a dream world give a logical reason why someone in the Army is in shape only if he can run five miles in 35 minutes or ruck march twenty miles in five hours. If our Army is ever reduced to having to speed march with full kit, it means we have already lost the war.
Oh yes, there is no difference in muscles between those who are Bodybuilders and those who are Power or Olympic lifters. I lift weights and am not a body builder but take my word for it, a body builder who is competitive and doesn't take drugs is one tough and very powerful Muldoon. I have watched them go through a leg routine numerous times. Sets of heavy squats, hack squats, leg presses, calf raises, etc. They have immense power and stamina.
The problem with the Army and its PT is that the right thing for a Combat Arms outfit to focus on is in fact resistance training with weights. However, there simply isn't enough gear to allow for any sort of progress in terms of entire units so the Army settles on things that don't require equipment.
My idea of PT for the Combat Arms would be something like 'Worlds Strongest Man' competitions. Easy to support -- just get a bunch of 50 - 100 pound round stones (BFR's is OK) , Beer Kegs filled with water, a couple of 1/2 ton trailors, and maybe a Stryker or two for towing.
Gene