What can I do to prepare my self...

[Marine_wannabe]

What can I do to prepare my self physically for boot,

sit-ups
pull-ups
push-ups
running

what else?

[hvtino87]

if you can get to an indoor pool they are a great work out. also studying will help a lot

[marine4life]

Stretching will help tremendously

[Trapper]

Don't forget that a huge portion of boot camp is mental. Get in a great mindset, and have good confidence in yourself. The right mental attitude goes a long way in boot camp. Study your general Marine Corps knowledge. Learn the General Orders, things like that. All these suggestions will help you succeed in boot camp.

[Marine_wannabe]

I weigh about 290, I can't do push-ups even if I wanted too, don't know about pull-ups, I can do a few sit-ups, running well I tired pretty quick, there isn't a indoor pool to around here so I'm SOL with that, what can I do to get the weight off quick and to get motivated?

[Trapper]

Well, remember, too quick of a weight loss is not good for you, the Docs can confirm or deny that. But also remember this: If you want to be a Marine, then you have to have the right mindset. That includes telling yourself you HAVE to get the weight down, HAVE to get the basic PFT scores up. You are 16 according to the profile, so you have some time. How tall are you? What is the max weight allowable for your height? You could do it in steps. Set reachable weight loss goals. I want to lose 20 lbs by the end of Spring. That is reachable. Then set a new one. I need to lose 30 more to make weight, and hav a year to graduation. OK I lose 15 by Christmas then 15 more by summer. It is a lot easier mentally to lose 10 or 15 lbs than to look at it as having to lose 30 or 50 lbs. Keep doing the exercises. Keep practicing dead hang pullups. Keep doing crunches, etc. You will get better. Look at the guy John on here, I think 7 Yearslater's guy. He lost a ton of weight, becasue he wanted to and had to to enlist/reenlist. Or was that Tino? Anyway, the first part is in your head. The moto is in you, the desire to become a Marine. Set your mind and don't let a little hard work, ok a lot, get you away from what you want to achieve. Mental is in you, bro. You CAN do it, and we here will support you the best we can.

[Marine_wannabe]

Thanks Trapper you are a big insperation to me, by the way I'm 6'3"

[lima33doc]

Well, remember, too quick of a weight loss is not good for you, the Docs can confirm or deny that. But also remember this: If you want to be a Marine, then you have to have the right mindset. That includes telling yourself you HAVE to get the weight down, HAVE to get the basic PFT scores up. You are 16 according to the profile, so you have some time. How tall are you? What is the max weight allowable for your height? You could do it in steps. Set reachable weight loss goals. I want to lose 20 lbs by the end of Spring. That is reachable. Then set a new one. I need to lose 30 more to make weight, and hav a year to graduation. OK I lose 15 by Christmas then 15 more by summer. It is a lot easier mentally to lose 10 or 15 lbs than to look at it as having to lose 30 or 50 lbs. Keep doing the exercises. Keep practicing dead hang pullups. Keep doing crunches, etc. You will get better. Look at the guy John on here, I think 7 Yearslater's guy. He lost a ton of weight, becasue he wanted to and had to to enlist/reenlist. Or was that Tino? Anyway, the first part is in your head. The moto is in you, the desire to become a Marine. Set your mind and don't let a little hard work, ok a lot, get you away from what you want to achieve. Mental is in you, bro. You CAN do it, and we here will support you the best we can. I can confirm that losing weight too fast is very bad. I really don't have too much too add, except a great moto work out DVD is Semper Fit.

[Marine_wannabe]

Whats the best diet plan?

[Trapper]

Whats the best diet plan?Talk to a doctor about eating healthily. Stay away from junk food. Working out will help the weight come off and help in the PFT scores. Running is not easy at first, but hang in there. Run a little bit, say 12 miles at a time then after a week or so, push yourself to a mile and a half. Add half miles every week or two and you will be fine. After a while, you will be able to increase your pace more, and cut down time. You will start noticing a big difference in your endurance. You will see even more endurace as the weight comes off. What is the max weight for your height? What is your height is what I meant.

[lima33doc]

Whats the best diet plan? What are you eating now? It is best to know a base line so I can tell you what to do.

[Marine_wannabe]

Lima33doc: The basic junk food (chips, sodas, candy bars) every now and then, but basicly cereal or oatmeal for breakfeast, pizza bits or hot pockets for lunch, veggie soup, or pork chops with corn and stewed potatos, or spaghetti, and sometimes pizza on friday night.

Trapper: What is my max weight? I don't understand what your asking, please explane.

[Trapper]

Lima33doc: The basic junk food (chips, sodas, candy bars) every now and then, but basicly cereal or oatmeal for breakfeast, pizza bits or hot pockets for lunch, veggie soup, pork chops with corn and stewed potatos, spaghetti, and sometimes pizza on friday night.

Trapper: What is my max weight? I don't understand what your asking, please explane.
Hmmm lot of carbs...not the best angle...
As for max weight, the Corps has a standards chart for height vs weight. For example, I am 6-5 My max weight for regs is 232 lbs. If I was still in, I would be a little over regs. Here is a link (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marines/l/blweightmale.htm):

[Marine_wannabe]

Ok my max weight is 214lbs.

[lima33doc]

Lima33doc: The basic junk food (chips, sodas, candy bars) every now and then, but basicly cereal or oatmeal for breakfeast, pizza bits or hot pockets for lunch, veggie soup, or pork chops with corn and stewed potatos, or spaghetti, and sometimes pizza on friday night.

Trapper: What is my max weight? I don't understand what your asking, please explane. Since you are only 16, and have time, there really is no need for you to go on any kind of "crash" diets. Those are not healthy anyway. Basically, you need to find a way to balance your fat and carbs intake. You do not want to complete eliminate either of these, because you need both. The easiest way to start, watch yuor portions. If you normally down an entire large pizza on a Friday night (not saying you do, but using that as an example), then cut it in half. If you cut your portions, and increase how much water you drink, then you will not feel so hungry. Also, if you are excersing during all of this, then you will not get as hungry. As you need to eat less, then you can focus on the "what" to eat. Now if you want to cut all of that and just get straight to eating right and eating less, then you want to get on some type of program. The one that I have heard recommended the most by Doctors is Weight Watchers. I myself have started it, and it is actually fairly easy to follow and maintain. Thjere really is no "off limits" foods like there is with other plans.

[intreker05]

Also, you can get healthy options of what you're already eating. If you like spaghetti, make it with whole wheat pasta. Get a veggie pizza with whole wheat crust or a crispy crust pizza. Instead of potatoes, eat a green veggie. (I love potatoes, but they aren't super good for you, same with corn, they're just a lot of starch. Try sugar snap peas instead.) Eat fish once a week, but try not to eat things with breading. For lunch eat something like a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread with honey mustard. Instead of chips and junk food, keep trail mix, soy nuts, cottage cheese, and beef jerky on hand. For breakfast, stick with cereal but add some fiber as well, which will keep you feeling fuller, longer. Try a glass of OJ, a piece of fruit, some cottage cheese (an oz or so since it is kind of high in fat but has some great protein). There's a ton of good food out there. You just have to take some initiative. Also, eat four or five small meals a day, not three big ones and then snacks. Or, eat three meals a day, but make sure you have one snack between each meal that's high in protein and fiber. Limit yourself to that snack only, though. This will keep you from grabbing the potato chips and then an hour later going for the Oreos.

[Marine_wannabe]

So I can just eat less and still lose weight?
And I should eat greens instead of potatos right?

[Sgthawk0612]

All the above are great ideas, tips to get you going..and there are plenty of posts from people such like yourself, so take a look at the previos posts, and that should answer the majority of your questions, i have said it before and i will say it again, as long as you aren't a couch patato, and you have a decent physical outlook about you the physical tests that boot camp throws at you, you shouldn't have a problem with. It is the mental side of the house that you can't really prepare for. You can study all the knowledge in the world time and time again, and you can run mile after mile, how ever if you are not mentally ready to take on a permanent change...you have a lot ahead of you. Semper fi, and good luck to you and the rest of the poolies on this blog
__________________
Sgt Kulowiec:D:D

[intreker05]

So I can just eat less and still lose weight?
And I should eat greens instead of potatos right?

To lose weight you have to burn more calories than you consume, but, at the same time that will only work if you make healthy choices about foods. Green veggies, beans, tomatoes, peppers, and fruits are always going to be a better choice than fatty foods, greasy things, lots of cheesy pizza. Choose lean cuts of meat instead of hot dogs and grill whenever you can instead of bake. If you sit on the sofa all day though, even with a healthy diet, you'll still gain weight. Try to do half an hour of physical activity a day, six days a week. Start out with walking, or find a sport to play, I'm partial to soccer, but that's just me. Best of luck to you.

[Trapper]

Ok my max weight is 214lbs.
6'2" at 16 years old!?! Holy Cow that's a big boy. Do you have a lot to lose? You will lose more in boot camp, btw.

[Marine_wannabe]

Is it safe to run in the cold?

[lima33doc]

Is it safe to run in the cold?Run all the time...the cold will not stop you from running in the Corps... "Safe to run in the cold????" sheesh...what do you think this is...the Chair Force?????lol

[intreker05]

6'2" at 16 years old!?! Holy Cow that's a big boy. Do you have a lot to lose? You will lose more in boot camp, btw.

I always hear this, but I've also heard people say they gained in boot camp because they were consuming more calories than they normally did and were building muscle as well. So I don't know if I'd use that as a concrete statement of certainty. I guess it would depend on body type, habits before boot, and what kind of shape you're in.

[hmxsgt]

I always hear this, but I've also heard people say they gained in boot camp because they were consuming more calories than they normally did and were building muscle as well. So I don't know if I'd use that as a concrete statement of certainty. I guess it would depend on body type, habits before boot, and what kind of shape you're in.

I agree, I was 135lbs when I entered Boot camp, I was 175 the day I walked off base. Of course I was not overweight and my max was 192

I thought he said he was 6'3" which would be 220lbs max. Whatever he says he's 290 now, I guess the one question that no one has really asked are you at 290 because of muscle, or is it extra weight? I had a Lcpl that was in my helicopter training class that I would say was maybe 5'3" and easily weighed 210. He was a house and probably had prob. 6-10% body fat. He obviously had to get waivers as he was about 60lbs overwieght, and he was not treated as a fatbody in bootcamp.

At any rate, you say you can't do sit-ups, pull-ups, and you've only tried to run real quick. If you are serious about doing this, you need to get out there and excercise, ya it's true that Boot is mainly mental, but if you don't have it physically, then the mental part is that much harder. The more you hit these excercises the more you'll be able to do.

[Marine_wannabe]

I agree, I was 135lbs when I entered Boot camp, I was 175 the day I walked off base. Of course I was not overweight and my max was 192

I thought he said he was 6'3" which would be 220lbs max. Whatever he says he's 290 now, I guess the one question that no one has really asked are you at 290 because of muscle, or is it extra weight? I had a Lcpl that was in my helicopter training class that I would say was maybe 5'3" and easily weighed 210. He was a house and probably had prob. 6-10% body fat. He obviously had to get waivers as he was about 60lbs overwieght, and he was not treated as a fatbody in bootcamp.

At any rate, you say you can't do sit-ups, pull-ups, and you've only tried to run real quick. If you are serious about doing this, you need to get out there and excercise, ya it's true that Boot is mainly mental, but if you don't have it physically, then the mental part is that much harder. The more you hit these excercises the more you'll be able to do.

It's both muscle and extra weight, I've been lifting 45lbs since I turned 16 (aug. 1st), thanks, guys ya'll been a huge help.;)

[hmxsgt]

It's both muscle and extra weight, I've been lifting 45lbs since I turned 16 (aug. 1st), thanks, guys ya'll been a huge help.;)

Lifting 45lbs?..................

[Marine_wannabe]

Lifting 45lbs?..................

I've been lifting 45lb wieghts

[hmxsgt]

I've been lifting 45lb wieghts

Well I figured that, but concentration curls, hammer curls, bench press. I understand that you'd be lifting with 45 lbs, but depending on what your doing 45lbs may be great or it may be horrible. Thats why I asked

[lima33doc]

Well I figured that, but concentration curls, hammer curls, bench press. I understand that you'd be lifting with 45 lbs, but depending on what your doing 45lbs may be great or it may be horrible. Thats why I asked I just thought that it meant he had a really big Melon...lol

[hmxsgt]

I just thought that it meant he had a really big Melon...lol

Or a lot of homework every day

[Marine_wannabe]

I just thought that it meant he had a really big Melon...lol

Or a lot of homework every day

nope just a big belly

[atomic57]

Keep this in mind in boot camp you are going to be ding a lot of running EVERYWHERE, so start now on EGA day we watched all 470 of them run 3 miles. That was the best advice I gave my grandson. Also Talk to your local recruiter see about becoming a poolie.

[Marine_wannabe]

What is a poolie, and is there anyway I can to boot camp even if I'm still to big when the time comes?

[Mustang06]

Is it safe to run in the cold?

Wow is is safe to run in the cold?, of course it is!!! I was at OCS last year in Quantico, Va and it was freezing and we still trained. If you want to be a Marine you have to be able to train and fight in every clime or place. So you better start pounding the pavement or if not just go see the airforce recruiter.

Lt Wurinaris

[Marine_wannabe]

sorry guys my mind went blank when I asked that question, I completely forgot about that.

[Marine_wannabe]

What is a poolie, and is there anyway I can to boot camp even if I'm still to big when the time comes?

[PooleeRogers08]

If you are overweight when you go to MEPS to become a Poolee they will give you a designated amount of time that you must lose that weight in to leave for boot camp. I was overweight BEFORE going to MEPS, and I lost 17 pounds in 10 days.(Which is ironic seeing as my BMI is only 12%.) My advice to you, RUN RUN RUN.

[Marine_wannabe]

will eating serving sizes of food at each meal, help me lose weight?

[lima33doc]

will eating serving sizes of food at each meal, help me lose weight? what do you mean by serving sizes. Basically you need to watch your portions as well as what you eat. Eating too much of anything is just as bad for you as eating a smaller amount of junk.

[Trapper]

what do you mean by serving sizes. Basically you need to watch your portions as well as what you eat. Eating too much of anything is just as bad for you as eating a smaller amount of junk.Junkie stuff, that is. You could eat 6 cups of carrots and it is not going to hurt you. But eating 3 Big Macs is...get it?

[Marine_wannabe]

I've quit eating junk food, and quit drinking sodas all together, and started drinking water, and started eating healthy foods, and I run and exercise, and I've lost 10lbs

[Trapper]

I've quit eating junk food, and quit drinking sodas all together, and started drinking water, and started eating healthy foods, and I run and exercise, and I've lost 10lbsKeep doing that. That is a great start. Is it getting easier to do that stuff? If not it will, and the weight will come down. Drinking a lot of water is very good for you. Regular water, that is. I think some of the carbonated water, etc has sweeteners you don't really need. If you cannot stand plain water, I think a lemon wedge would be ok to add.

[Marine_wannabe]

It is slowly getting easier but it is getting easier, plain water doesn't taste the best but I'm slowly getting use to it,

[Trapper]

It is slowly getting easier but it is getting easier, plain water doesn't taste the best but I'm slowly getting use to it,
For me, cold water is best. If you refridgerate a bottle or two, you could carry that with you to drink on the run or if you break at all for exercise in between.

[lima33doc]

Keep doing that. That is a great start. Is it getting easier to do that stuff? If not it will, and the weight will come down. Drinking a lot of water is very good for you. Regular water, that is. I think some of the carbonated water, etc has sweeteners you don't really need. If you cannot stand plain water, I think a lemon wedge would be ok to add. Take ice cold water and add lemon...or lemon juice...sort of like a not too sweet lemonade. Another option is too freeze a couple of bottles of water. That way you always have it ice cold.

[usmc93]

The best way for me to lose weight for wrestling is as the others said is to run! Try running with a sweatshirt on or sweats it helps you sweat more which is water weight. Don't know how healthy that is. And try gradually working up doing push ups, sit ups etc. The hardest thing for me is watching my portions. I am 5'7'' and weigh 127 but go down to 125 before a match. But I tend to eat a lot. you should also eat 2 hours before bed. Also see if your school has a JROTC program or if you can do PT at your local recruiting office.

[Marine_wannabe]

how can I build my stamina?

[lima33doc]

how can I build my stamina?Sprints are the easiest way to build stamina. Mix sprints in with gradually increasing the distance you run.

[8404]

...Run a little bit, say 12 miles at a time....

Lol Trapper, I think that may have been a typo 12 MILES to start?

Sorry, just have some funnin

Hey get with Marine recruiters and work out with them when they do PT as well.

Everyone else has provided excellent advise. You have to GET YOUR BODY MOVING and reduce the food intake. Cease on goodies and sodas, no sweets! Watch portion sizes. You're doctor should be able to help with these types of things.

It's not impossible so get focused and get motivated. Finding a friend to do it with is also a great help.

[Trapper]

Lol Trapper, I think that may have been a typo 12 MILES to start?
No typo, just funning here, too. LOL!

[gunga55]

but it wouldn't hurt to run 12 miles at a time

[Marine_wannabe]

I haven't lost anymore weight since the 10lbs, I've been running every day, eating right, and drinking nothing but water, why am I not losing any weight?

[Trapper]

I haven't lost anymore weight since the 10lbs, I've been running every day, eating right, and drinking nothing but water, why am I not losing any weight?
Are you lifting, too? If you are, then you may be gaining muscle weight, so the fat weight you are losing is being replaced. What is your max weight again?

[Marine_wannabe]

My max is 214, and no I haven't been lifting

[8404]

Do not starve yourself. The human body is extremely efficient. If you eat only one meal a day, the human body says, hey, he's starving me again....consequently the human body will store ALL of that one meal as FAT!

Moral of the story, eat often and very small portion sizes. Stay away from sugars from sodas, candy bars and desserts.

Eat from the major food groups. Eat only things that show a nutritional label, "Calories from Fat" as being 20 or less.

Correct portion sizes, I can't stress that enough. No full dinner plates covered with a mountain of spaghetti.

Stay off of red meat, eat fish or chicken/turkey breast and vegetables. Don't use oil to cook, use cooking sprays with zero FAT. No frying for gosh sakes.........only grilled or baked.

Stay away from salad dressings, use balsamic vinegar if you need something on it. Only skim milk.

Then walk, walk, walk or if you can handle it, run, run, run. Lift some weights but don't go all moto on doing it either.

You should be losing weight. Don't go by weight scales, go by how your clothes fit. If you need smaller sizes, you're doing the right things.

It is possible that when you exercise, you will build muscle which weighs more than FAT. But you said you aren't currently exercising.

Give that a try and report back to us in two weeks.

No Alcohol at all, way to fattening.

[Marine_wannabe]

the reason I haven't been exercising is to see if I was losing weight, but I haven't, I'll keep exercising, eating right and walking/running, I'll report back in 2 weeks

[gunga55]

make sure you eat breakfast it gets the body started and out of starvation mode

[BrotherMick]

Get the weight down. Running is something that you can do just about anywhere. Start off with short distances and slowly increase distances over time. The time it takes is not important at first. You want to build up your endurance first and increase the distance. As your endurance increases, then your time will automatically start to drop.

When not exercising, study. Normal school subjects are just as important as Marine Corps topics, but keep in mind, the further ahead of the other recruits you are when going into boot camp, the more advantage you will have.

And if you have access to rifles and a range, practice. Remember, ALL Marines are riflemen. Prove to everyone that you can do it. Good luck. Would love to have you as a brother one day. Micky:flag-marines::rankm-sgt:

[gunga55]

And if you have access to rifles and a range, practice. Remember, ALL Marines are riflemen. Prove to everyone that you can do it. Good luck. Would love to have you as a brother one day. Micky

If not don't worry about it you will be taught the proper way to shoot in boot camp. I am not sure if shooting prior will help or not.

[Marine_wannabe]

I got guns and about 20 acres to shoot on, but I'm not the best shot, but it will improve.

[gunga55]

find a Marine to give you pointers in boot camp you will be shooting at 200,300,& 500 yards most civilians think 100 yards is a long shot

[Marine_wannabe]

well I gave it longer than two weeks but I only lost 5lbs and I've been exercising, eating right and walking/running, can someone explain why I'm not losing weight like I should be?

[kmarier2001]

Losing weight takes time. There is no "easy" or "quick" way to do it, unfortunately. I've seen a lot of people who have a hard time losing weight, succeed with using a diet designed for diabetics. You might try that. A good thing to start with is called the Glycemic Index, which tells you about the foods that are good for you, the ones that are not good but not bad and then the ones that are downright bad for you. Here's a link to a good site to learn about it:

http://www.glycemicindex.com/


In the meantime, keep doing what you are doing and don't get frustrated and give up! Your hard work will pay off, it may just take some more time. Good luck and keep your chin up:)

[lima33doc]

No...there is no "easy" weight loss solution. If there was, everyone would be skinny. Unfortunately, it is all about your metabolism. If you have a slower metabolism that someone else, then you are going to take longer to lose weight. Of course the flip side to that is if you are exercising, then your fat can be turning into muscle, and muscle weighs more than fat. You need to have some sort of BMI test done to see where your Body Fat percentage is.

[Marine_wannabe]

Just to give an update, I'm still eating right, running 00.6 miles (not sure about the distance I think my pedometer is broke) a day when I'm not working, I can do 40 sit-up/crunches, and no pull-ups. Ok now I have a question, if I'm not able to run the 3 miles in time or not able to reach the min. pull-ups or sit-ups/crunches will I be kick out, and would I be kicked out for not being able to complete anything else?

[gunga55]

You have a year left at least keep plugging away 12 blocks should be a mile but that isn't always true. Stop by and see the recruiter and he should be able to give you some pointers on pull ups. Stop by and see him anyway always good for a little motivation.

[Marine_wannabe]

I've lost 5lbs just by working 3 days a week, with 2 days of running, push-ups, sit-up/crunches, I slowly see the weight coming down, thanks to all that have helped motivate me to stay strong with losing the weight.

[marine4life]

Also, alot of the fat will turn into muscle

[Marine_wannabe]

I hurt my knee two weeks ago so I couldn't work or run it hurt so bad, so I did push-ups, sit-ups, and lifted weights, and I gained 15lbs just by all push-ups, sit-ups, and weight lifting I did.

[Marine_wannabe]

I think I asked this before but I'm not sure, if I can't run three miles, or do enough sit-ups or pull-ups, will I be kick out of boot camp, and if I do (God forbid i do) will I be able to enlist again?

[lima33doc]

I think I asked this before but I'm not sure, if I can't run three miles, or do enough sit-ups or pull-ups, will I be kick out of boot camp, and if I do (God forbid i do) will I be able to enlist again?
That I can say I honestly say, I do not know. I do know that you still have a while before you neeed to start worrying about Boot Camp. Just keep pushing yourself and asking for advice.

[Marine_wannabe]

Can someone tell me what stretches I should do?

[lima33doc]

Can someone tell me what stretches I should do? Honestly, the best advice I can give you is to get the DVD Semper Fit. it includes stretches, Daily 9, and several other things you can do. It can all be done at your own pace.

[Marine_wannabe]

how flat is the ground at MCRD Parris Island?

[Trapper]

Honestly, the best advice I can give you is to get the DVD Semper Fit. it includes stretches, Daily 9, and several other things you can do. It can all be done at your own pace.
Are you getting commision on this DVD? LOL! Honestly, it is a good one from what I hear. As for the ground being flat at PISC? Why even concern yourself, you are going to run it anyway. Why get yourself psyched out over that.

[lima33doc]

Are you getting commision on this DVD? LOL! Honestly, it is a good one from what I hear. As for the ground being flat at PISC? Why even concern yourself, you are going to run it anyway. Why get yourself psyched out over that. One might think so huh???lol. Actually it is probably one of the best and most Moto fitness DVD's I have seen. Anyway, as far as the ground, that is the LAST thing you should be worried about...you will be running on almost any terrain and weather condition you can think of at some point or another. I have run on pavement, grass, sand, hills, mountains, rain, snow, sleet, lava dogs, and probably several others I am missing.

[Marine_wannabe]

I can't run with out running out of breath nowhere near 1/8 of a mile, 200ft I'm a little out of breath, it's discouraging that I can't run with out running out of breath, and that I'm not losing anymore weight or dropping my clothes size, not to mention I'm still depressed from my parents not supporting me, and being depressed I'm don't seem to want to run or get in shape like I want or need to. What is the cheapest I can get Semper Fit?

[lima33doc]

About the cheapest I have found it is 17-20. As far as the running, the best way for you to look at it is go by small victories. That means if you can do 1 more push up, or another 1/8 mile, or 1 more crunch, then you have progressed, and it is something to celebrate

[Marine_wannabe]

I'll start by running up and down my driveway (110ft) as many times as I can, I'll try the small victories thing.

[lima33doc]

I'll start by running up and down my driveway (110ft) as many times as I can, I'll try the small victories thing. A good way to build up your endurance is to do sprints. Sprint as fast as you can for as long as you can. Then do wind sprints...jog for a short time, then sprint, then go back to jogging, but do not walk...Start with the sprints in your driveway

[gunga55]

work on your breathing while running breath in 2 steps breath out 2 steps or something like that depending on your speed. Work on sprints one day and work on distance the next. When you are going on distance don't worry about the speed so much take it easy and set goals don't get discouraged. You can use telephone poles as guides and even if you hit 1 more pole each time you run you are increasing your distance. keep plugging away and you will get there

[Marine_wannabe]

Should I concentrate on losing weight, endurance, and running first then work out after I get the weight down?

[lima33doc]

Should I concentrate on losing weight, endurance, and running first then work out after I get the weight down?The weight will come off as you progress with your work out. If you feel overwhelmed with doing it all at once, then by all means, concentrate on one versus the other. You have time.

[Trapper]

Matt, remember to drink a lot of water, not gatorade. Although it supposedly helps put electrolytes back into your body, it also has enough suger in it to rot your teeth out. Regular water with no junk. What is it, 64 oz a day or something like that. You can have an occasional pop or something like that, just not a lot. Caffiene is a baddie, although we all seem to need it nowadays. It can cause you to have pains in your joints, etc. Lockjaw is one... So drink drink drink water, before during ad after your workouts. You will see weight loss in no time. Good call on the small victories as well. Today, you do 5 pullups. Next week you can do 8. Whatever. Look at it that way, last week I could only do 5...

[lima33doc]

Yeah, dehydration is bad. I do not want to have to fly out there to put an IV in...lol. Seriously though, keep up with your hydration. As CJ said, Gatorade is not a good idea. Stick to water. If it is a flavor issue, add lemon juice to it. Do not worry about drinking too much water, it is worse if you drink too little.

[Marine_wannabe]

I only drink water now, any thing and every thing else makes me sick.

[Marine_wannabe]

I can only get to 5 light poles then I can't go no further, should I keep running that far until I can go further?

[gunga55]

yes try running 5 poles walking 5 poles

[jake_lymn]

I have the same problem as you, getting fit for boot, I eat healthily and such, I also walk my dogs twice a day, go for a ride once, chop wood, lift some weights and do crunches, and on top of that I'm in cadets, and I play soccer, football and do archery. So all I can say is keep at it man! I still can't do push-ups or anything but I've at least managed to start on pull-ups. One thing that helps me and it has been said before is, set the small achievements/ goals, it does make you feel better. Also, find something physically that interests you, I mean we don't use the fire any more but I go out and chop wood for the hell of it, and if you have friends that live in your neighborhood get a game of street football or something happening, it's great fun and keeps you motivated. As well as that I bought one of the X-TRA Salty R. Lee Ermey Moto Figures, it's motivating and good for a laugh.
Hope that made sense or helped in some way;)
Semper Fi!
-Jake

[Marine_wannabe]

I play sometimes play paint ball, I have enough wood to last me to the end of the summer. I'll keep at it though and I will not quit!

[Marine_wannabe]

Ok, I lost enough weight for a friend to notice, and my clothes are baggy now and I need to punch more holes in my belt, I'm still trying to get the weight down to my ideal weight (214 or less), thanks for the help, I can always count on y'all.

[Trapper]

Ok, I lost enough weight for a friend to notice, and my clothes are baggy now and I need to punch more holes in my belt, I'm still trying to get the weight down to my ideal weight (214 or less), thanks for the help, I can always count on y'all.
Yes, Matt you can. Listen to the other people your age, they will help. Great job losing some weight. Keep it up. Losing the weight will also make running easier. Less weight to move is definately easier. How is your distance coming?

[Marine_wannabe]

It's about the same, I should be able to run faster when I way less right?

[nightwolf]

Yes but you should be able to run faster as you get used to your running distance. Mainly because the more you run, the better your Cardiovascular System gets as it is receiving a work-out and the muscles -including your heart- are strengthened.
Nonetheless the amount of weight you have is also key to how well you run.

[gunga55]

keep in mind though Rome wasn't built in a day and likened so it will take some time and hard work.

[lima33doc]

keep in mind though Rome wasn't built in a day and likened so it will take some time and hard work. it was too...haven't you ever played Civilization???lmao

[gunga55]

I, II, III, IV Although in IV I never played the Romans just Americans for the most part. It is a great game but some how my CD got screwed up and I can't play any more. Even tried to Iso Buster it and didn't work. I guess I need to pick up another copy.

[nightwolf]

You should download Bit Torrent Gunga and then download it off of Pirate Bay

[gunga55]

I have attempted that and I think thats what in the end screwed up my copy.

[fx4tanner]

run then run some more...drink water then run again

[gunga55]

then do stomach exercises when you get done running

[Marine_wannabe]

Will do guys, thanks.

[semperfi_firefighter]

please dont lose the weight to fast and remember muscle weighs more than fat so it is a fine line on how u do it in weight loss

[Combotcha]

i wonder how he is doing! I myself am in the same boat. Not quite as severe though. I am training for OCS... I am scared... Lol.

[Soltex]

remmber quitters dont win and winners will never quit so hang in there

[Guide Plt.2129]

i wonder how he is doing! I myself am in the same boat. Not quite as severe though. I am training for OCS... I am scared... Lol.
That is a good place to start your journey. Scared is a tangiable place, the weather sucks and theres never enough stuff to eat for a growing lad. Right Gunga?
Always remember were looking over your shoulder. Not as a critic, but as someone who has been there. You may not see us, but we are always there.
There may come a time you think you aint gonna take another step, as we did, but look around you here at the 'Hangout, we made it, and so will you. Nothing is gonna prepare you for those 76-T days. Along the way you may encounter a place called Lonely. I mena you standing amidst 60 to 90 recruits and you feel alone. Your not, and if you look around you may find one of us left our initals some where, in brass or stone, maybe a cryptic 4 letter message that reads USMC. Move on recruit, theres better places to be and much more important things to do. But we all stopped and visited, so you have little to fear.
Now for a profound statement from a Guide. Your Platoon Guide, he much more owns you than your older Brother.
I'm giving you this.
Here is something to carry with you for a lifetime: As you seek the enemy, always look up. Nobody looks up. But thats not your worst enemy. Some one with a weapon will only kill or maim you. Then your done. Your worst enemy, the one who is always tell you to quit, dont thats gonna hurt, are you nuts?, that enemy is you. When you can master yourself, the battle is half won.Know your enemy.

If I am wrong, PLEASE tell me.

I take this on good authority. Some part or another. (A Lt.Colenal gave me a copper star for something the other day, and hell yeah, I'm proud!!! Hey Gunga!!!! Good to talk with again, and thanks for the star ;) . Doesn't really apply to anything, I'm just braggin !!!:p!!!)


And I wonder also..............and now I'll wonder about you.

Semper Fi my little brother,
Do yourself proud, we are just along for the ride

Rusty :rankm-lcpl:

[biggieT]

Just curious where the weight is now, Wannabe? Update? Still at it?
Remember That the most important thing to success is support. All the guys on here are great, but I have always struggled with weight and when I was in I had several guys that would go runnin' extra Pt w/ me and I had good buddies that would say BIG T put that S*^T DOWN!!! on my too manieth piece of pizza

[Texas_Militia]

start a high fiber diet, fiber is much more difficult to break down in the body than other foods due to their complex structure, this is good because it causes more work for your body to process thus more energy burned and energy = weight loss. it also helps suck crud out of your body in the intestines.

also drink lots of water, cut out all sodas/tea/coffee and replace with water. if you feel hungry drink a glass of water and wait 10 minutes, if you still feel hungry eat. the body commonly mistakes the need for nutrients for the need of water, thus you may feel "hungry" but your body really wants water.

theres tons of other info out there but these are two good ones.

weight loss pills/diet pills/drinks are scams and a joke. there just steal your money. water is the best weight loss drink there is.

[Marine_wannabe]

I'm 279, I'm still sticking with it, drinking nothing but water, eating right, eating salads when the family goes out to eat, I'm so motivated.

[gunga55]

watch starving your self your body starts to go into starvation mode and you will burn very few calories which in turn means zero weight loss

[Pyro114]

Do you have a MP3-player? Since I put a dozen of cadences on mine I can run twice the distance I used to run.

Also about running out of breath, I used to have that too. It helps to stretch the muscles on your chest every now and then so you can breath more easily.

[Marine_wannabe]

A little update, I ran 1.5 miles and walked 1.5 more miles, I did 10 push-ups, and 10 crunches, I plan to do more, but I was short on time today,

[gunga55]

well your moving in the right direction keep on working on it.

[proudmom957]

A little update, I ran 1.5 miles and walked 1.5 more miles, I did 10 push-ups, and 10 crunches, I plan to do more, but I was short on time today,

Very good. Just try to push yourself a little harder each day. You might want to try carrying something heavy while running (in place of a day pack - put a bookbag on your back with some books in it). I know that is one regret my son has is that he did not work out more before he went in. You will be in good shape if you keep doing what you are doing. Also dont let crappy weather stop you from working out because it surely doesnt stop them in training!

[Marine_wannabe]

So I should do pt in the rain?

[proudmom957]

Absolutely. If you go to Camp Legeune you will pt and spend time (days) in the field in the rain and freezing cold! One of the benefits of Pendleton is that it is always warm but not in NC!

[gunga55]

Oh it still gets cold in SD but not quite as often. I did see snow once when I was out in CA

[proudmom957]

Oh it still gets cold in SD but not quite as often. I did see snow once when I was out in CA


Hmmm....I did not know that. I thought SD was was like always sunny and 80.

[gunga55]

December, January, and Feb are relatively cold. It is the desert and it does get cold at night

[Perry315]

well my name is perry, and i'm in kind of a different boat to say, because i leave for boot camp Sept. 14. And i weigh about 130-135lbs, i'm within the weight requirements for my height, but i was wondering if you guys had any advice as to gain some weight. Currently I run 2.4 miles/day, lift some, and do about 50 crunches a day. If you guys have any advice, it would be greatly appreciated, thanks

[Marine_wannabe]

If I where you, I would try to gain more muscle instead of fat.

[rkdian]

well my name is perry, and i'm in kind of a different boat to say, because i leave for boot camp Sept. 14. And i weigh about 130-135lbs, i'm within the weight requirements for my height, but i was wondering if you guys had any advice as to gain some weight. Currently I run 2.4 miles/day, lift some, and do about 50 crunches a day. If you guys have any advice, it would be greatly appreciated, thanks

Perry, I'm just a wee, small thing myself, 5'2" and 103# soaking wet. Most of my life I have tried to gain a little weight. I have only found one solution in 40+ years......


GET PREGNANT!!! :schilder017: